Chevrolet Trax takes on the Honda HR-V

When the Trax was redesigned for 2024, it was about as thorough a redesign as one can imagine. Besides still being among the two smallest of Chevrolet’s crossovers, the entire character of the vehicle has changed. The 2nd-generation Trax is stylish both outside and inside. It has a robust package of standard and available features and a surprising amount of interior space. It has not gone unnoticed, as McFarland Chevrolet is pleased to repeat that it earned Cars.com’s 2024 Best Car of the Year award. This far more desirable Trax prompted Edmunds.com to compare it with a leader in the segment, the Honda HR-V.

Long a sales leader for the category, the HR-V (Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle) was also recently designed for the 2023 model year. It, too, looks completely different from its predecessor. It asks for a starting price of $4,000 over that of the Trax, which is quite a difference in entry-level crossovers. Edmunds wanted to know if that or any price difference is warranted. 

Drivetrain

In its redesign, the HR-V’s engine grew from 1.5 to 2.0 liters. The normally aspirated (non-turbo or supercharged) inline-4 produces 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. Honda pairs this with a continuously variable transmission. The Trax engine is noticeably smaller, being a turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-3. Its 137 horsepower is less than that of the Honda, but it trounces the Honda with 162 lb-ft of torque. That torque peak also hits at 2,500 rpm compared to 4,200 for the Honda, making it more accessible in everyday driving. Determining that rpm is a conventional 6-speed automatic. The power combination worked to Trax’s advantage during Edmunds’ testing, where it had a 0 to 60 mph time of 9.1 seconds compared to over 10 seconds for the HR-V.

A significant change to the Trax in its redesign is that it now has front-wheel drive only, while the HR-V has standard front-wheel drive (FWD) with all-wheel drive as an option for all grades. This is not a snow-heavy area, but those who want AWD can look to the similarly sized Trailblazer as an alternative. The FWD HR-V and Trax both get an EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway, but the Trax beats the Honda in city driving with 28 to the Honda’s 26, which results in a higher combined figure of 30 to the Honda’s 28. 

Ride and Handling

Edmunds found both models to handle similarly. They changed direction quickly and predictably and smoothed out bumps adequately. The Honda was quieter regarding wind and road noise, but the Trax had notably more comfortable seats. The trade-off works in the Trax’s favor: You can easily turn up the audio system volume, but you can’t effectively improve seat comfort.

Cabin and Cargo Space

With almost two more inches of wheelbase, the Trax can give rear passengers an inch more rear legroom. The front headroom and legroom are nearly identical. Shoulder room is a trade-off, with the Trax providing an additional inch in the front while the HR-V provides more width for the 2nd row. A similar trade-off occurs with cargo space, with the Trax having a class-leading 25.6 cubic feet behind the 2nd-row seat compared to 24.4 for the HR-V. When the 2nd-row seat is folded down, the Trax offers 54.1 cubic feet to the 55.1 in the HR-V. Those familiar with the previous Trax will be happy to hear that the rear seat cushions no longer need to be folded forward to lower the seat backs fully. They can now just fold down in a single motion.

Features

Both models are described as having class-leading interior features, some of which are not expected in this category. The Trax has touchscreens starting at 8 inches, with an 11 inches upgrade on higher models. The HR-V’s screens are smaller, starting with a 7-inch screen with a 9-inch screen on higher grades. A big plus for the Trax is the convenience of standard wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, eliminating the need to connect and disconnect your phone whenever you get in and out. You have to opt for the top HR-V grade to get wireless connectivity. 

Conclusion

Edmund.com sums up their comparison this way: “The Chevy Trax is a compelling small crossover that goes big on interior quality, space, and value. Honda’s HR-V does little wrong, but it’s been upstaged in this contest. The Trax is the better buy.” So, if you are in the market for a small, versatile SUV with some style inside and out, Edmunds has already done the legwork for you. Come to McFarland Chevrolet and look among the Trax models we have in our inventory. See how sporty style, efficiency, and a surprising degree of room can work for you.