2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2024 Toyota 4Runner

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax received a comprehensive redesign that transformed it entirely from its predecessor. Chevy's design team adhered to the mantra of "longer, lower, wider," resulting in a vehicle that was 11 inches longer, nearly six inches wider, four inches lower, and with a stretch in the wheelbase as well. These changes gave the Trax a more planted and balanced appearance. It adopted styling elements from the midsize Chevrolet Blazer, including a prominent grille that stands out, supplemented by distinctive daytime running lights and headlights.

The Trax’s base LS models came with 17-inch steel wheels, but higher trims offered 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum wheels. The Trax included Activ and RS trims to further diversify its appearance, with Activ aimed at a rugged look, thanks to faux skid plate trim, and RS targeting a sportier vibe with additional blacked-out accents. Inside, the Trax featured cloth upholstery and a predominantly plastic interior on the LS trim, while higher trims boasted Evotex upholstery and design elements like yellow stitching on the Activ trim and piano-black plastic on the RS trim.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner remained a throwback to its origins, retaining much of its design since the 2010 model year. The 4Runner’s exterior was characterized by its flared fenders and a boxy shape, which conveyed a sense of stability essential for off-pavement activities. The TRD Pro trim accented its rugged persona with underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a beefy tubular roof rack.

Inside, the 4Runner was awash with last-generation technology, from analog instrument panels to an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. It retained practical features though, such as cushioned panels on commonly touched surfaces and ample legroom in the second row. The interior design emphasized functionality over modernity, catering to drivers who appreciated an uncomplicated, retro feel.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax switched to a smaller 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, replacing the prior 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This new engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, slightly down from the previous engine's 155 hp and 177 lb-ft. Despite the dip in power, Chevy estimated a quicker 0-to-60 mph time for the new Trax, aided by a flatter torque curve that provided strong throttle response. The six-speed automatic transmission, carried over from the previous generation, was now paired solely with front-wheel drive, enhancing the vehicle's car-like handling and minimizing the body roll typical of taller SUVs.

Meanwhile, all 2024 Toyota 4Runners were powered by a stout 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. The five-speed automatic transmission, however, limited responsiveness and fuel efficiency compared to the 4Runner’s rivals like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, which offered more advanced transmissions. While the TRD Pro model came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, the 4Runner's heavy and somewhat lethargic on-road performance was notable, feeling particularly taxed upon acceleration. The soft suspension that benefited off-road wheel articulation resulted in considerable body roll and bounce on paved roads, diminishing the driving experience for daily commuters.

The interior space of the 2024 Chevrolet Trax showed incremental improvements over its predecessor. It offered three more inches of rear-seat legroom and a slight increase in front-seat legroom. However, first-row headroom remained unchanged and second-row headroom decreased slightly. Despite these mixed gains, the Trax showcased increased cargo space; it offered 25.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and expanded to 54.1 cubic feet with the seats folded—surpassing both the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue marginally.

In the 2024 Toyota 4Runner, the interior spoke to its rugged heritage but felt dated. Front-row passengers enjoyed ample space and excellent forward visibility, crucial for off-roading. However, taller drivers might find the steering wheel’s limited telescoping range problematic. The second row presented generous legroom, while headroom might be constrained for six-footers due to the elevated seating. A third row was available on select trims. The 4Runner offered notable cargo capacity—47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, although the process to fold them was more labor-intensive than modern rivals. There was also a sliding rear window, a unique touch offering quick cargo access without opening the full liftgate.

For 2024, the Chevrolet Trax moved forward technologically with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and depending on the trim, an 8-inch or a more advanced 11-inch touchscreen. Wireless phone charging and a digital instrument cluster became available on higher trims, adding sophistication typically absent in entry-level vehicles. Rear-seat passengers benefited from additional USB ports, enhancing the convenience for all occupants. The practical and well-organized infotainment interface, however, slightly favored the driver’s access over the front passenger’s.

On the other side, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner maintained its functional but dated eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included essentials like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The TRD Pro model featured a JBL premium audio system, but road and engine noise often overshadowed its clarity. An array of terrain-specific controls positioned in the headliner provided off-road utility, but their pictogram labels necessitated a thorough read of the owner's manual for utmost usability.

At the time of comparison, official crash-test ratings for the 2024 Chevrolet Trax were not yet available. Nonetheless, Chevy equipped the Trax with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features. These included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic high beams, and a following distance indicator as standard. Optional upgrades added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Teen Driver system offered added security for younger drivers, providing a report card on their driving behavior.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2024 Toyota 4Runner earned four out of five stars for overall and frontal crash protection, five stars for side impacts, and three stars in rollover evaluations. The IIHS provided mixed scores, with some concerning "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings, particularly in newer small overlap frontal tests. However, the 4Runner did feature standard adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims included a surround-view camera system, although its sensitivity in alerts could sometimes be overly intrusive.