2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet subtle design, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model featured a turbocharged engine and a luxurious interior with quilted leather and a panoramic moonroof. The exterior boasted chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels, giving it a commanding presence. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls difficult to use, and the electronic transmission switchgear was not intuitive. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MDX Type S was a fundamentally attractive luxury SUV, though it sometimes fell short of the high expectations set by its price.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax underwent a significant transformation, shedding its previous image for a more modern and stylish look. The new Trax was longer, lower, and wider, borrowing design cues from the midsize Chevy Blazer. It featured a gaping grille and a distinctive step between the rear body sides and windows, giving it a unique presence among small vehicles. The Trax offered various trims, including the Activ and RS, which added rugged and sporty styling elements. Inside, the Trax maintained a simple yet functional design, with a freestanding touchscreen and large air vents, making it a practical choice for an entry-level model.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed more, affecting its overall performance. The 10-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system aimed to enhance driving dynamics, but the vehicle struggled to deliver a cohesive performance. The MDX Type S offered various driving modes, including a Lift mode for increased ground clearance, but its fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The vehicle's handling was inconsistent, with issues like an indecisive transmission and poor brake pedal modulation detracting from the driving experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax, on the other hand, featured a smaller 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Despite the decrease in power compared to its predecessor, the new Trax felt responsive and capable, with minimal turbo lag. The six-speed automatic transmission carried over, and the Trax was available only with front-wheel drive. The vehicle's handling was more car-like, with a wider track providing a planted feel. While it wasn't a hot hatch, the Trax offered predictable and nimble handling, making it a fun and practical choice for everyday driving. The ride quality was slightly rough, but the Trax exceeded expectations in terms of refinement and noise cancellation.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and a flexible second-row configuration. The Type S Ultra trim featured luxurious amenities like 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and didn't provide the expected support for spirited driving. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, and the interior design prioritized style over storage space. The cargo area was generous, with 461 litres of space behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with the rear seats folded. The hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close function added convenience for loading and unloading cargo.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax, despite its larger size, offered mixed results in terms of interior space. It provided 7.6 cm more rear-seat legroom, but headroom decreased slightly. The Trax's seating was comfortable, and it offered a car-like driving position with excellent outward visibility. Cargo space increased by about 12%, with 725 litres available with the rear seats in place and 1,532 litres with them folded. While not class-leading, the Trax's cargo capacity was competitive, making it a practical choice for small families or individuals needing extra storage.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display. However, the infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen, which was less intuitive and took up valuable console space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, but the native voice recognition system was frustrating to use. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality, and the head-up display added convenience, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax saw significant tech upgrades, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and an 11-inch screen on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and phone charging were available for the first time. The Trax's infotainment system was user-friendly, with crisp graphics and a logical menu layout. The optional digital instrument cluster was easy to read, and information could be transferred from the main screen. The Trax also offered multiple USB ports for front and rear passengers, enhancing connectivity and convenience.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. It also included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received high safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. However, the vehicle experienced a concerning issue during testing when it mistook an overhead sign for an obstacle, highlighting potential flaws in its safety systems.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered a decent array of driver-assist features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear park assist. The Trax also featured the Teen Driver system, which monitored driving behaviour and provided a report card to parents. While crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication, the Trax's safety features were competitive for its class.