Kia Sportage vs Chevrolet Trax

The 2023 Kia Sportage emerged as a testament to Kia's remarkable transformation, shedding its once-underappreciated status to become a heavyweight contender in the compact crossover segment. With the launch of vehicles like the Telluride and Sorento, Kia has solidified its reputation, and the Sportage is no exception. It's a compelling choice for buyers traditionally leaning towards Toyota, Honda, or Nissan, offering a mix of style, performance, and value that's hard to overlook. The 2024 Chevrolet Trax, on the other hand, makes a triumphant return with a complete overhaul that sets it apart from its predecessor. After a hiatus, the Trax is back with a design and feature set aimed at bridging the gap between traditional cars and crossovers. With its increased dimensions, improved styling, and enhanced technology, the Trax aims to attract buyers with its blend of affordability, style, and practicality, positioning itself as a strong competitor in the entry-level segment.

Performance ratings diverge with the 2023 Kia Sportage receiving a 6 out of 10, and the 2024 Chevrolet Trax achieving an 8 out of 10 from CarGurus experts. The Sportage offers a gas-powered 2.5-liter engine delivering 187 horsepower and a choice between FWD and AWD, highlighting its capabilities with an optional X-Line treatment for a more rugged appearance. Despite its efforts, the absence of a turbocharged engine option may leave some desiring more power. The Trax opts for a smaller, turbocharged 1.2-liter engine, producing 137 horsepower but compensates with a responsive and efficient driving experience. Its car-like handling and improved noise cancellation provide a comfortable and engaging ride, although limited by FWD-only configuration. The Trax's performance, particularly in urban settings, shows significant improvement over its predecessor.

When assessing form and function, CarGurus experts give the 2023 Kia Sportage a 7 out of 10, while the 2024 Chevrolet Trax earns an 8 out of 10, with these scores relative to their direct competitors. The Sportage, as a compact crossover, directly competes with major players like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. The latest model has grown significantly, now 7.1 inches longer with a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor, which not only increases its presence but significantly enhances interior space. The Sportage offers an impressive 41.3 inches of rear-seat legroom and boasts a cargo capacity of 39.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which expands to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. As a subcompact crossover, the redesigned 2024 Chevrolet Trax, presents a notable improvement in interior space compared with its predecessor. It offers an increase in rear-seat legroom by three inches, with a marginal boost in front-seat legroom. However, it sees a slight decrease in headroom and shoulder room, indicating a snugger fit. By class standards, the Trax shines in its cargo capacity, offering 25.6 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and expanding to 54.1 cubic feet with them folded down. This increase supports the Trax's position as a practical choice for those needing a blend of passenger comfort and luggage capacity in the subcompact crossover segment.

Technology sees the Sportage rated at 8 out of 10, closely followed by the Trax at 9 out of 10. Kia's Sportage impresses with its dual 12.3-inch displays and a comprehensive suite of connectivity options, albeit with some interface quirks. The Trax boasts significant upgrades over its predecessor with its large touchscreen options, digital instrument cluster, and wireless connectivity features, positioning it as a technologically advanced option in its class.

Both the 2023 Kia Sportage and the 2024 Chevrolet Trax score a 7 out of 10 in safety. The Sportage offers a wide array of standard ADAS features, with additional options available on higher trims. The Trax also comes equipped with a solid suite of driver-assist technologies, including Chevy's Teen Driver system, although crash-test ratings were not available at the time.

The Sportage is rated at 7 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness, with the Trax leading at 9 out of 10. The Sportage's pricing is competitive, especially from the EX trim upwards, and is complemented by Kia's excellent warranty. The Trax, however, stands out for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and warranty coverage, making it an attractive proposition for budget-conscious buyers.