Nissan Rogue vs Chevrolet Trax

The 2025 Nissan Rogue was available in five trims, with the SV trim being particularly popular due to its balance of price and features. Priced at $30,930, it included amenities like an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, Wi-Fi hotspot, and adaptive cruise control. The Platinum trim, which we tested, offered a luxurious experience with semi-aniline leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in was a standout feature, providing seamless navigation during our drive in Tennessee. The Rogue's design, especially with the optional two-tone color combo, gave it a sporty and aggressive look, complemented by 19-inch alloy wheels. Additional packages like the Tech Package and Platinum Premium Package added advanced features such as ProPilot Assist 2.1 and a head-up display, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax, redesigned to appeal to those missing the Cruze or Sonic, offered a blend of car-like proportions and SUV styling. Its Blazer-like headlights and wide grille gave it a distinctive look, while the chunky wheel arches and sleek side profile added to its appeal. The Trax lineup included LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, and Activ trims, each with unique wheel designs and styling elements. Inside, the Trax featured a basic yet thoughtfully designed interior, with large air vents and a Corvette-like instrument cluster. Our LT test car's gray and blue accents added a touch of flair to the otherwise black interior. Despite its entry-level positioning, the Trax offered competitive interior space and a comfortable ride, making it a practical choice for those seeking a small crossover with personality.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue was powered by a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, which provided adequate performance for everyday driving. While it lacked the punch of a four-cylinder engine, the Rogue's drivetrain, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), delivered smooth acceleration and commendable fuel efficiency. The CVT, a result of Nissan's extensive experience, operated quietly and efficiently, enhancing the driving experience. The Rogue's steering was light and accurate, though not particularly sporty, and the braking system offered smooth and reliable performance.

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax featured 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, provided a lively driving experience with minimal turbo lag. The Trax's conventional automatic transmission contributed to its responsive performance, making it feel more engaging than vehicles with CVTs. While not designed for performance, the Trax handled twisty roads with poise, offering a stable and car-like ride. The suspension effectively absorbed bumps, and active noise cancellation improved cabin refinement, though some tire and engine noise persisted.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue's interior was a testament to Nissan's focus on quality and comfort. The Platinum model's quilted leather seating and upscale trim elevated the cabin's ambiance, while practical controls for HVAC and heated seats ensured ease of use. The Rogue offered 38.5 inches of rear legroom, competitive among compact SUVs, and 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. The Divide-and-Hide storage system added versatility to the cargo area, and creative storage solutions throughout the cabin enhanced practicality.

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax provided competitive interior space, with rear-seat passengers benefiting from an additional 2.2 inches of legroom compared to some rivals. The Trax offered 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, comparable to a Honda Civic hatchback. The tall seating position facilitated easy ingress and egress, while large exterior mirrors compensated for limited rear visibility. Although the front seats were positioned inboard, limiting center console storage, the Trax featured large door pockets and adequate cup holders for convenience.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue's entry-level trims featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wired smartphone connectivity, while upper trims boasted a 12.3-inch screen with wireless capabilities. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response times and crisp graphics. Google navigation proved invaluable during our drive, and the ProPilot system offered seamless hands-free operation on highways. A wireless charging pad kept devices secure and charged during spirited driving.

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone connectivity, while higher trims featured an 11-inch touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. The LT model's digital cluster was easy to read, and the touchscreen's layout was intuitive. However, the screen's driver-oriented angle made it less accessible for passengers. Despite this, the Trax's infotainment system was generally user-friendly, with an analog volume knob providing a tactile control option.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, with the 2024 model earning "Good" ratings in most IIHS categories. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Optional features like ProPilot Assist and a surround-view camera system enhanced safety further.

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax offered standard driver-assist features such as automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring. The Trax's Teen Driver monitoring system provided additional safety for young drivers. However, the Trax received a "Poor" rating in the IIHS moderate overlap front crash test, raising concerns about its overall safety performance.