Which 2024 Subcompact SUV Dominates the Road?: The Trax or the Outlander Sport
A battleground for automakers to prove their utility worth, the SUV market has been a place for some of America’s leading manufacturers to duke it out in hopes of seeing who takes the win as the best of the best. One of the most competitive segments as of late is the compact SUV segment, offering easy to maneuver, yet highly capable SUVs that seem to be the ideal mix of everything. There are plenty of options to consider within this segment, but we want to see who fairs well when it is the 2024 Chevy Trax vs 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Will the Mitsubishi take the win, or will the Chevy leave the Outlander in its Trax?
The Chevy Trax is back and ready for a win after taking the last year off. After its brief hiatus, the Trax is back bigger, bolder, and better than ever and looking to make waves. Introduced in 2015 to the states, but a few years prior, practically everywhere else, the Trax has been a success. However, decent wasn’t good enough, and after a complete overhaul, the Chevy is back and ready to be downright awesome.
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport was welcomed to the US a few years prior to the Trax, hitting our market in 2011. While its cargo space was on the smaller size, that didn’t stop people from enjoying its nimble handling and pint-sized maneuverability. Over the years, the Sport has grown a bit and is a direct competitor of the Trax. Unfortunately, with the Chevy’s latest makeover, it appears the Sport might be up against a foe it can’t beat.
A Performance Pro or a Performance Problem?
Compact SUVs are not known for having mind-blowing power, but they are still expected to have something working for them under the hood. When it comes to the Chevy Trax, that something is the EcoTec inline-three turbocharged engine. The EcoTec engine line is a work of art, producing power and efficiency no matter what platform it sits on. In terms of the Trax, the EcoTec pumps out 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque and is mated with a six-speed.
In comparison, the Outlander Sport offers two engine options. The first engine option is a four-cylinder that produces 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0-liter is mated with a CVT and comes standard on all trims except the SEL. The luxury style SEL is slapped with a larger 2.4-liter that produces 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque but is still mated with the CVT.
At first glance, one would assume that with two engine options and a power boost, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the clear winner of the power showdown. However, as nice as a bit more juice might be, it is the CVT that puts the Sport in second place here. CVTs, otherwise known as continuously variable transmissions, have their place but that place is not with anyone looking for an intuitive and connected driving experience.
It is nice that the Mitsubishi tries to amp up the power, but that isn’t quite enough to put it in the lead. Additionally, the EcoTec engine is a masterpiece that has been perfected over the years. Its unique and innovative design gives the Trax another point in the performance category. With front-wheel drive only, the Trax might not be ready to hit the off-road, but it will provide improved fuel efficiency for the win, making it the perfect subcompact SUV for city commuters.
The Sport offers available all-wheel drive, which admittedly is nice. However, with a fuel economy difference between the Trax and the Sport, the all-wheel drive might not be as important, depending on what kind of driver you are. All-wheel drive is nice for increasing traction and control when facing adverse road conditions, but unless you are venturing off the pavement, it shouldn’t matter all that much. If off-roading is the goal here, you might want to move along to something else.
Which One Gives You More Bang for Your Buck?
Other than performance and efficiency, most people are concerned about what amenities your future vehicle might offer and at what price. Many compact SUVs might not be the most aggressively quick, but that is usually because they choose to offer affordable refinement. Thankfully, both of these SUVs offer cost-conscious luxuries, with the Trax starting at $20,400 bucks while the Sport comes in a few grand over with a starting price of $23,695.[a]
The Chevy Trax does things right, with many standard enhancements across the board. All trims come packed with technology features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; you usually have to upgrade to a higher-end trim to enjoy this feature. Other tech standards like Wi-Fi hotspot capability will pretty much guarantee a fight-free drive.
Unfortunately, from a tech standpoint, the Sport takes a dive – not even offering wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as a standard across the board, let alone wireless. Beyond that, both trims require upgrading to one of the higher-end trims to gain amenities such as heated front seats or leather-wrapped steering wheels. Of course, the benefit of choosing a vehicle like the Trax or the Sport is that even higher-end trims come at a decent price, so you won’t have to leverage the house or dip into the kid’s college fund. This is where the Trax offers an edge over the Sport with a slightly more affordable lineup.
Which Cabin Is More Spacious?
In a defying feat of compact SUV greatness, the Chevy Trax returned for the new year with new dimensions for the win. Compacts aren’t known for being capacious, but to be fair, they are compact, after all. However, if done right, the compact can offer plenty of flexibility and adaptability to make up for the more confined spacing.
With previous concerns regarding space on the Chevy Trax, the legendary bow tie decided to switch things up and present us with a longer and wider SUV that now offers a roomy 54.1 cu.ft. of cargo space. Overall, these extra inches provide more legroom, shoulder room, and cargo space than ever offered on the previously print-size Trax. To the dismay of Mitsubishi fans, the Outlander Sport comes in with a bit less, offering only 49.5 cu.ft. A little over 5 cu.ft. adds up and once again demonstrates the Trax as the top choice here.
Despite the cargo discrepancy between the two, both SUVs provide comfortable and spacious seating for five and flexible cargo solutions. A 60/40 split folding rear seat is standard on both models, letting you adjust how you use your vehicle. Of course, overall, the Trax offers more space for occupants in general and might play a role in the decision-making process.
The 2024 Chevy Trax Offers More for Less
In the case of the 2024 Chevy Trax vs the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, more is better, and the Trax simply has more to offer. Remodeled for the new year paid off in spades for the company, setting the Chevy on “Trax” to dominate the compact SUV segment. A more aggressive styling, loads of standard tech, and a roomier and more practical interior sets the Trax up for success.
The Mistsubishi itself has some nice offerings, not to be overlooked. Features like standard all-wheel drive and a slew of trim options present a completely different take on the compact SUV. Despite the Mitsubishi being a great option, it doesn’t quite hold its own against the Trax in head-to-head combat. On its own, the Outlander Sport is a great option, but thanks to the Trax and its new look, the Sport can’t hold a candle to the 2024 Trax.
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