Against 32 other 3-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the Trax sits right on their 30 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2015, the 1.2L 3-cyl (2024–2026), does 30 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.4L 4-cyl (2015–2022), 28.1: $87 a year apart.
Every Chevrolet Trax engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2L 3-cyl | 28 / 32 | 2024–2026 | $1,280 | |
| 1.4L 4-cyl | 25.5 / 32.4 | 2015–2022 | $1,367 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota RAV4 gets 37.5 mpg, the Jeep Wrangler 18.8 mpg and the Honda CR-V 35 mpg, next to 30 mpg for the 2026 Trax.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.107 |
| Fuel per year | $1,280 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,400 |
| Against other 3-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | about the same |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,173 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax gives up 4 mpg in town: 32 on the highway against 28 in the city, $171 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 28 mpg | $1,371 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 32 mpg | $1,200 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +4 mpg (14%) | Narrow — equally happy either way |
How the Trax changed over the years
The Trax peaked in 2026 at 30 mpg (28 city, 32 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2022 at 27 — 3 mpg apart, or $142 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 / 32 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2025 | 28 / 32 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2024 | 28 / 32 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2022 | 24 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2021 | 26 / 31 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2020 | 26 / 31 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2019 | 26 / 31 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2018 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2017 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2016 | 26 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2015 | 26 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 11 EPA ratings of the Chevrolet Trax — 2 engines across 2015–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,173. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Chevrolet Trax get?
30 mpg combined, 28 city and 32 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2015 the Trax has averaged 28.6 mpg.
Is the 2026 Trax more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 30 against 30 mpg combined.
Which Trax year has the best gas mileage?
The 2026, at 30 mpg combined (28 city, 32 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Trax get better gas mileage than the Toyota RAV4?
No: 30 mpg for the 2026 Trax against 37.5 for the 2026 Toyota RAV4, about $256 a year more to run.
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