Chevrolet has been a household name for many years, with a reputation for high quality and affordable cars. With a plethora of options available for drivers, from subcompacts to commercial trucks, Chevy has ranked highly amongst car buyers for generations. Noticeably absent, however, is the small SUV to compete with other manufactures like Nissan and Kia. Until now.

Meet the Chevrolet Trax; the new small body SUV. Loaded with features like mobile hotspot and 4G, the Trax is ready to measure up against the Kia Soul and the Nissan Juke. With sleek styling across the grill and headlights, this SUV is stylish enough to excite enthusiasts while providing a viable option for those in need of an SUV’s capabilities without the need for a full-size vehicle.

Standard in the Trax is a rearview camera, an impressive 10 airbags, and a turbocharged engine. Available features, such as all-wheel drive make this SUV just as attractive as its bigger family members with the easy-to-handle drive of a car. The available storage space and the higher point of view allow for all the conveniences of driving a much larger vehicle, while the streamlined design makes it easier to park and maneuver in smaller spaces.

The Trax comes equipped with a turbo-charged 1.4L ECOTEC engine, a powerhouse of an engine that maximizes efficient travel to save money at the gas pumps. Made to carry drivers through the winding and tricky roads of the mountainside to the cramped and crowded streets of the city, the Trax can do most of the same work the bigger guys can. Add in the impressive mileage, comparable to that of a car, and the Trax offers the best of both worlds.

All-wheel drive is also an option on the new SUV, offering added safety to a drive on snowy or rain soaked streets according to Indianapolis Chevrolet. Available for an additional $1500, drivers can select to add this feature to their new Trax. Equipped to switch off and on when needed, the AWD will shift into front wheel drive when the road being traveled doesn’t require the extra traction.

Another standard feature of the brand new Trax, is the MyLink system. This system allows for Siri Eyes Free, which allows hands free texting, music control, and calling for IPhone users. In addition, MyLink will save your favorite settings, such as Pandora stations, apps, shortcuts, and contacts on an easy-to-use 7” touchscreen. Perhaps the best feature of the MyLink system is the ability to use navigation from your smart phone rather than relying on standard in-dash systems.

Small SUV, yes. Lack of storage space, no. The Trax boasts massive storage space, even enough for a six foot ladder or that brand new tree for the garden! With a folding front passenger seat and a 60/40 folding backseat, this SUV offers the maximum amount of cargo space in its class. It also offers a dual level glove compartment, under floor storage, and cup holders galore.   Whether you’re hauling your friends to the coffee shop or preparing for a road trip; the Trax is ready.

Test drives of the new Trax are favorable; with reviewers saying that it never feels like it is working too hard. It’s weighing in with an admirable amount of pick up in comparison to its size, even when coupled with the AWD option that makes the vehicle heavier. With an engine that performs well and an impressive fuel range, what more can a driver ask for?

Compared to its competitors, there is nothing particularly eye-catching like the funky designs of both the Soul and the Juke, but Chevrolet seems less than concerned. Perhaps, the reputation for excellent cars and the added space are hopeful selling points for the automotive giant. For those who dislike the design of the previously mentioned brands, but enjoy the capacity of an SUV; the Trax is the perfect option.

With an expected arrival date in the first quarter of 2015, and a just over $20K price tag, the Trax is right up there with competing models. Also expected to debut with a choice of 10 different colors, this new offering in the small SUV class is easily customizable to any driver’s tastes and styles. The latest from Chevrolet promises to measure up to its bigger siblings and the competition without question.