Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Chevrolet Trax

The Grand Wagoneer is a full-size SUV and shares its body-on-frame platform with the Ram 1500 pickup truck. It gets a refresh for 2026 that includes a new illuminated grille, more affordable pricing, and a simplified trim and naming structure. Even with the new lower starting price, the Grand Wagoneer is still packed with a lot of standard up-level features and has one of the best third-row seats in the segment.

Verdict: The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a super-sized SUV that needs plenty of space to maneuver. While it’s a bit out of place in a city, the Grand Wagoneer shines in the suburbs or on road trips, begging for a family to fill its comfortable seats. It offers generous seating for up to eight passengers with good shoulder room in the third row to fit three children or small adults comfortably and has competitive cargo space for a vehicle in this segment.

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.