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There’s a fair amount of excitement for the 2024 Chevrolet Trax due to its redesign and lower price. However, in many regards, the vehicle fails to measure up to the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. This is true despite the similar price points and the other comparisons between the two small SUVs. Here are three reasons the 2024 Subaru is one of the best small SUVs and tops the 2024 Chevy Trax.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is a better small SUV because it doesn’t have a 3-cylinder

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is a contender for best small SUV
2024 Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek could be considered a better small SUV than the Chevy Trax because of its performance. According to Edmunds, the new Subaru Crosstrek has a standard 2.0-liter flat-four with a maximum output of 152 horsepower. Other trims of this compact SUV have a 2.5-liter that makes 182 horsepower. It uses a CVT and is all-wheel drive. This is similar to the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax is decently weaker by comparison, as it has an inline-three engine. The problem is that though the vehicle seats up to 5, performance will suffer as it’s not a very powerful engine. It’s a 1.2-liter turbocharged unit that makes 137 hp. Chevy’s 2024 Trax is front-wheel drive. The transmission is a six-speed automatic, which some will appreciate more than the CVT in the Subaru. 

Though less powerful, the 2024 Chevy Trax is faster than the Crosstrek. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a reported 8 seconds, whereas it takes the Crosstrek a second longer. However, the small Subaru SUV is a little more fuel efficient, which helps make it a contender for best small SUV.

The Crosstrek interior is best small SUV worthy

2024 Chevrolet Trax in red
2024 Chevrolet Trax | Chevrolet

The Subaru Crosstrek interior is also arguably more upscale for the price than the new Chevy Trax. Though redesigned, the inside of the Chevrolet SUV is simply a bit behind what Subaru has to offer. What the Crosstrek really gets right is comfortability, which is true for people in the front and the back. Though the inside of the Subaru is more exciting, the vehicle is still driver-focused and has an emphasis on storage. This interior is an improvement over the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek.

Regarding interior technology, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek comes out on top. Though the base trim only has a 7.0-inch infotainment screen, the higher trims have an 11.6-inch screen. Without being too much of a weird design, the interior technology is positioned perfectly to allow for quick and easy use. The Chevy has a standard 8.0-inch screen and an 11.0-inch unit. Despite the Crosstrek having better technology, both vehicles are contenders for best small SUV in this regard.

The Trax is less reliable

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is also predicted to be more reliable than other new vehicles. Of course, it’s early to say this, but Consumer Reports believes this is a result of past models. Unfortunately, CR believes the new Trax will be less reliable than other vehicles. Of course, Chevy made changes to the vehicle, so there is always the chance it could buck its past.

Regarding prices, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $24,995. The Chevy SUV starts at $21,495. It can easily be argued that this slight price difference doesn’t make up for the potential disadvantages of the Trax. Neither is a bad SUV, but the Subaru offers more value as it could be one of the contenders for best small SUV in its category.

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