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Toyota rav4 vs. chevy trax: comparing fuel economy, safety, and technology

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • If you’re looking for a compact SUV with a powerful engine, excellent fuel efficiency, and a spacious interior, the Toyota RAV4 is a great choice.
  • If you’re looking for a compact SUV with a lower price point and more cargo space, the Chevy Trax is a solid option.
  • The Toyota RAV4 hybrid has a better fuel economy than the Chevy Trax, with an EPA-estimated 41 mpg combined compared to the Trax’s 26 mpg combined.

When it comes to compact SUVs, two of the most popular choices are the Toyota RAV4 and the Chevy Trax. Both offer a combination of versatility, efficiency, and style, making them ideal for a wide range of drivers. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Toyota RAV4 and Chevy Trax to help you make an informed decision.

Engine and Performance

The Toyota RAV4 offers a variety of engine options, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter hybrid engine with 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. The Chevy Trax comes standard with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.

While the Chevy Trax’s engine produces slightly less horsepower, its turbocharger provides ample torque for everyday driving. However, the Toyota RAV4’s hybrid engine offers superior fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 41 mpg combined compared to the Trax’s 26 mpg combined.

Interior and Cargo Space

Inside, both the Toyota RAV4 and Chevy Trax offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The RAV4 has a slightly larger cabin, with 105.9 cubic feet of passenger space compared to the Trax’s 98.2 cubic feet. However, the Trax offers more cargo space, with 48.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats compared to the RAV4’s 37.6 cubic feet.

Features and Technology

The Toyota RAV4 and Chevy Trax both come well-equipped with a range of features and technologies. The RAV4 offers a variety of standard features, including a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. The Trax also offers a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of safety features.

However, the RAV4 offers more advanced features as options, such as a 9-inch touchscreen display, a JBL premium audio system, and a head-up display.

Safety

Both the Toyota RAV4 and Chevy Trax have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The RAV4 has earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS. The Trax has earned a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS.

Price and Value

The Toyota RAV4 has a starting price of $27,575, while the Chevy Trax has a starting price of $21,400. However, the RAV4 offers more standard features and a more powerful engine. When comparing similarly equipped models, the RAV4 is typically priced slightly higher than the Trax.

Which One is Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision between the Toyota RAV4 and Chevy Trax depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a compact SUV with a powerful engine, excellent fuel efficiency, and a spacious interior, the Toyota RAV4 is a great choice. If you’re looking for a compact SUV with a lower price point and more cargo space, the Chevy Trax is a solid option.

Final Thoughts

Both the Toyota RAV4 and Chevy Trax are excellent compact SUVs that offer a variety of features and capabilities. The RAV4 is a well-rounded vehicle with a strong engine, impressive fuel economy, and a spacious interior. The Trax is a value-oriented SUV with a lower price point and more cargo space. By carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can choose the compact SUV that best suits your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy?
A: The Toyota RAV4 hybrid has a better fuel economy than the Chevy Trax, with an EPA-estimated 41 mpg combined compared to the Trax’s 26 mpg combined.

Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The Chevy Trax has more cargo space than the Toyota RAV4, with 48.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats compared to the RAV4’s 37.6 cubic feet.

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Toyota RAV4 has a more powerful engine than the Chevy Trax, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower compared to the Trax’s 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower.

Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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