2021 Chevrolet Trax vs 2021 Lexus NX

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 only the LS and LT trims. The LS trim came with 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LT trim added features like heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, LED headlights, and upgraded seats. Various styling packages and driver assistance features were available for the LT trim.

The 2021 Lexus NX retained its familial design and styling attributes, with sharp design lines and a sculpted exterior. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The F Sport version featured a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport had quilted NuLuxe sport seats and an optional Circuit Red interior color scheme. The interior materials were of excellent quality, with a gauge cluster featuring a 3D speedometer and tachometer displays. The center stack, however, showed its age with an elevated climate-control button layout and limited small-item storage.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was equipped with a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission routed power to either front-wheel drive (FWD) or available 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, which could be harsh over potholes and bumps, but its tight turning radius provided solid maneuverability in tight spaces. Rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable rides and were more fun to drive.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate, but newer transmissions offered smoother shifts. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with the powertrain getting noisy under hard acceleration. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trims. The NX's AWD system allowed up to 50 percent of torque to be transferred to the rear axle. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while AWD models had similar figures. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered respectable headroom and legroom in both rows, with supportive front seats but poorly bolstered rear seats. The front had multiple storage trays and low cupholder placement for large water bottles. Cargo space was 18.7 cubic feet 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, and there was no option for a power liftgate.

The 2021 Lexus NX had an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom for two adults in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seat had a 60/40 split-folding design. The NX offered 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. These figures made the NX's storage capacity one of the smallest in its class. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax featured a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, which was easy to use with vivid graphics and complemented by hard buttons and dials. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Lexus NX had an 8-inch touchscreen standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package. The infotainment system added HomeLink and Lexus Enform Destination Assist for 2021. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with the latter integrating Google Assistant. The Lexus infotainment system was less user-friendly, relying on a touchpad. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Navigation package added two speakers to the standard eight-speaker system, with a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system available on the top-tier NX. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) did not award it a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included an array of airbags and a backup camera. The LT Convenience Package added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors. Rivals offered more advanced safety features as standard or optional, which were not available on the Trax.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional extras included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The IIHS gave the NX top "Good" scores in all crash tests, with "Superior" front crash-prevention technology and an "Acceptable" LATCH system rating. The NHTSA awarded the NX a five-star overall safety rating. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.