$9,995—that was once the starting price of the Chevrolet Spark. Unfortunately, that car has since been discontinued, and all signs suggest that it would clearly not be as affordable today even if it were still in production.
In 2025, the average price of a new vehicle is approaching $63,000, largely because most small cars have disappeared from the market. Several manufacturers have also eliminated the more affordable trims from their lineups, leaving us with vehicles that are very well equipped, but certainly expensive. Fortunately, there are still some vehicles within reach of most budgets this year, and Chevrolet is a good example of that.
A Surprisingly Affordable SUV
The Chevrolet Trax now holds the title of the most affordable model in the American manufacturer’s lineup, with a starting price of $27,825, making it one of the most affordable SUVs on the market. In fact, the Trax is even less expensive than many cars, which is precisely what makes it so appealing.
For $27,825, you get a small 1.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque—more than enough for a vehicle of this size. Power is sent to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. This is also one of the reasons behind its aggressive pricing, and I sincerely believe it’s a good thing. All-wheel drive is far from a necessity here.
Well-Equipped from the Start
Standard equipment on the Chevrolet Trax is quite comprehensive. It comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels, and even the base model has access to more vibrant exterior colors—something that is usually reserved for higher trim levels.
Inside, the Trax features a straightforward dashboard with a 3.5-inch driver display and an 8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system.
A Safe Bet
The list of features is long, but overall, what really matters is that the Trax never feels like a bare-bones base model—quite the opposite. The Chevrolet Trax offers one of the best value-for-money propositions in its segment. That’s why I strongly recommend it, especially if you’re working with a tighter budget.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
