2026 Chevrolet Trax vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas

The Trax is the cheapest new car Chevrolet sells in Canada. It takes the place of compact sedans and hatchbacks in the Bowtie brand’s lineup while competing with entry-level crossover SUVs such as the Hyundai Venue and the Nissan Kicks Play. The current Trax was introduced for the 2024 model year, and for 2026 the only changes are two new exterior colour options. White Sands is available with Activ and RS models, while Apex Red is available with RS and LT models.

Verdict: Blending elements of compact cars and crossover SUVs, the Trax hits a sweet spot of utility and affordability. It’s also pleasant to drive and offers impressive infotainment tech, but a lack of solid safety ratings and all-wheel drive are the trade-offs.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas continues as VW’s North American-market three-row SUV (a two-row Atlas Cross Sport is also available, but we’ll cover that separately), and it’s largely unchanged from its substantial 2024 refresh. What remains, however, is a vehicle that impresses with its upscale appearance and genuinely spacious interior. A stiff ride and poorly executed technology will fight and frustrate you every step of the way, but the Atlas will nonetheless make you look good.

Verdict: The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas delivers on its core promise of style and space at a non-luxury price point. If you can tolerate its sub-par ride quality and maddening infotainment system—or if you simply plan to rely on Apple CarPlay and ignore the native tech—this handsome three-row SUV offers compelling value for shoppers prioritizing looks and space.