2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2024 Kia Sorento

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.

On the small end of the midsize SUV spectrum, the Sorento is a classic in-betweener. It’s big enough to get a standard third row and has more room than compact crossovers like the Toyota RAV4, but it’s smaller and cheaper than most three-row midsizes, including Kia’s Telluride and the Ford Explorer. Gas-powered 2024 Sorentos get a visual glow-up as well as major infotainment and safety system updates, and a new X-Pro trim. Hybrid and PHEV Sorentos, which we review separately, won’t get these changes until 2025.

Verdict: The 2024 Kia Sorento’s new looks make it seem bigger and fancier, and the X-Pro adds capability. There are more safety features and the Sorento’s tech is even easier to use. Demerits remain, namely the diminutive third row and pricey top trims, but the 2024 Sorento has lots to offer family buyers.