2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

The Trax was launched for the 2015 model year as a no-frills subcompact crossover, designed to serve as basic transportation at an affordable cost. However, the Trax moldered in showrooms without any significant updates until the 2022 model year—when it was discontinued altogether.

But now the Trax is back in totally revamped, second-generation form. It's as big of a reimagining as you'll likely ever see in a car like this. The new Trax is bigger than before, more effort has been put into its styling, and Chevy has added the tech features that have become the norm since the original Trax was launched. Still the entry-level model in Chevy's lineup, the Trax sits below the Chevy Trailblazer, and takes aim at the Hyundai Venue, Kia Soul, and Nissan Kicks, but it was also designed to retain owners of discontinued small cars like the Chevy Cruze, Sonic, and Spark, bridging the gap between car and crossover.

The redesigned 2024 Trax launches in LS, 1RS, LT, the sporty 2RS, and Activ trim levels. We sampled 2RS and Activ Trax models during our first drive on roads around Asheville, North Carolina.

A small multi-purpose vehicle that Hyundai sells as a crossover SUV, the 2024 Venue has a base price of $23,581 in Canada, including the destination charge. Three versions are available, each equipped with a 121-horsepower four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. It holds four adults (five if you squeeze) and can carry up to 528 litres of cargo. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the Venue includes important safety features. You can expect 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving.

Verdict: Affordable to buy and own, the 2024 Hyundai Venue is a budget-friendly choice.