2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

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 entry-level, incorporated clever design features like a freestanding touchscreen and large air vents, adding a touch of sophistication.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE retained its unique identity within the Mercedes lineup, with a design that balanced visual bulk and a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors. The GLE's styling, while not the most striking, adhered to the brand's design language, ensuring it was unmistakably a Mercedes. Inside, the GLE offered a luxurious experience with a variety of interior colour options, including the exclusive Yacht Blue. The cabin featured upscale elements like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and ambient lighting, creating an environment that felt both premium and inviting.

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 turbo-four, the new engine delivered 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 stable feel. Despite limited grip and noticeable body roll, the Trax offered nimble handling reminiscent of small hatchbacks. The six-speed automatic transmission carried over, and the Trax was available only with front-wheel drive, differentiating it from the all-wheel-drive Trailblazer.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with 375 horsepower, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ delivered 429 horsepower, while the AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ boasted a 603-horsepower twin-turbo V8. Despite impressive power, the GLE's size made it feel less nimble, even with AMG enhancements. The GLE excelled in refinement, but maneuvering in tight spaces was challenging.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered increased rear-seat legroom by 7.6 cm, with slight improvements in front-seat legroom. However, headroom remained unchanged in the front and decreased by 1.7 cm in the rear. The Trax's interior space was comparable to rivals like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue, with the Trax providing the most rear legroom. Cargo space increased by 12% to 725 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,532 litres with them folded, offering more room than the Venue.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row and three-row configurations, though third-row space specs were not provided. The GLE offered competitive headroom and slightly more second-row legroom than rivals like the BMW X5. Cargo space behind the second row was 894 litres, with a maximum of 1,790 litres when all seats were folded. The GLE's towing capacity reached 3,500 kilograms, matching the Audi Q7 and surpassing some competitors.

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 multiple USB ports for connectivity.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, creating a seamless display. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with built-in navigation. The interface could be accessed through various methods, including a touchpad, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. AMG models offered additional drive modes and settings, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered a range of driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Trax also featured the Teen Driver system, promoting safe driving habits for young drivers. Crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE came equipped with numerous standard safety features, such as forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and the Pre-Safe system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings. NHTSA ratings were not available for the 2025 model year.