The first generation model was released globally in 2013 as the smallest, entry-level crossover SUV offering from the brand.

During 2013 and early 2014, the Trax was only sold in Canada, Mexico, Germany, South Korea, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, and Europe.

[8] The vehicle started shipping on April 2, 2013; however, pre-sales began as early as the fourth quarter of 2012 for both Mexico (1.8 L) and Canada (1.4 L turbo).

[14] The U.S.-market Trax was largely unchanged from the global version, but had some U.S.-specific features including OnStar with AT&T 4G LTE and SiriusXM satellite radio.

Chevrolet performed a mid-cycle update on the Trax for the 2017 model year, first unveiled at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show on February 12, 2016.

It was joined by a slightly larger model, the Trailblazer (no relation to the previous North American or international mid-sized SUVs of the same name).

[18] For the 2021 model year, the base L and high end Premier levels were removed from the offering trims, leaving the bottom-tier LS and now top-tier LT.[19] In Australia and other Oceania markets, the Chevrolet Trax was offered under the Holden brand until that brand was discontinued in 2020.

It was similar in size to the Trax, but built on a new platform (GEM) for emerging markets and not intended for North America.

General Motors discontinued the first-generation Trax, as well as the related Buick Encore, following the 2022 model year in North America.

[28][29][30] The North American second-generation Trax was unveiled in October 2022, with sales beginning in the second quarter of 2023 as a 2024 model.

[32] In North America, the second-generation Trax is offered in five trim levels: LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, and Activ.

All models are powered by a 1.2 L turbocharged, three-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 137 hp (102 kW; 139 PS) and 162 lb⋅ft (220 N⋅m; 22.4 kg⋅m).

[35] South Korean sales began in late March 2023 in RS, Activ, LT and LS trims.