Chevrolet Trax vs Buick Envision

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax continued to build on the design updates it received in 2017, maintaining a familiar look with a few modern touches. The vehicle was available in two trims, LS and LT, after the Premier trim was discontinued. The LS trim offered basic features like 16-inch aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LT trim added more convenience and style with features like heated mirrors, remote start, and upgraded seating. Despite its updates, the Trax's design remained largely unchanged from its earlier iterations.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign, presenting a more premium and sculpted appearance. It was positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave in Buick's lineup. The Envision's three trims—Preferred, Essence, and Avenir—each offered unique styling elements, with the Avenir trim introducing luxury features like a Black Ice Chrome grille and 20-inch wheels. The interior was designed with a driver-centric approach, though it sacrificed some passenger comfort and space. Despite its stylish upgrades, the Envision's use of piano black plastic in the cabin was a drawback, as it attracted dust easily.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a single engine option: a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. While the Trax managed well in city driving, it struggled with acceleration on highways, making it less suitable for those seeking a dynamic driving experience. The ride was firm, often feeling harsh over rough surfaces, but its tight turning radius made it maneuverable in urban settings.

The 2021 Buick Envision, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This was a downgrade from the previous model's power output, but the vehicle's weight reduction helped improve fuel efficiency. The Envision offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available. Despite its power reduction, the Envision provided a comfortable ride, though engine noise was noticeable during acceleration. The vehicle's drive mode selector allowed for some customization, but the noise and fuel economy trade-offs were apparent.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered decent interior space, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The front seats were supportive, but the rear seats lacked comfort for long journeys. The Trax provided 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. While these figures were average for the segment, the lack of a power liftgate option was a limitation.

In comparison, the 2021 Buick Envision's redesign resulted in reduced interior space despite a longer wheelbase. The front and rear seats offered less room than the previous model, making it less accommodating for adults. Cargo capacity was also reduced, with 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. The Envision's driver-centric cockpit limited passenger access to controls, and forward visibility was challenging for shorter drivers. However, the vehicle included standard features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, offering user-friendly menus and vivid graphics. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity. The system was complemented by physical buttons and dials, making it easy to use.

The 2021 Buick Envision boasted a larger 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, providing clear and responsive functionality. The driver information display offered quick access to channel and song information. Standard tech features included USB ports, dual-zone climate control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available upgrades included navigation, a surround-view camera, and wireless charging, enhancing the Envision's tech appeal.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA but lacked advanced safety features. Standard equipment included airbags and a backup camera, with optional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors available in the LT Convenience Package. However, the Trax fell short compared to rivals offering more comprehensive safety systems.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time, but it included a range of standard safety features. These included forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Envision also featured GM's Buckle to Drive system, promoting seatbelt use. Optional safety enhancements were available on higher trims, though the absence of GM's Super Cruise system was notable.