Chevrolet Trax vs Chevrolet Cruze
Overview | |
Years produced2011-2019 | Years produced2013-2022 |
MSRP$16,975 | MSRP$21,700 |
Listings4806 | Listings9425 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews SummaryAs the dissonant chords of Dieselgate still resonate throughout the industry, most car companies have abandoned efforts toward any future diesel-powered cars. A $15 billion fine will have that sort of chilling effect. But Chevrolet has taken a different approach, instead seeing the mass retreat from diesel as an opportunity to fill a void. As the driver Jean-Pierre Sarti said in Frankenheimer’s 1966 epic “Grand Prix”: “When I see something really horrible, I put my foot down. Hard! Because I know that everyone else is lifting his.” | |
Reviews SummaryThe Trax is the cheapest new car Chevy sells in the United States. It takes the place of compact sedans and hatchbacks in the Bowtie brand’s lineup, while competing with entry-level crossover SUVs such as the Hyundai Venue and the Nissan Kicks. The current Trax was introduced for the 2024 model year, and for 2026 the only changes are two new exterior color options. White Sands is available with Activ and RS models, while Apex Red is available with RS, LS, and LT models. Verdict: Blending elements of compact cars and crossover SUVs, the Trax hits a sweet spot of utility and affordability. It’s also pleasant to drive and offers impressive infotainment tech, but a lack of solid safety ratings and the unavailability of all-wheel drive are the tradeoffs. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.4L 153 hp I4 | Engine1.2L 137 hp I3 Flex Fuel Vehicle |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower153 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City27 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway40 | MPG Highway24 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.4L 153 hp I4 | Engine Name1.2L 137 hp I3 Flex Fuel Vehicle |
Torque | Torque162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
Horsepower153 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City27 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway40 | MPG Highway24 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall4 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space14.8 cu ft | Cargo Space25.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight2835 lbs | Curb Weight2983 lbs |
Height57.4 in | Height61.4 in |
Length183.7 in | Length178.6 in |
Width70.5 in | Width71.8 in |
Wheelbase106.3 in | Wheelbase106.3 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1162 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2011-2019 | 2013-2022 |
MSRP | $16,975 | $21,700 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 6.7 out of 10Read full review | 7.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | As the dissonant chords of Dieselgate still resonate throughout the industry, most car companies have abandoned efforts toward any future diesel-powered cars. A $15 billion fine will have that sort of chilling effect. But Chevrolet has taken a different approach, instead seeing the mass retreat from diesel as an opportunity to fill a void. As the driver Jean-Pierre Sarti said in Frankenheimer’s 1966 epic “Grand Prix”: “When I see something really horrible, I put my foot down. Hard! Because I know that everyone else is lifting his.” | The Trax is the cheapest new car Chevy sells in the United States. It takes the place of compact sedans and hatchbacks in the Bowtie brand’s lineup, while competing with entry-level crossover SUVs such as the Hyundai Venue and the Nissan Kicks. The current Trax was introduced for the 2024 model year, and for 2026 the only changes are two new exterior color options. White Sands is available with Activ and RS models, while Apex Red is available with RS, LS, and LT models. Verdict: Blending elements of compact cars and crossover SUVs, the Trax hits a sweet spot of utility and affordability. It’s also pleasant to drive and offers impressive infotainment tech, but a lack of solid safety ratings and the unavailability of all-wheel drive are the tradeoffs. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.4L 153 hp I4 | 1.2L 137 hp I3 Flex Fuel Vehicle |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 153 hp @ 5600 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City | 27 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 40 | 24 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.4L 153 hp I4 | 1.2L 137 hp I3 Flex Fuel Vehicle |
Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | |
Horsepower | 153 hp @ 5600 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 27 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 40 | 24 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 4 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 14.8 cu ft | 25.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2835 lbs | 2983 lbs |
Height | 57.4 in | 61.4 in |
Length | 183.7 in | 178.6 in |
Width | 70.5 in | 71.8 in |
Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 106.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 1162 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

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