2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2024 Genesis GV70

Back in 2024, the Chevrolet Trax underwent a significant makeover that transformed it from a frumpy predecessor into a sleek, modern crossover. The redesign made the 2024 Trax 11 inches longer, four inches lower, and two inches wider than before. It borrowed aesthetic cues from the midsize Chevy Blazer, particularly the large grille and stepped rear body sides. Base models rode on 17-inch steel wheels, while higher trims sported 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum wheels. The RS trim featured blackout elements, and the Activ trim had faux skid plates, giving each version a unique flair. Inside, the base LS trim came with cloth upholstery and a functional but minimalist dashboard design, accented by a freestanding touchscreen and large air vents.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Genesis GV70 also had its share of distinctive features that made it stand out in the luxury SUV segment. It retained Genesis' iconic split headlights and shield-like grille while offering a sleeker profile than the GV80. The car's rear window design nearly resembled a hatchback, and the available 21-inch wheels added to its sporty look. Competitors like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Porsche Macan couldn’t quite match the GV70's blend of SUV presence and luxury styling. The Electrified GV70 didn’t stray far from its gasoline sibling’s design, right down to the charge port cleverly integrated into the grille.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax came with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, replacing the older 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Despite the smaller engine, Chevy estimated that the Trax's acceleration improved, allowing it to reach 60 mph faster by about a second. The Trax offered front-wheel drive only, with no all-wheel-drive option, but it maintained a car-like handling dynamic due to its wider track and lower stance. The handling was nimble, and the active noise cancellation added to a surprisingly refined ride, even though it had limited grip and some body roll.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV70 offered a range of powerful engines. The base model featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. There was also an option for a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with an impressive 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Electrified GV70 offered an even more potent powertrain, with front and rear electric motors producing a total of 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, which could ramp up to 483 hp using Boost Mode. Despite its robust powertrains, the GV70 felt heavier and slower through corners compared to sportier rivals like the Acura RDX and Porsche Macan. Its suspension could handle bumps adequately, although not as gracefully as higher-end models.

For 2024, the Chevrolet Trax's increased dimensions didn’t fully translate to more interior space. It added three inches of rear-seat legroom and a slight increase in front-seat legroom but lost some headroom in the second row. The rear seats in particular offered the most legroom when compared to the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue. The Trax provided 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 54.1 cubic feet when folded, making it slightly more spacious than its closest competitors.

The interior of the Genesis GV70 was equally luxurious but more streamlined and stylish. The GV70 measured close to its German rivals like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. It had a slight edge in front-seat legroom but slightly less headroom due to its curved roofline. The GV70’s 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up was better than the BMW and Mercedes, though it trailed the Audi Q5’s 29.5 cubic feet. When the seats were folded, it offered 56.9 cubic feet, which was still less than any of its German counterparts but commendable nonetheless. Even the Electrified GV70, despite needing space for a battery pack, managed to retain most of its usable interior space.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax came with a host of upgraded technological features. Entry-level models had a standard 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims received an 11-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available for the first time, along with wireless phone charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring logical menu layouts and crisp graphics. However, its driver-oriented design made it less accessible for front-seat passengers.

Genesis, meanwhile, borrowed its infotainment system for the GV70 from Hyundai but added its own luxurious touches. All GV70 models were equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lower trims featured an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, while higher trims came with a 12.3-inch cluster with a unique 3D effect. A 12-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system were among the premium tech options. Genesis also included a fingerprint scanner for personalized driver settings and a digital key system that allowed for phone-based vehicle access.

In terms of safety, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax came equipped with numerous driver-assist features, such as automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic high beams, and a following distance indicator. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Trax also featured Chevy’s Teen Driver system for monitoring young drivers. At the time of publication, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available.

For the 2024 Genesis GV70, both gasoline and Electrified models received the IIHS's highest Top Safety Pick+ award. The gasoline models also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA for the previous model year. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-attention monitor, parking assist sensors, and Highway Driving Assist with adaptive cruise control and lane centering. The optional Highway Driving Assist 2 system even added automated lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. Advanced features like a safe exit assist and rear occupant alert were also available.