2021 Chevrolet Trax vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was based on the same vehicle introduced in 2015, with design updates from 2017 carrying over. The 2017 model was the first to include standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In 2020, the infotainment system was updated, and for 2021, the Premier trim level was dropped, leaving LS and LT trims. The LS trim came with 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, dual front USB ports, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The LT trim added features like heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, rear window tint, roof rails, LED head- and taillights, remote start, cruise control, and upgraded seats.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained its basic body shell from a decade ago, with updates like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights added over the years. The 2021 model didn’t get any styling changes, but silver 18-inch wheels became standard on the Premium trim. The GX’s tough, aggressive look was distinctive and appealing to SUV shoppers. However, the interior didn’t meet modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax featured a single engine option: a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). While the engine sufficed for city driving, it struggled at highway speeds and during passing maneuvers, making plenty of noise. The Trax had a firm ride, harsh over potholes, but offered solid maneuverability in tight spaces due to its tight turning radius. Rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable rides and were more fun to drive.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 kept it simple with a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX 460’s 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. Stopping also required advanced planning. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with low grip and body roll in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, with a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD system with a low range, and several driver aids. The optional Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler, fuel-tank protector, and multi-view camera system.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered respectable headroom and legroom in both rows. The front seats were supportive, but the rear seats had poor bolstering. The Trax had multiple storage trays in each door and low cupholder placement. It provided 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat folded flat for larger items. These cargo figures were mid-pack for the subcompact SUV segment, with no option for a power liftgate.

The 2021 Lexus GX’s interior ergonomics showed its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel was positioned at an odd angle, and the tall seating position felt bus-like. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small center-console storage bin, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders. The GX came standard with three rows and seating for seven, but the third row was best for children. Cargo space was limited with the third row up, and even with the second and third rows folded, it was less than competitors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, featuring easy-to-follow menus and vivid graphics. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions. However, Lexus included analog controls for nearly everything, making it easier to use than touchscreen-based systems in other luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received five out of five stars in crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, it lacked advanced safety features, with only airbags and a backup camera as standard. The LT Convenience Package added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors, but features like forward-collision avoidance and lane-departure warning were not available.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, it missed out on features like traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist available in other Lexus models.