Chevrolet Equinox vs Chevrolet Trax

CarGurus experts rate the look and feel of the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox as a 6 out of 10 and the 2024 Chevrolet Trax as a 9 out of 10, indicating a clear preference for the newer model's aesthetic and design approach. The 2023 Equinox presents an attractive option in the crossover market, albeit with a more conservative design that doesn't necessarily stand out from competitors like the Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4, or Honda CR-V. Its restrained bodywork, highlighted by a chunky front end and varying appeal of the gold Bowtie emblem depending on paint color, positions it as a less aggressive, yet elegant choice. The introduction of new colors and trim levels, alongside a spacious interior with premium touches in higher trims, such as two-tone leather upholstery and a variety of standard comfort features, ensures the Equinox retains practical appeal. However, its dated interior design, limited by a small touchscreen and abundant plastic components, reflects a pragmatic, rather than luxurious, user experience. Conversely, the 2024 Trax undergoes a dramatic transformation that distances it significantly from its predecessor, embracing a "longer, lower, wider" philosophy that injects much-needed vitality into its design. It borrows stylistic cues from the Chevy Blazer, achieving a more aggressive stance and a unique appearance that distinguishes it from competitors like the Hyundai Venue and Nissan Kicks. The Trax's interior also sees substantial upgrades, offering higher trim levels with Evotex upholstery and more dynamic styling, though certain choices like the piano-black plastic may detract from its appeal. The emphasis on a more car-like driving experience and the introduction of new technology features, including larger touchscreens and digital instrument clusters, position the Trax as a forward-thinking option within the subcompact crossover segment.

Performance evaluations from CarGurus reveal a notable disparity between the two models, with the 2023 Equinox scoring a 6 out of 10 and the 2024 Trax earning an 8 out of 10. The Equinox's 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, despite a slight increase in horsepower, struggles to deliver a compelling driving experience, particularly at higher speeds. Its reliance on an older six-speed automatic transmission and a non-automatic AWD system further underscore its performance limitations. Meanwhile, the Trax's switch to a smaller, 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine doesn't hamper its agility, as it outperforms its predecessor in acceleration and maintains good power delivery, despite its reduced horsepower and torque figures. The Trax's FWD-only offering, along with a more car-like handling dynamic, signifies a strategic pivot aimed at distinguishing it within Chevy's lineup and appealing to a demographic seeking a blend of crossover versatility and hatchback maneuverability.

In the realm of form and function, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox receives a 7 out of 10, while the 2024 Chevrolet Trax achieves an 8 out of 10 according to CarGurus experts. The Equinox offers a cargo area that measures 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which is competitive within its class, albeit not the largest. It exceeds the storage capacity of rivals like the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester but falls short when compared to the segment leaders with a total cargo volume of 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Despite this, the Equinox shines with its passenger space; even with a six-foot-tall driver, both headroom and legroom are more than adequate, reflecting Chevrolet's commitment to comfort and practicality. The interior uses higher-quality plastics than previous GM models, and thoughtful amenities such as ample cup holders and a quiet-operating power liftgate enhance the user experience. Conversely, the 2024 Trax, despite its overall larger dimensions, showcases a nuanced approach to interior space optimization. Its redesign yields three more inches of rear-seat legroom, a testament to its focus on passenger comfort, albeit with slight compromises in first-row headroom and shoulder room across both rows. This suggests a tighter, more car-like interior configuration, aligning with Chevy's strategy to offer a compact crossover that delivers on the driving dynamics and visibility akin to smaller vehicles. Importantly, the Trax's luggage capacity sees an uptick to 25.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and expands to 54.1 cubic feet when they're folded, representing a significant improvement and reflecting the model's enhanced utility and appeal for buyers prioritizing both passenger and cargo space.

Technology offerings present a stark contrast between the two models, with the Equinox scoring a 7 out of 10, and the Trax impressing with a 9 out of 10. The Equinox's technology suite, characterized by its simplicity and ease of use, falls behind in terms of size and flashiness compared to its rivals, though it maintains functional adequacy with features like wireless connectivity and customizable display options. The Trax, on the other hand, showcases significant advancements with larger, more interactive touchscreens and digital instrument clusters, elevating its status within the segment and offering a more engaging user experience.

On the safety front, the 2023 Equinox is rated at 6 out of 10, while the 2024 Trax earns a 7 out of 10. The Equinox's comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver-assistance features is tempered by mixed results in crash tests, affecting its overall safety rating. The Trax boasts a robust array of driver-assist technologies and GM’s innovative Teen Driver system.

Cost-effectiveness ratings favor the Trax with a 9 out of 10, overshadowing the Equinox's 7 out of 10. The Equinox offers value within its segment, especially in higher trims, but its lack of a hybrid option and slightly outdated design diminish its competitiveness. The Trax, with its attractive starting price, improved fuel economy, and modern redesign, presents a compelling value proposition, especially when considering its balance of design, technology, and utility.