Chevrolet Trax vs Toyota bZ

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax emerged as a more stylish and appealing option compared to its predecessor. It adopted car-like proportions while maintaining SUV styling elements, which gave it a unique personality. The Blazer-like headlights, wide grille, and tall front end contributed to its SUV toughness, while the sleek windshield and upward arc of the rear side windows added a touch of elegance. The Trax lineup included various trim levels, each with distinct features such as different wheel sizes and finishes. Inside, the Trax offered a basic yet thoughtfully designed interior with contrasting trim and a layout reminiscent of a Corvette. Despite its entry-level status, the Trax managed to deliver a sense of style and functionality.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota bZ presented a more modern and refined appearance. Available in XLE and Limited trims, it offered a choice between single-motor FWD and dual-motor AWD configurations. The bZ's design improvements included body-color trim, which enhanced its overall look. Inside, the bZ featured a cleaner dashboard and center console, providing a higher sense of quality. The 14-inch touchscreen integrated climate control, and the fabric seats boasted an upscale pattern. However, the digital driver display's placement and information overload posed challenges. Overall, the bZ aimed to deliver a contemporary and comfortable driving experience.

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax was equipped with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and FWD, offered a confident driving experience. Despite its small size, the Trax accelerated eagerly and maintained power at higher speeds. The conventional automatic transmission contributed to its drivability, providing smoother shifts compared to a CVT. While not designed for performance, the Trax handled twisty roads with stability and car-like poise, though it exhibited some body roll and limited grip. The suspension effectively absorbed bumps, ensuring a comfortable ride, while active noise cancellation enhanced refinement.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, on the other hand, offered a range of powertrain options. The XLE FWD model featured a single electric motor with a 57.7-kWh battery, delivering 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor AWD models produced 338 hp, with varying ranges depending on the trim. The bZ's regenerative braking system allowed for efficient energy use, though it lacked one-pedal driving capability. While the bZ excelled as a comfortable and quiet cruiser, its handling on winding roads was less impressive due to the tires and steering response.

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax offered competitive interior space for a small crossover. It provided ample headroom and rear-seat legroom, surpassing some rivals like the Hyundai Venue and Nissan Kicks. With 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 54.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, the Trax offered practical utility. The tall seating position facilitated easy ingress and egress, while forward visibility was commendable. However, the rear view was somewhat limited, compensated by large exterior mirrors. The interior featured practical storage solutions, though the wireless device charger struggled to hold phones securely.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota bZ, built on an EV platform, offered easy access with its 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The front seats provided standard height adjustment, enhancing comfort. The bZ's interior featured thoughtful storage solutions, including a large bin under the center armrest and dual wireless smartphone chargers. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom, though foot space was limited. The bZ offered 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space, with additional underfloor storage. However, the rakish rear window design limited maximum cargo capacity. Overall, the bZ prioritized comfort and practicality.

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a four-speaker audio system as standard. Higher trims featured an 11-inch touchscreen, an all-digital 8-inch instrument cluster, and a six-speaker sound system. The digital cluster provided clear information, while the touchscreen had a user-friendly layout. However, the angled screen made it challenging for the front passenger to use, and the volume knob was awkwardly placed.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the driver display's placement posed challenges, the infotainment system was generally easy to use. However, it lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display, and daytime mode's low-contrast colors made it hard to read. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with various connected service plans. The voice assistant performed well, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax offered standard driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and forward collision warning. Higher trims had additional options like adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring. However, full safety ratings were not available, and the Trax received low marks from the IIHS for its headlights and front-crash prevention tech.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs for added safety. The bZ also featured blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the IIHS ratings for the bZ's front-crash avoidance tech were high, but its headlights received a Poor rating, and frontal-impact crash-tests earned Acceptable ratings.