Chevy Trax oil type and capacity by year
Every Chevy Trax holds 4.2 quarts of oil with the filter. The 2015–2021 Trax with the 1.4-liter turbo takes 5W-30 dexos1. The 2022 Trax and the 2025–2026 Trax take full synthetic 0W-20 dexos1. The 2024 Trax, the first year of the 1.2-liter turbo, takes full synthetic 5W-30. Match your year in the table below.
On this page (8 sections)
Trax oil type and capacity by year
Each row is one model year and engine. The capacity is Chevrolet’s figure for a change with a new filter. Pour in a little less, run the engine, wait a few minutes, and top up to the full mark.
| Year | Engine | Oil | Oil spec | Capacity | Oil change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1.2L turbo 3-cylinder (LIH) | 0W-2010 | dexos1, full synthetic | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year9 |
| 2026 | 1.2L turbo 3-cylinder (LBP) | 0W-2010 | dexos1, full synthetic | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year9 |
| 2025 | 1.2L turbo 3-cylinder (LIH) | 0W-2010 | dexos1, full synthetic | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year9 |
| 2025 | 1.2L turbo 3-cylinder (LBP) | 0W-2010 | dexos1, full synthetic | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year9 |
| 2024 | 1.2L turbo 3-cylinder (LIH) | 5W-309 | dexos1, full synthetic | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year9 |
| 2022 | 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder (LE2) | 0W-208 | dexos1, full synthetic | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year1 |
| 2021 | 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder (LUV) | 5W-301 | dexos1, full synthetic | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year1 |
| 2020 | 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder (LUV) | 5W-301 | dexos1, full synthetic | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year1 |
| 2019 | 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder (LUV) | 5W-301 | dexos1, full synthetic | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year1 |
| 2018 | 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder (LUV) | 5W-305 | dexos1 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year1 |
| 2017 | 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder (LUV) | 5W-305 | dexos1 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year1 |
| 2016 | 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder (LUV) | 5W-305 | dexos1 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year1 |
| 2015 | 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder (LUV) | 5W-305 | dexos1 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter | when CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON shows, within 600 miles; at least once a year1 |
1.4 turbo: 5W-30, then 0W-20
The first-generation Trax used two versions of the 1.4-liter turbo, and they take different oil:
- 2015–2021, engine code LUV: SAE 5W-30 that meets dexos1. The 2015–2018 manuals say “dexos1”; from 2019 they ask for full synthetic dexos1.
- 2022, engine code LE2: SAE 0W-20 full synthetic dexos1. Chevrolet introduced this direct-injection engine for 2022.
The 2021 manual already lists both engine codes, so a late 2021 Trax could have the LE2. The 8th character of the VIN is the engine code: B for the LUV, M for the LE2. Use the grade that matches the code.
1.2 turbo: two grades in two years
The 2024 Trax manual calls for SAE 5W-30. The 2025 and 2026 manuals call for SAE 0W-20 for the same engine (code LIH) and for the FlexFuel version (code LBP). All three years ask for full synthetic dexos1 oil, 4.2 quarts with the filter. If you own a 2024, use 5W-30 as its manual says; don’t switch because a newer manual lists 0W-20.
What dexos1 means
dexos1 is GM’s approval for gasoline-engine oil. Approved oils carry the dexos1 mark on the bottle. Your manual gives two things to match: the viscosity grade (5W-30 or 0W-20) and the approval.
Does the Trax need synthetic oil?
The 2019–2022 and 2024–2026 manuals ask for full synthetic dexos1 oil. The 2015–2018 manuals ask for dexos1 without saying full synthetic, but a synthetic 5W-30 with the dexos1 mark suits those years too.
How often to change the oil
The Trax uses the GM Oil Life System. When CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON appears, change the oil and filter within 600 miles. Change it at least once a year even if the message never appears. Reset the system to 100% afterwards: how to reset the oil light.
More on intervals in general: how often to change oil. The oil change due calculator works out the date and odometer for your next change. The full schedule: Trax maintenance schedule.
FAQ
What kind of oil does a Chevy Trax take?
5W-30 dexos1 on 2015–2021 and 2024 models, and full synthetic 0W-20 dexos1 on 2022 and 2025–2026 models, according to Chevrolet’s manuals.
How many quarts of oil does a Chevy Trax take?
4.2 quarts (4.0 liters) with the filter, for every Trax from 2015 to 2026.
Can I use 5W-30 in a 2025 Trax?
Use the 0W-20 that the 2025 manual names. Chevrolet changed the grade for 2025, and the manual for your model year is the one to follow.
How do I reset the oil life on a Trax?
On 2015–2022 models, show Remaining Oil Life on the driver information center and press SET/CLR. On 2024 and later models, reset it from the REMAINING OIL LIFE page. More: how to reset the oil light.
Milealot is an independent site, not affiliated with or endorsed by General Motors or Chevrolet. Chevrolet, Chevy, Trax, and dexos are trademarks of their owner and are used here only to name the vehicles and products.
Sources
- 2021 Chevrolet Trax Owner’s Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2015 Chevrolet Trax Owner Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2016 Chevrolet Trax Owner’s Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2017 Chevrolet Trax Owner’s Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2018 Chevrolet Trax Owner’s Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2019 Chevrolet Trax Owner’s Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2020 Chevrolet Trax Owner’s Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2022 Chevrolet Trax Owner’s Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2024 Chevrolet Trax Owner’s Manual (archived) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2025 Chevrolet Trax Owner’s Manual (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2026 Chevrolet Trax Owner’s Manual (archived) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2015 Chevrolet Trax specifications, Chevrolet Media (archived) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2016 Chevrolet Trax specifications, Chevrolet Media (archived) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2017 Chevrolet Trax specifications, Chevrolet Media (archived) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2022 Chevrolet Trax fact sheet, Chevrolet Media (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2024 Chevrolet Trax Delivers Beyond Expectations (Chevrolet Media, Oct 2022) (checked November 12, 2026)