2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax underwent a significant transformation, shedding its previous image to emerge as a more stylish and modern vehicle. The design team embraced a "longer, lower, wider" philosophy, resulting in a vehicle that was 28 centimetres longer, 10 centimetres lower, and 5 centimetres wider than its predecessor. This redesign borrowed elements from the midsize Chevy Blazer, such as a prominent grille and distinctive body lines, giving the Trax a commanding presence despite its compact size. The base Trax LS featured 17-inch steel wheels, while higher trims offered 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum options. The interior, though primarily plastic, incorporated clever design elements like a freestanding touchscreen and large air vents, adding a touch of sophistication to the entry-level model.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. The TX boasted upscale aesthetics, with our test model featuring striking 22-inch wheels that enhanced its appearance. The styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a subtler design. The TX was available in various trims, including the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486. The TX 350, likely the most popular variant, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The interior featured premium materials, though the dark colour scheme could feel a bit too sombre, even with the panoramic sunroof.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax featured a new 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. While these figures were slightly lower than the previous model's 1.4-litre engine, the new Trax was estimated to reach 100 km/h about a second faster. The engine's flat torque curve provided strong acceleration from a stop and made highway overtakes smooth. The six-speed automatic transmission carried over, and the Trax was available only with front-wheel drive. The handling was tuned to be more car-like, offering a planted feel and nimble handling, although it still exhibited some body roll. Active noise cancellation improved cabin refinement, though ride quality was slightly rough.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The suspension provided a comfortable ride with commendable body motion control, and the steering was accurate. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt soft. Overall, the TX 350's performance was adequate for typical driving situations.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered increased rear-seat legroom by 7.6 cm, with a slight increase in front-seat legroom. However, first-row headroom remained unchanged, and second-row headroom decreased by 1.7 cm. The Trax's interior space was comparable to rivals like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue, with the Trax offering the most rear legroom. The driving position was more car-like, providing excellent outward visibility. Cargo space increased by about 12%, offering 725 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,532 litres with them folded.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX provided a comfortable third-row seat suitable for adults, unlike the RX L. The interior featured premium materials, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The second-row seat was less welcoming due to its flat lower cushion, but it offered triple-zone climate control and USB charging ports for all rows. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded and 2,746 litres with the second row down.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax saw significant infotainment upgrades, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and an 11-inch touchscreen with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless phone charging, were available for the first time. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with crisp graphics and a logical menu layout. The Trax also featured USB ports for front and rear passengers, though wireless charging was optional.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a Drive Connect subscription offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also provided free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, along with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system in the Executive package. However, the head-up display's unmarked steering wheel controls and visibility issues with polarized sunglasses were drawbacks.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax's crash-test ratings were unavailable, but it offered a range of driver-assist features. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic high beams, and a following distance indicator. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Trax also featured the Teen Driver system, which monitored driving behaviour and provided a report card to parents.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist was also part of the system, providing braking and steering assistance. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The Executive packages offered front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and traffic jam assist.