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2025 Nissan Sentra ReviewHead-to-Head: Chevrolet Trax vs Chevrolet Equinox
We’re comparing the Trax vs Equinox to see how these two Chevrolet crossover siblings stack up so you can choose the right one for you.Introduction
If you’re in the market for a small crossover and have been looking at Chevrolet’s lineup, you might notice the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2024 Chevrolet Trax seem fairly similar. This might lead you to wonder what are the differences and why would you choose one over the other. Fortunately, you’re in luck. We’re going to take a detailed look at both of these crossovers and see how they stack up. Then we’re going to let you know which one we would choose.
The Chevrolet Equinox has been on sale for a while; its last refresh debuting for the 2022 model year. The Chevrolet Trax, on the other hand, is all new for 2024. Compared to the previous generation Trax, the new one is larger and features a much sleeker design. Both crossovers are designed to appeal to a similar customer, but there are differences that might sway you one direction or the other based on your needs. Both offer attractive designs, lots of tech and amenities, plus advanced safety features.
Specs
Let’s start with a look at the Equinox. All Equinox models come equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. The engine is connected to a smooth shifting six-speed automatic transmission. All Equinox models also benefit from all-wheel drive to help maximize traction in slippery conditions. The Equinox achieves 24 mpg in the city, up to 30 mpg on the highway, with a combined rating of 26 mpg. If you want to read a full review of the Equinox, you can learn more here.
The Trax is Chevrolet’s most affordable vehicle, but still offers everything you need. The engine in all Trax models is a 1.2-liter Ecotec three-cylinder engine that spins out a decent 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Like the Equinox, the Trax also gets a six-speed automatic transmission. Power is routed to only the front wheels; a key differentiator between the two crossovers. The smaller engine comes with an efficiency benefit, with the Trax seeing 28 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and a combined rating of 30 mpg. For a full review of the Trax, check out our review here.
Driving and Performance
When it’s time to hit the road, you’ll find both vehicles satisfy, if not excite. You might expect the more powerful Equinox to have a performance advantage, but that might not be the case. Chevrolet has not released the official curb weight for the Trax yet, but the Equinox has a curb weight of roughly 3,500 pounds and some resources suggest the Trax will come in a few hundred pounds lighter. This translates into a slightly more agile feel for the Trax, plus a slight acceleration advantage to 60 miles per hour. Both crossovers have a comfortable ride and offer responsive handling. Neither machine is really meant for towing, but the Equinox is at least rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds compared to the Trax’s virtually non-existent tow rating. The other consideration is all-wheel drive. The Trax is offered with front-wheel drive only while the Equinox gets all-wheel drive. If you live in an area that experiences lots of snow, having the extra traction might make a real difference. But, for the majority of the time, most drivers won’t miss the all-wheel drive.
Comfort and Interior
The interior space is where you might notice a bit of a difference between the Equinox and the Trax. The larger Equinox offers up just a bit more space in most dimensions. Front headroom is 40 inches in the Equinox compared to 39.6 in the Trax. Rear seat headroom in the Equinox is 38.5 inches compared to 38.10 inches in the Trax. The Trax actually offers a little extra legroom in the front with a total of 41.9 inches while the Equinox offers 40.9 inches. The Equinox regains the legroom advantage for rear passengers where you’ll find 39.9 inches versus 38.7 inches in the Trax. The Equinox also offers up more cargo space with 29.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 63.9 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Trax still offers a generous 25.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Technology is plentiful in both crossovers, but you’ll notice the Equinox feels a bit older than the all-new Trax. The Equinox gets a 7-inch or an optional 8-inch touchscreen display that provides all the features you would expect, including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. All of the climate controls are set with easy to use, physical buttons. Seats are trimmed in either cloth or leather, depending on trim. The Equinox also offers some impressive luxury features like available heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and even ventilated front seats. You can even get heated outboard rear seats on the Premier trim.
The 2024 Trax is obviously a newer vehicle when it comes to the technology. Rather than analog gauges with a small digital display like the Equinox, the Trax is available with a fully digital 8-inch driver information center. This is flanked by an optional 11-inch touchscreen display that looks more modern than the Equinox’s system. The Trax gets standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical buttons and knobs adjust the Trax’s climate control. The seats are wrapped in either cloth or Chevy’s Evotex synthetic leather.
Trims and Features
The Equinox trims start with the base LS. This gets you the turbocharged engine, automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. You also get features like automatic emergency braking, LED headlights, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The next trim up is the LT trim when gets LED daytime running lights, power driver seat, and a multi-color driver information center display. The RS trim is the next level up and it gets a sportier flair with a mesh grille, black alloy wheels, black trim, plus some additional luxuries like a power liftgate and LED taillights. The Premier trims sits at the top and comes standard with niceties like heated front seats with available ventilation, standard heated steering wheel, available heated outboard rear seats, and a hands-free power liftgate.
The Trax trims also start with a base LS trim. This comes with the 1.2-liter turbocharged engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 17-inch alloy wheels, and active noise cancellation also come standard. The next step up is the 1RS trim which looks sportier with black trim, 18-inch machined two-tone alloy wheels, and red interior accents. The 1RS also comes with standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Step up to the LT trim and you get 17-inch machined two-tone alloy wheels, automatic climate controls, a remote start, plus the 11-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The 2RS trim gives you the same sporty looks as the 1RS, but also gets larger 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, and Evotex trimmed seats. At the top of the range is the ACTIV trim which gets a unique grille and bumper design, 18-inch aluminum wheels, eight-way power adjustable driver seat, and a wrapped steering wheel.
Verdict
It’s never easy to choose between siblings, and the Trax vs Equinox comparison is the perfect example. Both offer lots of value, plenty of technology and luxury, and a useful amount of space for a small family. A fully redesigned Equinox is on the way for the 2025 model year which may change the outcome, but for the 2024 model year, it seems like the Trax is the obvious choice. It has a sleeker, more modern exterior design matched with a more up-to-date interior and infotainment. Yes, it is marginally smaller inside, but it’s still plenty spacious. To top it all off, the top ACTIV trim starts for less than the base LS trim Equinox which means you’re saving money at the time of purchase, plus benefitting from the Trax’s superior efficiency. Unless all-wheel drive is a nonnegotiable, the Trax is the way to go.
