2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2020 Acura MDX was a well-designed crossover SUV, though its styling was not particularly groundbreaking or attention-grabbing. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings without causing embarrassment to its driver. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of luxury to its front end. These headlights, with five LED elements per side, flanked a trapezoidal grille with a prominent Acura logo, creating an expressive face. The MDX's sleek and low-slung profile, combined with flawless paint and chrome, contributed to its overall appeal. Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple design, highlighted by twin infotainment screens and high-quality materials that provided a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Trax was based on a design introduced in 2015, with updates in 2017 that carried over to 2021. The Trax offered a choice between LS and LT trims, with the Premier trim level dropped. The LS trim included features like 16-inch aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LT trim added enhancements such as heated side mirrors, roof rails, and upgraded seating materials. Despite its updates, the Trax's design remained functional rather than stylish, with a focus on practicality over aesthetics.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid version with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The MDX's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided impressive handling, especially in corners, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension ensured a comfortable ride, making it a capable and enjoyable vehicle for long drives.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Trax was equipped with a single engine option: a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. While the Trax's engine was adequate for city driving, it struggled to provide sufficient power for highway speeds and passing maneuvers. The Trax's firm ride could be harsh over rough roads, but its tight turning radius made it maneuverable in urban environments. However, it lacked the driving excitement and comfort found in some of its competitors.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered a spacious and versatile interior, with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It provided 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 90.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The MDX featured numerous storage options, including a large glove box, a flexible center console, and door pockets. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers, making the MDX a practical choice for families seeking minivan-like functionality without the stigma of sliding doors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax provided respectable headroom and legroom in both rows, though the rear seats lacked comfort for long journeys. It offered 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat could also fold flat for larger items. While the Trax's cargo capacity was average for its segment, it lacked options for a power liftgate, limiting its convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of technology features, with trim levels simplified into packages. The base model included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added features like navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and a premium audio system, while the Advance Package included additional tech and comfort features. An optional Entertainment Package provided a rear entertainment system with a large screen and wireless headphones, enhancing the MDX's appeal for tech-savvy families.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, offering easy-to-use menus and vivid graphics. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. An available WiFi hotspot added connectivity options, but the Trax's tech offerings were more basic compared to the MDX's comprehensive packages.

The 2020 Acura MDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included a surround-view camera. The MDX's ACE Body Structure enhanced crash protection, earning it high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA but lacked advanced safety features. Standard safety equipment included airbags and a backup camera, with the LT Convenience Package adding blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors. However, the Trax fell short in offering the comprehensive safety features found in many of its competitors.