2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

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, which added rugged and sporty styling cues, respectively. Inside, the Trax featured a mix of cloth and Evotex upholstery, with higher trims offering unique design elements like yellow contrast stitching and piano-black plastic accents.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded luxury with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal created an interplay of light and shadow, contributing to its athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly designed with Nappa leather, polished metallic trim, and clearly marked switchgear. However, some ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls, detracted from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 maintained a sophisticated look and feel, setting it apart from other midsize three-row SUVs.

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 lower than 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 worry-free. 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, offering a planted feel and nimble handling, although it still exhibited limited grip and body roll typical of an econobox.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain options, including the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, high-output 3.3 Turbo, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The standard-output engine delivered 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the high-output version produced 319 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The CX-90 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with various driving modes to enhance performance. Despite its impressive ride and handling, the CX-90's drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour, especially when cold. The vehicle also suffered from noise and impact harshness, detracting from its upscale impression. However, the CX-90's taut suspension provided a dynamic driving experience, particularly in Normal mode.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered increased rear-seat legroom, with a slight improvement 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 its rivals, with the most rear legroom among the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue. The Trax's car-like driving position and low window sills provided excellent visibility, although SUV enthusiasts might miss the elevated seating. Cargo space increased by 12%, offering 725 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,532 litres with them folded, surpassing the Venue but only slightly better than the Kicks.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Signature trim. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating with height-adjustable armrests and window shades. The CX-90's third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults on longer trips. Cargo space behind the third row measured 451 litres, increasing to 1,155 litres with the third row folded and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened. Despite its stylish design, the CX-90 lacked practical storage solutions, with limited space on and under the centre console.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax saw significant infotainment upgrades, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on LS and 1RS trims, and an 11-inch touchscreen with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and phone charging were available for the first time, along with Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity. 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 optional digital instrument cluster provided a modern design, and information could be transferred from the main touchscreen. USB ports were standard, with additional ports and wireless charging available on higher trims.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Signature trim. While the infotainment screen was touch-sensitive for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the native Mazda Connect platform required using a centre console knob and buttons. The voice recognition system was subpar, but Mazda planned to introduce a new Google built-in infotainment system in future models. The CX-90's 12-speaker Bose audio system provided a rewarding listening experience, and the Active Driving Display offered helpful data. However, the lack of a conversational digital voice assistant and the cumbersome infotainment controls detracted from the overall experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax's crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of publication. However, the Trax 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 standard with the Teen Driver system, which activated certain safety features, monitored driving behaviour, and provided a "report card" to parents.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of only four midsize, three-row, gas-powered SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The CX-90 PHEV earned five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, while gas-only models received four-star ratings in frontal-impact testing. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, safe exit warning, front cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids generally met expectations, although some features, like the speed reduction in curves, could be irritating.