2022 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, a continuation of the model introduced in 2015, maintained its 2017 design updates into 2021. It offered two trims, LS and LT, after dropping the Premier trim. The LS trim featured 16-inch wheels, keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LT trim added enhancements like heated mirrors, remote start, and upgraded seating. Various styling packages and driver assistance features were available for the LT trim, providing some customization options.

The 2022 Ford Explorer, with eight models ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, introduced the sporty ST-Line trim. The King Ranch model, priced at $59,880, featured 4WD, premium paint, and a sunroof. Its design included a rear-drive platform, giving it a sleek, athletic look. Inside, the King Ranch boasted exclusive leather seating and a mix of quality materials. While the cabin was mostly luxurious, some elements hinted at the Explorer's base trim origins.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a single engine option, a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. It came with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered either FWD or AWD. While adequate for city driving, the engine struggled at highway speeds and was noisy. The Trax had a firm ride, which could be harsh over rough roads, but its tight turning radius made it maneuverable in urban settings. Competitors like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable and engaging driving experiences.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base engine, a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, delivered 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds. A hybrid option, available on the Limited trim, combined a 3.3-liter V6 with electric power for 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque, towing up to 5,000 pounds. The top-tier engine, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, produced 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,600 pounds. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain well, and offered a sporty driving experience, especially in the ST trim.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax provided decent headroom and legroom in both rows, though rear seats lacked comfort for long trips. It featured multiple storage trays and low cupholder placement for convenience. Cargo space was 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The front passenger seat folded flat for larger items, but no power liftgate options were available.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered comfort for families, with the King Ranch trim featuring heated and ventilated front seats, massaging front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was cramped for adults. Storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional compartments. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, providing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded.

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

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two Sync 3 infotainment systems: an 8-inch horizontal screen and a 10.1-inch vertical screen. The King Ranch trim included FordPass Connect, a WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, wireless charging, a surround-view camera, and a Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system lagged behind newer Sync 4 technology, with voice recognition issues. Additional tech included a digital instrument display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star crash test rating from NHTSA but lacked advanced safety features. Standard equipment included airbags and a backup camera, with optional blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection. Rivals offered more comprehensive safety features as standard.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS. It came with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also featured post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions.