2021 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, based on the model introduced in 2015, retained its 2017 design updates, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. By 2021, the Premier trim was dropped, leaving LS and LT trims. The LS featured 16-inch wheels, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. The LT trim added features like heated mirrors, remote start, and upgraded seating, with optional styling and driver assistance packages.

The 2021 Subaru Forester, redesigned in 2019, maintained a familiar look with its boxy shape and distinctive taillights. The Forester's design appealed to SUV shoppers with its clean, unpretentious style. The Sport model added orange accents and black alloy wheels, enhancing its appearance. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the Forester shared underpinnings with other Subaru models, offering a rugged yet practical design. Its interior featured durable materials, with the Sport trim adding orange accents. Cloth upholstery was standard on lower trims, while higher trims offered leather and additional comfort features.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. While adequate for city driving, the engine struggled at highway speeds, and the ride was firm, making it less comfortable than rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. The Trax's tight turning radius aided maneuverability in urban settings.

The 2021 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, connected to a CVT with manual mode and paddle shifters on certain trims. The boxer engine provided a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability. The Forester's AWD system, standard across all trims, included X-Mode for varied surfaces. While the engine was adequate, it lacked power for highway merging. The suspension prioritized comfort, resulting in body roll and bounce on uneven roads. The Forester's 8.7 inches of ground clearance and hill-descent control on higher trims improved off-road capability.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered decent headroom and legroom, with supportive front seats but less comfortable rear seats. It provided 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 48.4 cubic feet with rear seats folded. The front passenger seat folded flat for larger items. Storage trays and low cupholder placement added convenience, but there was no power liftgate option.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in interior space, with ample headroom and legroom due to its tall roofline. It offered 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 76.1 cubic feet with rear seats down. While lacking a sliding second-row bench, a power liftgate was available on higher trims. The Forester's cupholders and center console were practical, though the phone-storage cubby was small. The infotainment system featured large knobs for easy control, but the steering wheel had numerous buttons.

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

The 2021 Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio, and navigation. The system was user-friendly, with backup analog controls, but the screen was slow to boot. Additional displays provided secondary information, though the setup felt complex.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star NHTSA rating but lacked advanced safety features. It came with airbags and a backup camera, with optional blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection. Rivals offered more standard safety features.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. It featured Subaru's EyeSight system with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking. The Forester's driver-monitoring system added an extra layer of safety.