Jul 16, 2026
A group of friends walking towards a Chevrolet Trax parked on a city street.

Commuters need a vehicle that delivers without draining their bank account. Enter the Chevy Trax, the best SUV for college students, stretching every dollar further without skimping on style, technology, or comfort. Explore what makes this compact SUV ideal for the college lifestyle and get excited about your upcoming test drive at All Star Chevrolet North.  

Key Points 

  • The 2026 Chevy Trax starts at an MSRP of $21,700, making it an affordable, attainable option for students. 
  • Its 1.2-liter turbocharged engine delivers 137 horsepower along with strong fuel economy, stretching gas money further between classes and commutes. 
  • The infotainment system includes an 11-inch touchscreen and available wireless charging to keep students connected on the go. 
  • Safety features like Front Pedestrian Braking, Teen Driver, and available Adaptive Cruise Control help students navigate campus traffic and long highway drives with added peace of mind. 

Price 

The starting MSRP is $21,700, so you can consider it the best affordable SUV in 2026. The lower starting price point makes it more attainable for students just starting to build credit or working with limited savings. You can get reliable transportation for college without sacrificing the features and safety that matter most. 

Fuel Efficiency 

For a college student logging miles between classes, internships, and home visits, reliability matters just as much as comfort or tech. Under the hood, a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine produces 137 horsepower, delivering a smooth drive as you navigate campus traffic or merge onto the highway. 

That same efficient engine setup also translates into real savings at the pump. Strong fuel efficiency means fewer stops for gas between classes and commutes, stretching every tank further and leaving more room in the budget for textbooks and weekend plans with your friends. Here’s how the fuel economy measures up: 

  • 28 mpg city; 32 mpg highway; 30 mpg combined 

Infotainment Features 

The infotainment system in the Chevy Trax is designed to keep up with your busy lifestyle, whether you’re headed to class, running errands, or driving home for the weekend. Built-in wireless smartphone connectivity makes it simple to pull up directions, queue a playlist for the drive to campus, or send a quick text hands-free, all without fumbling for a charging cable first. A stable internet connection can turn a parked car into a quiet study spot between classes. Here’s a list of infotainment features to take advantage of when you’re driving the Chevy SUV: 

  • Six-speaker audio system 
  • USB ports 
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ 
  • 11-inch diagonal color touchscreen 
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot capable 
  • Available wireless charging 

Safety Features 

Advanced safety features make all the difference as you commute to school in your compact SUV. Front Pedestrian Braking helps detect people stepping into the road near crosswalks and busy parking lots on campus. The Teen Driver feature gives parents added peace of mind by allowing them to track driving habits through a built-in report card, making it easier to build safe habits behind the wheel. For those longer drives back to campus or home for the weekend, available Adaptive Cruise Control automatically adjusts speed to maintain a safe following distance in highway traffic, taking some of the stress out of long stretches of driving. Other safety features include: 

  • HD rear vision camera 
  • Forward Collision Alert 
  • Following Distance Indicator 
  • Available Rear Park Assist 
  • Available Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert 

Test Drive the New Chevy Trax 

Is the Chevy Trax a good car for commuting? Find out for yourself when you see the SUV in person at our Chevy dealership in Baton Rouge. Be sure to check out our new specials to make the most value for your money and leave more room in your budget to prepare for the college experience. We look forward to serving you today!