2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, based on the 2015 model, had received updates in 2017 and 2020, which carried over into 2021. The 2017 update introduced standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 2020 update enhanced the infotainment system. By 2021, the Premier trim was dropped, leaving LS and LT trims. The LS trim featured 16-inch wheels, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LT trim added heated mirrors, roof rails, LED lights, and upgraded seats, with optional styling and driver assistance packages.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series (NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+), offered trims like base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury. The NX 350 F Sport and Luxury trims were highlighted for their unique design elements and interior features. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more space. The F Sport trim included sport-bolstered seats and a unique steering wheel, while the Luxury trim featured real leather and open-pore wood trim. The interior design aimed for a minimalist look, integrating many functions into a 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to use quickly.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The engine was adequate for city driving but struggled at highway speeds, making noise and lacking power. The Trax had a firm ride, harsh over potholes, but a tight turning radius made it maneuverable in tight spaces. Rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable and fun-to-drive experiences. A retuned engine for the 2022 Trax promised 155 horsepower.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and 39 mpg combined, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and 36 miles of electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, with FWD or optional AWD. The NX 350 F Sport included adaptive variable sports suspension and additional driving modes. The NX 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury trim. The NX was a dynamic improvement over its predecessor, though it had more road and wind noise than expected.

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. The Trax provided 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 48.4 cubic feet with the 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 2022 Lexus NX claimed more interior room, though it felt cozy from the driver’s seat. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering, and the driver’s door panel and center console were padded for comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat. The NX had 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot. The system had easy-to-follow menus, vivid graphics, and hard buttons and dials for convenience.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 9.8-inch touchscreen standard and a 14-inch screen optional. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium system optional. The NX offered a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital key capability. The system had some drawbacks, like collecting fingerprints and lacking a tuning knob.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It came standard with airbags and a backup camera, with optional blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors. Rivals offered more advanced safety features as standard.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) with features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system and front cross-traffic alert.