What is the best year for a Chevrolet Trax?

The redesigned Trax only has data from 2024 onward, so there isn't enough history to make a definitive call. What the data shows: 2025 improved meaningfully on the 2024 launch year — complaints dropped from 151 to 73, a typical pattern as first-year production issues get resolved. More model years are needed before a strong year-specific recommendation is possible.

How much does Chevrolet Trax insurance cost?

The Trax averages around $2,013/year to insure, or about $168/month. As an entry-level subcompact with solid safety scores, it tends to quote favorably compared to larger vehicles. Rates will vary by trim, location, and driver profile.

Is the Chevrolet Trax or [competitor] cheaper to maintain?

No gas-model competitor with maintenance cost data maps directly to the Trax. Within the subcompact class, the Trax's $488/year is above the HR-V ($301) and near the Crosstrek ($492) — though the $4 difference with the Crosstrek is negligible. Its 12% major repair probability is the more meaningful differentiator compared to those two.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Chevrolet Trax?

Worth considering for 2024 used buyers. The Trax's 12% major repair probability is above the subcompact class average of 9%, and a first-year model purchased outside factory warranty coverage carries real early-issue risk — the 2024's 151 complaints reflect that. For 2025 and newer models still under factory warranty, there's less urgency.

Is the Subaru Outback expensive to maintain?

The Outback costs $607/year to maintain — $86 above the compact segment average of $521. Repair frequency of 37% is above the class average of 30%. Reliability score of 7 is below the class average of 8. Major repair probability of 12% is slightly above the 11% norm. Above-average cost and repair profile across all metrics.

What is the best year for a Subaru Outback?

The 2023 Outback is the strongest used pick — 84 complaints, 10/10 NHTSA safety score, 9 severe issues. Strongly avoid 2018-2020, which generated 799, 1,025, and 889 complaints respectively, driven by widespread oil consumption and EyeSight system issues. The 2021-2022 range remained elevated. 2023 marks the clear turning point.

How much does Subaru Outback insurance cost?

Outback insurance averages about $1,964/year — roughly $164/month. One of the lower insurance rates in the compact class despite above-average maintenance costs.

Is the Subaru Outback or Honda Passport cheaper to maintain?

The Honda Passport is $86/year cheaper — $521 versus $607 for the Outback. The Passport also has a higher reliability score (8 vs. 7) and lower repair frequency (28% vs. 37%). The Outback's differentiators are its standard AWD and wagon body style, which are meaningful depending on use case.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Subaru Outback?

The 2018-2020 generation's documented complaint history makes extended warranty strongly recommended for those model years. Major repair probability of 12% and repair frequency of 37% are both above compact class averages. For 2023 and newer, the profile improves considerably — but the Outback's overall cost premium makes a repair fund or warranty worth planning for.

Chevrolet Trax vs Subaru Outback

Two subcompact SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Chevrolet Trax — lower 5-year cost and better reliability.

Buy the Subaru Outback if its specific features or size suit your needs better.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Chevrolet Trax	Subaru Outback
Annual maintenance	$488winner	$607
5-year total cost	$2,440winner	$3,035
Reliability score	8 / 10winner	7 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	12%	12%
Cargo space	54.1 cu ft	—
Starting price (new)	$23,000winner	$34,995
Best years to buy	2026	—

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Chevrolet Trax	Subaru Outback
RepairPal score	8 / 10winner	7 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	51.9winner	287.6
Years to avoid	2024, 2025	2018, 2019, 2020
Value retained · 3 yr	78.8%	79.2%winner
Value retained · 5 yr	56.6%	61.4%winner
Value retained · 7 yr	44.6%	48.8%winner

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Chevrolet Trax	Subaru Outback
Engine	23.8%	8.1%winner
Electrical	25.8%	18.7%winner
ADAS	12.5%	7.0%winner
Brakes	3.8%winner	4.0%
Steering	—winner	3.6%
Fuel system	2.9%	1.3%winner
Tires/Wheels	0.8%winner	1.0%
Glass/Windows	6.3%winner	26.3%
Airbags	3.3%winner	5.4%
Lighting	3.8%	3.3%winner
Seatbelt	1.7%	—winner

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Chevrolet Trax	Subaru Outback
Avg annual premium	$2,013	$1,964winner

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Chevrolet Trax

$488/yr maint · 8 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Subaru Outback

$607/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

The Trax costs $488/year to maintain — $22 above the subcompact segment average of $466. Its major repair probability of 12% runs above the class average of 9%, meaning there's a somewhat higher chance of an unscheduled repair in any given year. Repair frequency of 18% is close to the segment average of 20%. It's a near-average ownership cost with slightly elevated repair risk.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →