2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid

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 Trax offered various trim levels, including the Activ and RS, each with unique styling cues. Inside, the Trax featured a mix of cloth and Evotex upholstery, with higher trims offering sportier or more rugged aesthetics. The interior design was functional, with a freestanding touchscreen and a slim dashboard design, although some materials, like piano-black plastic, were prone to smudging.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a luxury SUV with a price tag nearing $90,000. While it boasted exclusive features like an Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers, its overall appearance was somewhat unremarkable. The RX lineup included three hybrid models: the RX 350h, RX 450h+, and RX 500h, each offering different power outputs and fuel efficiency. The RX 350h was the most efficient, while the RX 500h delivered the most power. The RX Hybrid models came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada and a range of packages to enhance luxury and performance. Inside, the RX offered a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting, although some ergonomic issues with controls were noted. The RX avoided the trend of a single curved display, opting for a more traditional layout.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax featured a single engine option, a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. While this was a reduction from the previous model's 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the new Trax managed to outperform its predecessor in acceleration, reaching 100 km/h about a second faster. The engine's flat torque curve provided strong response, making highway overtakes smooth and minimizing turbo lag. The Trax retained its six-speed automatic transmission and was available only with front-wheel drive, differentiating it from the all-wheel-drive Trailblazer. The Trax's handling was tuned to be more car-like, with a wider track for a planted feel, although it still exhibited some body roll. Active noise cancellation improved cabin refinement, though ride quality was slightly rough.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance characteristics. The RX 350h, with 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque, prioritized efficiency. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 304 horsepower and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, produced 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. While the RX 500h offered impressive straight-line acceleration, its fuel efficiency was lower than expected, averaging 13.5 L/100 km. The adaptive damping suspension provided a firm ride, and the RX 500h excelled on twisty roads, though it lacked communication between the driver and the road.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax, despite its larger exterior dimensions, did not uniformly translate to increased interior space. It offered 7.6 cm more rear-seat legroom, with slight increases in front-seat legroom. However, first-row headroom remained unchanged, and second-row headroom decreased by 1.7 cm. Shoulder room also decreased, resulting in a snugger interior. The Trax's passenger 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, with low window sills for excellent visibility. Cargo space increased by 12%, providing 725 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,532 litres with them folded.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats, while heated and ventilated, felt snug due to enhanced bolstering, and the bottom cushions were uncomfortable on long drives. The rear seats, with optional power-reclining, heating, and ventilation, were comfortable and spacious. The RX offered ample interior storage, though the rear centre armrest lacked lining. The RX Hybrid provided 838 litres of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding down the second row increased cargo volume to 1,308 litres, which was modest for a midsize SUV.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax saw significant upgrades in infotainment technology. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen on LS and 1RS trims, while LT, 2RS, and Activ models received an 11-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless phone charging, were available for the first time. The Trax's infotainment system was user-friendly, with crisp graphics and a logical menu layout. However, the screen's tilt towards the driver made it less accessible for passengers. The Trax offered standard USB ports and optional wireless phone charging, though the charging pad's shape and angle were not ideal for all phones.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid met luxury expectations with high-tech features. The RX 500h F Sport Black Line included digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a cloud-based navigation system. The RX 500h offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, though steering wheel controls were distracting. The head-up display was helpful but not as comprehensive as some rivals. The RX Hybrid's technology worked well, though occasional glitches were noted.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax's crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of publication. However, it offered a decent array of driver-assist features, including 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 came with the Teen Driver system, which activated safety features and monitored driving behaviour.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, a connected service plan offering automatic collision notification, an SOS emergency assistance button, and roadside assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) was standard, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX Hybrid also had blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) monitored forward progress and used braking or steering input to maintain safe distances. The RX earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it poorly in a frontal-impact test.