2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax underwent such a significant transformation that calling it by the same name as its predecessor seemed almost unfair to its designers. The new Trax shared virtually nothing with its older, more subdued version aside from its badge. The redesign mantra of "longer, lower, wider" was clearly evident, with the 2024 model being 11 inches longer, four inches lower, and two inches wider than before. A nearly six-inch stretch in the wheelbase and design cues from the midsize Chevy Blazer, such as the prominent grille and pronounced step between rear body sides and windows, gave the Trax a bold presence.

Base Trax LS models rode on 17-inch steel wheels, with 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum options on higher trims. The Trax also offered Activ and RS trims, each catering to rugged and sporty aesthetics, respectively. The Activ's styling was subtle, while the RS trim featured blacked-out elements, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the Trax LS had a mostly plastic interior common in entry-level models, but it maintained visual interest with its freestanding touchscreen and distinctive air vents. Higher trims received Evotex upholstery, and unique design touches like yellow contrast stitching on the Activ and piano-black accents on the RS.

Contrast this with the 2024 Mazda CX-5, which retained much of its design from its second-generation debut in 2017. Despite its age, the CX-5’s design aged gracefully, maintaining a modern and appealing appearance. New for 2024 was the Carbon Turbo trim which featured new exterior colors like Zircon Sand and Platinum Quartz, along with exclusive interior touches such as Terracotta leather seats with black suede inserts.

Mazda focused on improving fuel economy and added features like wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to certain trims. Despite being a compact crossover, the CX-5's exterior bore a premium feel, a testament to ongoing upgrades in materials, seating, technology, and drivetrain over the years.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered a single engine choice, a smaller 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine compared to its predecessor’s 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This new engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, a drop from the previous 155 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. However, Chevrolet estimated that the new Trax was quicker, shaving about a second off the zero-to-60 mph time. Despite the reduced power, the Trax didn't feel underpowered. Its flat torque curve provided good response when pulling away and confident highway performance. The Trax was FWD-only, a distinction made to differentiate it from the similarly sized but AWD-optional Trailblazer.

The six-speed automatic transmission carried over, providing predictable and nimble handling characteristics. The wider track enhanced stability, making the Trax feel more like a small hatchback than a traditional crossover. Active noise cancellation helped improve cabin refinement, although some tire noise was noticeable.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo boasted a more powerful engine. With premium fuel, it delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. On regular gas, it still managed 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet, with torque arriving sooner. The engine performed best under steady, progressive throttle input, rather than aggressive acceleration. Fuel economy was a sore point, with a combined rating of 24 mpg, and real-world testing showed an even lower 22.9 mpg. The CX-5’s AWD system, G-Vectoring Control Plus technology, and retuned suspension provided confident and responsive handling. It felt quiet on highways, connected in the city, and capable on twisty roads. It could also handle some off-road trails with its 7.9 inches of ground clearance.

The larger 2024 Trax offered mixed results in interior space. It gained three inches in rear-seat legroom and a slight increase in front-seat legroom, but headroom in the rear dropped by 0.7 inches, and shoulder room decreased in both rows. However, the Trax boasted the most rear-seat legroom among competitors like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue. The driving position was car-like, providing low window sills for excellent visibility. It offered 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 54.1 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing the Venue and nearly matching the Kicks.

The Mazda CX-5 featured comfortable and supportive heated front seats, with six-way power adjustment for the driver. Leather upholstery was standard on most trims, with premium Nappa leather on the top-tier Signature model. Despite being smaller in interior dimensions, it provided adequate room for four adults. The rear seat was comfortable, with thoughtful touches like rear air vents and a fold-down armrest. Quality materials and design lifted the cabin's feel to near-luxury levels. Cargo space was a strong point, offering 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax saw significant infotainment upgrades. Base LS and 1RS trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims came with an 11-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless phone charging, were available for the first time. Wi-Fi connectivity continued as standard. The intuitive infotainment system had easy-to-use menus and clear graphics, although the screen and some analog controls were angled towards the driver, making passenger use less convenient. Standard USB ports were well-placed, and higher trims featured additional ports for rear passengers and optional wireless charging.

Mazda’s reluctance toward touchscreens was evident in the CX-5, where traditional controls dominated the interface. A 10.25-inch display allowed for touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while driving. The system was easy to navigate via a central knob and surrounding buttons. Mazda Connected Services provided features like remote start and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims enjoyed a Bose 10-speaker premium sound system, enhancing the already upscale interior environment.

Safety was a priority for both vehicles. The 2024 Chevrolet Trax came with a variety of driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward collision alert, and automatic high beams. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. Chevy's Teen Driver system was also standard, promoting safer habits for younger drivers. Crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were pending.

The Mazda CX-5 was equally well-equipped with ADAS, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, Traffic Jam Assist, surround-view cameras, and more. The CX-5 had previously earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation and received five-star ratings from NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.