Chevrolet is preparing to remove the cheapest version of its Trax compact crossover for 2027, potentially making it more expensive for buyers seeking an affordable new vehicle. The decision comes as the American carmaker updates the model’s exterior styling, dashboard and technology.
The outgoing 2026 Trax LS starts at $23,495, including destination freight charges. If Chevrolet retains the current price of the next trim, the LT, the entry price could rise to $24,995. That would represent an increase of $1,500, or about 6.4%, although the company has yet to confirm official 2027 prices.
The move raises questions about how automakers can balance new features with the need to keep vehicles affordable. For first-time buyers and households managing tight budgets, losing the cheapest trim could mean higher monthly payments or fewer options when shopping for a new car.
Three versions planned for 2027
According to automotive publication The Autopian, Chevrolet is dropping both the Trax LS and the 1RS trims as part of the model’s 2027 update. The revised range will contain three trim levels, reducing the number of configurations available to customers.
The changes are part of a mid-cycle refresh rather than a complete redesign. The current generation is approximately three years old, making the update an opportunity for Chevrolet to modernise the crossover while retaining its existing foundations.
The redesigned exterior features revised rear styling, including taillights connected visually by a dark trim section across the tailgate. Chevrolet is also introducing a new orange paint option and updating the front grille to give the vehicle a more mature appearance.
The Activ, positioned at the top of the range, is expected to receive greater visual emphasis through brighter trim details. An available power-operated tailgate is another feature intended to give the crossover a more premium feel.
Bigger screens and updated cabin
Inside, Chevrolet is revising the dashboard layout and introducing a larger infotainment screen. The digital instrument display remains exposed, while the upper dashboard receives a redesigned appearance.
The climate controls are also being reorganised into wider horizontal rows of physical buttons. This layout could make frequently used functions easier to locate without relying entirely on touchscreen menus.
These improvements may help the Trax feel more modern and competitive in the compact crossover market. However, the removal of the LS means buyers could have to pay more to access the updated model, even if they do not need its additional equipment.
What buyers could lose
The 2026 Trax LS offered an entry point into new-car ownership at $23,495, including freight. Its standard equipment included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, giving drivers access to smartphone connectivity without necessarily paying for a higher trim.
The model also uses a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine producing 137 horsepower and 162lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered through a conventional automatic transmission, providing a familiar alternative to vehicles equipped with continuously variable or dual-clutch transmissions.
The Trax has also attracted considerable demand in the United States. The Autopian reported that sales of the pre-refresh model rose by 16.27% in the third quarter of 2026, reaching 57,917 units.
That performance suggests the crossover remains an important part of Chevrolet’s vehicle range. Removing its cheapest version could nevertheless make it harder for price-sensitive customers to access the model.
Affordability concerns grow
The decision highlights a wider challenge for carmakers: new technology and updated designs can improve vehicles, but buyers must ultimately be able to afford them.
Removing an entry-level trim can simplify production and reduce the number of configurations a manufacturer must manage. It can also encourage customers to choose better-equipped versions, potentially increasing the average selling price.
However, the consequences for buyers depend on the final pricing structure. If Chevrolet keeps the LT close to its current $24,995 starting price, the increase may be limited to the cost difference between the two trims. A further price rise would place additional pressure on customers already facing higher vehicle ownership costs.
The term trimflation is increasingly relevant to this debate. It describes a situation in which manufacturers discontinue cheaper versions of a vehicle, leaving customers with a higher-priced entry point even when the model itself remains fundamentally similar.
Chevrolet has not yet confirmed official 2027 Trax pricing. Buyers will need to wait for the final figures to understand the full financial impact of the changes.
For customers considering a new compact crossover, the key question is whether the refreshed Trax’s improved styling and cabin technology will justify the higher potential entry price.
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