2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, with its redesigned exterior, maintained a familiar aesthetic that was hard to distinguish from its non-hybrid counterpart. The RX 350h Luxury model, in particular, showcased a sleek Iridium silver finish with 21-inch wheels, yet lacked any overt hybrid branding. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling, embodying a sportier persona. Despite these updates, the RX's design still carried a visual imbalance, with a front-heavy appearance and a rear that seemed visually shortened due to its signature roof pillar design. Inside, the RX embraced a minimalist approach, featuring a new infotainment system and contemporary textures, with the RX 350h Luxury offering a luxurious Macadamia leather and Ash Bamboo trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance opted for a darker, sportier interior.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax underwent a significant transformation, shedding its previous image for a more dynamic and modern look. The new Trax was longer, lower, and wider, borrowing design cues from the Chevy Blazer, such as a prominent grille and distinctive body lines. This redesign gave the Trax a commanding presence, setting it apart from competitors like the Hyundai Venue and Nissan Kicks. The Trax offered various trims, including the Activ and RS, each with unique styling elements like faux skid plates and blacked-out trim. Inside, the Trax featured a slim dashboard design with a freestanding touchscreen and large air vents, providing a modern yet functional interior. Higher trims offered Evotex upholstery and additional design flourishes, enhancing the overall appeal of this entry-level model.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h, with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving an estimated 36 mpg in combined driving. Despite being less powerful than its predecessor, it matched the standard RX 350's acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, producing 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds but sacrificed fuel efficiency, averaging 20.9 mpg during testing. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering system enhanced its athleticism, making it a thrilling drive, albeit with a complex drive mode selection process.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax featured a new 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Despite a reduction in power compared to the previous model, the Trax improved its 0-60 mph time by about a second. The engine's flat torque curve provided strong response and minimal turbo lag, ensuring confident acceleration. The Trax retained its six-speed automatic transmission but was now available only with front-wheel drive, differentiating it from the all-wheel-drive Trailblazer. The Trax's handling was tuned for a car-like feel, with a wider track providing stability and nimble handling. While not a hot hatch, the Trax offered a refined driving experience with active noise cancellation and a balance between ride quality and handling.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in comfort and space, particularly in the RX 350h Luxury trim, which featured ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and a three-zone climate control system. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrid's battery placement under the rear seat provided excellent leg support and legroom, though rear headroom was limited. Cargo space improved significantly, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, matching the standard RX 350.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax, while larger overall, offered mixed results in interior space. It provided three more inches of rear-seat legroom and a slight increase in front-seat legroom, but headroom decreased slightly. The Trax's seating was comfortable for its price range, with a car-like driving position and excellent outward visibility. Cargo space increased by 12%, offering 25.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 54.1 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing the Hyundai Venue and closely matching the Nissan Kicks.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based navigation, and an Intelligent Assistant. However, the system had limitations, such as a single-screen view and reflection issues. The available head-up display added dual-function touch-sensing control pads, but these were challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax saw significant tech upgrades, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and an 11-inch screen with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and phone charging were available, along with Wi-Fi connectivity. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a logical menu layout, though the screen's tilt favored the driver. The digital instrument cluster provided a modern design, and multiple USB ports were available for front and rear passengers.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and regenerative braking enhanced safety and efficiency. However, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park, though these were not tested.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered a range of driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Trax also featured the Teen Driver system, which monitored driving behavior and provided a report card to parents, enhancing safety for young drivers.