2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

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 incorporated 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 Trax offered various trim levels, including the Activ and RS, each with unique styling cues, while the interior featured a mix of cloth and Evotex upholstery, with design elements that added a touch of sophistication to the entry-level model.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its visual identity from the previous year, yet still stood out in the crossover segment with its futuristic design. The Kona's exterior featured a flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars, lending it a modern appearance. The Kona's increased size, with a 15-centimetre length extension, contributed to a more assertive stance and improved interior space. The N Line trim added sporty design elements, while the Essential and Preferred trims offered a range of alloy wheel sizes. Inside, the Kona maintained a solid and airy feel, with a focus on practicality and comfort, including features like a relocated drive selector and ample in-car storage options.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax featured a new 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, replacing the previous 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Despite the reduction in power, the new engine offered improved acceleration, with Chevy estimating a quicker 0-100 km/h time by about a second. The Trax's handling was tuned for a more car-like experience, with a wider track providing a planted feel. The vehicle was available only with front-wheel drive, differentiating it from the all-wheel-drive Trailblazer. The Trax's ride quality was slightly firm, but it delivered above-average handling for its class.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two engine options for its gas-powered models. The Essential and Preferred trims featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission. The Kona N Line, on the other hand, boasted a more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available on the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line, enhancing traction and handling. The Kona's ride and handling prioritized competence, with AWD models benefiting from a multi-link rear suspension for a more refined driving experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered increased rear-seat legroom, with a 7.6 cm improvement, while front-seat legroom saw a slight increase. However, headroom in the second row decreased by 1.7 cm, and shoulder room was reduced, resulting in a snugger interior. The Trax provided 725 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,532 litres when folded, offering competitive storage capacity in its class. The driving position was more car-like, with low window sills providing excellent visibility.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its cargo capacity, offering 723 litres with the rear seats up and 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom measured 970 millimetres, providing adequate space for passengers. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The Kona's interior featured various storage compartments, enhancing practicality. Upholstery options ranged from cloth to leatherette and Alcantara, with heated front seats standard in Canada. Climate control options varied by trim, with dual-zone automatic climate control available on higher trims.

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

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The N Line trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing a cohesive and customizable display. Audiophiles could opt for the N Line with the Ultimate package for an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained up to date.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Trax also featured the Teen Driver system, which monitored driving behaviour and provided a report card to parents.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its comprehensive safety technology, offering standard features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning. Higher trims added advanced features like Highway Driving Assist and a Blind Spot View Monitor. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, reflecting its strong safety credentials.