Nissan Rogue vs Chevrolet Trax

The 2025 Nissan Rogue, available in Canada with six trims, offered a blend of style and functionality. The SV trim, priced at $40,685, was popular for its balance of affordability and features, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. All models came standard with all-wheel drive, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Platinum trim, which we tested, boasted luxurious touches like semi-aniline leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in capability was a highlight, providing seamless navigation and connectivity. The Rogue's design, with its blocky shape, large grille, and thin headlights, gave it a bold presence, complemented by 19-inch alloy wheels.

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax, redesigned with car-like proportions, aimed to fill the gap left by discontinued models like the Cruze and Sonic. Its Blazer-like headlights and wide grille gave it a distinctive look, while the chunky wheel arches and sleek side profile added to its appeal. The Trax lineup in Canada included the 1RS, LT, 2RS, and Activ trims, with wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inches. The Activ model featured black-painted wheels and unique bumpers. Inside, the Trax offered a basic yet thoughtfully designed cabin, with large air vents and a Corvette-like instrument cluster. The LT trim we tested had grey door panels and blue accents, adding a touch of flair to the otherwise black interior. Despite its entry-level status, the Trax provided a comfortable and practical driving experience.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue was powered by a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. While the engine provided adequate power for everyday driving, it lacked the punch for more spirited acceleration. The CVT was smooth and unobtrusive, contributing to a refined driving experience without excessive engine noise. The Rogue's steering was light and accurate, though not particularly engaging, and the braking system offered smooth and predictable performance.

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax featured a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. It was equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with no all-wheel drive option available. Despite its modest power output, the Trax delivered confident acceleration and maintained its composure at higher speeds. The conventional automatic transmission provided a more direct connection between the engine and wheels compared to a CVT. The Trax handled twisty roads with stability, though body roll and limited grip were noticeable. The suspension offered a comfortable ride, and active noise cancellation helped reduce cabin noise.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue's interior was well-appointed, with quilted leather seating and a user-friendly layout. The steering wheel was chunky and slightly flat-bottomed, and essential controls were easily accessible. Rear legroom measured 978 millimetres, and the cargo area offered 1,028 litres of space, with a versatile Divide-and-Hide storage system. The cabin featured creative storage solutions, including a compartment beneath the centre console.

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax provided competitive interior space, with ample headroom and rear legroom. It offered 725 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,532 litres with the seats folded. The tall seating position facilitated easy entry and exit, and forward visibility was excellent. The Trax's interior featured large door pockets and adequate cup holders, though the wireless device charger struggled to hold phones securely. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors were standard from the 1RS trim.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue's lower trims featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, while upper trims like the Platinum offered a 12.3-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was intuitive, with quick response times and crisp graphics. Google navigation was particularly useful, and the ProPilot system allowed for hands-free highway driving. A wireless charging pad was conveniently located at the base of the centre console.

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone connectivity on the 1RS trim. Higher trims, including the LT, featured an 11-inch touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system had a sensible layout, though the touchscreen was angled towards the driver, making it less accessible for the front passenger. The volume knob was a welcome addition, despite being somewhat hard to reach.

The 2025 Nissan Rogue received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in the side impact test. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Optional features included a head-up display and ProPilot Assist.

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assist features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist. The Teen Driver monitoring system was a notable addition for parents. However, the Trax received a "Poor" rating in the IIHS moderate overlap front crash test, with limited safety ratings available at the time.