2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, based on the model introduced in 2015, carried over the design updates from 2017, which included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. By 2020, the infotainment system was updated, and the Premier trim was dropped in 2021, leaving only the LS and LT trims. The LS trim featured 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 heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, roof rails, LED lights, and upgraded seats, among other features. Various styling packages and driver assistance options were available for the LT trim.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came in multiple trims, including the new Wilderness model, which was tested in Bend, Oregon. The Wilderness trim featured a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding, giving it a rugged appearance. Inside, the Forester emphasized functionality with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and all-weather floor mats. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the three display screens were less ideal. The Forester's interior combined hard plastic and soft surfaces, creating a cabin that felt well-constructed but somewhat dated.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (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 potholes, but its tight turning radius made it maneuverable in tight spaces. Rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable and fun driving experiences. A retuned engine with 155 horsepower was expected for the 2022 Trax.

The 2022 Subaru Forester retained its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and AWD, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply and a towing capacity of 3,000 pounds. The Forester averaged 25.9 mpg during testing in Oregon. While the engine was adequate at sea level, it felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive's Sport mode improved the driving experience. The Forester's dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a compelling choice for rugged adventures.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered respectable headroom and legroom in both rows, with supportive front seats but less comfortable rear seats. The Trax featured multiple storage trays and low cupholder placement for convenience. It provided 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat for larger items. However, there was no option for a power liftgate.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality with easy entry and exit, thanks to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds. The Forester's interior offered high comfort levels, excellent visibility, and practical storage solutions. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Wilderness trim included a full-size spare tire.

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

The 2022 Subaru Forester's base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. The Premium trim added a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a 180-degree forward-view camera. The PIN Code Access feature allowed keyless entry for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but did not earn a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included airbags and a backup camera, with additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection available in the LT Convenience Package.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system with improved camera-based technology and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. EyeSight 4.0 included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and was expected to retain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.