Compare the Chevrolet Trax Against the Competition

Urban Sophistication Meets Smart Utility: The Chevy Trax in Competition

Comfortable and Refined-Without Feeling Oversized

Comfortable and refined, the Chevy Trax packs the essentials of a modern city SUV into a compact, maneuverable package. With a starting price of just $21,600, it offers surprising versatility-room for five passengers, a respectable ride height, and nimble handling for tight streets. But how does it fare when stacked against rivals like the Mazda CX-30, Volvo XC40, and Volkswagen Taos? At Harold Chevrolet near Angola, we've broken down the Trax's strengths in price, safety and tech, and design to show how it measures up in the competitive subcompact SUV class.

Chevy Trax vs. Mazda CX-30

Chevrolet Trax

Mazda CX-30

 Chevrolet TraxMazda CX-30
Drive TrainFront wheel driveAll wheel drive
Engine Power137 hp @ 5,000 rpm191 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Engine torque162 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission6-speed shiftable automatic6-speed shiftable automatic
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Combined)28 / 32 / 30 MPG26 / 33 / 29 MPG
Fuel Capacity13.2 gal.12.7 gal.

*Comparison source: Edmunds (https://www.edmunds.com/car-comparisons/).

The Mazda CX-30 is known for its premium feel and engaging drive, and indeed its responsive steering and turbocharged engine are delightfully fun-but there's a trade-off. The Trax brings a lower entry price and better fuel economy while still delivering a comfortable ride. CX-30's base model starts several thousand dollars higher, making the Trax an accessible alternative without losing the elevated seating and modern amenities. If you're balancing budget and refinement, the Trax offers more convenience per dollar.

Chevy Trax vs. Volvo XC40

Chevrolet Trax

Volvo XC40

 Chevrolet TraxVolvo XC40
Drive TrainFront wheel driveAll wheel drive
Engine Power137 hp @ 5,000 rpm247 hp @ 5,400 rpm
Engine torque162 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm258 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
Transmission6-speed shiftable automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Combined)28 / 32 / 30 MPG23 / 30 / 26 MPG
Fuel Capacity13.2 gal.14.2 gal.

*Comparison source: Edmunds (https://www.edmunds.com/car-comparisons/).

The Volvo XC40 is a luxury subcompact SUV with distinctive Scandinavian styling and a higher level of cabin polish. It's an impressive vehicle, but also significantly more expensive. At nearly double the Trax's base price, the XC40 appeals to buyers prioritizing premium touches. In contrast, the Chevy Trax gives urban commuters the essentials-compact dimensions, a fuel-efficient engine, and intuitive infotainment-at a price that welcomes more driveways without sacrificing capability in day-to-day use.

Chevy Trax vs. Volkswagen Taos

Chevrolet Trax

Volkswagen Taos

 Chevrolet TraxVolkswagen Taos
Drive TrainFront wheel driveFront wheel drive
Engine Power137 hp @ 5,000 rpm174 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Engine torque162 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm184 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm
Transmission6-speed shiftable automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Combined)28 / 32 / 30 MPG28 / 36 / 31 MPG
Fuel Capacity13.2 gal.13.2 gal.

*Comparison source: Edmunds (https://www.edmunds.com/car-comparisons/).

The Volkswagen Taos strikes a balance between compact SUVs and practical cargo space. It offers generous rear-seat legroom and a quieter cabin-a clear advantage on long drives around Bryan, OH. Still, the Trax counters with better city mpg and a lower starting price. For value-driven drivers who want a comfortable, agile vehicle that doesn't break the bank, the Trax makes a compelling case. You give up a bit of refinement, but keep performance and interior versatility in a lighter, cheaper package.

Price

At $21,600 MSRP, the Chevy Trax is one of the most budget-friendly new SUVs you'll find. Its competitors start significantly higher: the Mazda CX-30 often begins near $24,000; the VW Taos starts around $24,500; and the Volvo XC40 pushes past the $35,000 mark. The Trax's pricing makes it particularly attractive to first-time buyers, young families, or anyone prioritizing value. And despite its lower base cost, the Trax still offers essentials like a touchscreen infotainment system and confidence-inspiring safety aids.

Safety and Technology

Safety-and smart convenience-are priorities for modern SUVs, and the Trax delivers. Standard features include forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist, and IntelliBeam auto headlights. Optional upgrades add rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and rear park assist. Its infotainment suite features a responsive seven-inch touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included even on base models.

By contrast, Mazda's CX-30 also offers strong safety tech and feels more upscale inside, though many advanced features require stepping up trims. The Taos includes comparable driver-assist functionality but may hold back on wireless smartphone integration in base form. The XC40, of course, brings cutting-edge safety like City Safety pedestrian and cyclist detection-but again, its higher price point makes those features costlier. With the Trax, you get solid standard systems and intuitive tech at a price that doesn't require trimming your budget.

Design

The Trax's compact dimensions-just under 170 inches long-make it easy to park and navigate even the tightest urban streets. Its elevated ride height offers better visibility, while its exterior styling-tight proportions, pronounced wheel arches, and a confident stance-looks modern and practical. Inside, the Trax offers straightforward ergonomics: easy-to-reach controls, clear instrumentation, and flexible cargo space with 48 cubic feet available when rear seats are folded.

The CX-30 feels more luxurious inside, with soft-touch materials and a focused driver's cockpit, but its compact cargo area doesn't offer the same flexibility. The Taos provides longer wheelbase and more rear-seat space, though its interior styling is more conservative. The XC40 brings the most refined design of the group, but its exterior is longer and less maneuverable for daily urban use. For drivers near Montpelier, OH, seeking agile and approachable design without extravagance, the Trax strikes a smart balance.

Learn More at Harold Chevrolet

If you're looking for a compact SUV that blends comfort, refinement, and affordability without compromise, the Chevy Trax warrants a closer look. Visit Harold Chevrolet serving Eden, OH, to explore the Trax in person, take a test drive, and see how the features, pricing, and practicality come together in a well-balanced package. Our team is ready to help you find the vehicle that works best for your lifestyle-efficient, smart, and budget-friendly.

1Harold Discount applied to everyone.

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  1. HAROLD CHEVROLET, INC.

    824 N WAYNE ST
    ANGOLA, IN 46703

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