Parking Bans in Montreal: How the 2026 Chevy Trax Fits Tight Street Spots

Montreal drivers know the drill: snow removal operations mean scrambling for legal parking spots on narrow residential streets. During winter parking bans, every centimetre counts when trying to tuck your vehicle into a tight space between snowbanks and parked cars. The 2026 Chevrolet Trax brings compact dimensions that make these situations less stressful for drivers in Plateau-Mont-Royal, Rosemont, or any Montreal neighbourhood with street parking as the only option.

With an overall length of 4,536 millimetres and width of 1,824 millimetres (without mirrors), the Trax occupies roughly the same footprint as a mid-size sedan but delivers the cargo capacity and elevated driving position of a crossover. For Montreal residents who need to navigate tight parking situations during snow removal season, these dimensions translate to real-world advantages.

Compact Footprint for Crowded Streets

The 2026 Trax measures 4,536 millimetres long—shorter than most mid-size sedans and significantly more manoeuvrable than larger crossovers. This compact length helps when parallel parking on a street where snow removal has reduced available space by a third. The 2,692-millimetre wheelbase provides stability without adding unnecessary length that would make tight manoeuvres more difficult.

Width is equally important during parking bans. At 1,824 millimetres without mirrors, the Trax fits comfortably in standard parking spaces while leaving enough room to open doors without hitting snowbanks. Ground clearance sits at 185 millimetres across all trims, providing enough height to clear snow ridges left by plows without requiring the turning radius of a full-size SUV.

Manoeuvrability Where It Matters

Electric power steering makes the Trax responsive in tight spaces—essential when trying to squeeze into a spot on Rue Saint-Denis or navigate the narrow streets of Verdun during a parking ban. The front-wheel-drive layout keeps the turning radius tight, and the MacPherson strut front suspension provides predictable handling when making quick parking adjustments.

All four trims—1RS, LT, 2RS, and ACTIV—share the same exterior dimensions, so you get consistent manoeuvrability regardless of which model you choose. The main differences between trims show up in wheel sizes (17-inch on LT, 18-inch on 1RS and ACTIV, 19-inch on 2RS), but these variations don't significantly impact the vehicle's ability to fit into tight spaces.

Practical Interior Space

Despite its compact exterior, the Trax seats five adults with 1,064 millimetres of front legroom and 983 millimetres in the rear. Cargo capacity reaches 725 litres with the rear seats up—enough for grocery runs or hauling winter gear—and expands to 1,532 litres when you fold the 60/40 split-folding rear seats. This combination of compact exterior dimensions and practical interior space makes the Trax useful for Montreal drivers who need versatility without the bulk of a larger crossover.

Front shoulder room measures 1,415 millimetres, while rear passengers get 1,379 millimetres. These measurements mean four adults can ride comfortably even when the vehicle is parked on a narrow street with limited door-opening clearance. Heated front seats come standard across all trims—a practical feature when parking outside during Montreal winters.

Technology That Helps in Tight Spots

Standard safety features across all Trax trims include an HD rear vision camera and rear park assist, both useful when parallel parking on crowded streets during snow removal operations. Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert helps when navigating traffic on narrower streets with visibility reduced by snowbanks.

The 8-inch colour touchscreen on the 1RS trim or 11-inch HD touchscreen on LT, 2RS, and ACTIV trims provide clear display of the rear camera feed. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, letting you check parking ban schedules or navigate to alternative parking without fumbling with cables.

Trim Comparison

Powertrain and Efficiency

All Trax trims use the same ECOTEC 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard across the lineup. Fuel economy sits at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres city and 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres highway, making the Trax efficient for Montreal's mix of urban driving and highway commutes.

The automatic stop/start system helps reduce fuel consumption during the frequent stops typical of city driving. Electric power steering contributes to efficiency while maintaining responsive handling—useful when making multiple parking attempts on a crowded street during a snow removal operation.

Experience the 2026 Trax at Le Relais Chevrolet

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax brings compact dimensions and practical features designed for urban driving. From tight parallel parking during Montreal parking bans to navigating narrow neighbourhood streets, the Trax delivers manoeuvrability without sacrificing interior space or cargo capacity. Visit Le Relais Chevrolet in Montreal to see how the Trax fits your driving needs.