Why the 2024 Chevy Trax Offers More Value Than the Toyota Corolla Cross

July 19th, 2024 by

A green 2024 Chevy Trax ACTIV is shown parked near several people.

Subcompact SUVs have quickly become a popular model for many different types of drivers. Commuters like their exceptional fuel economy, while students and other folks on a budget appreciate their affordable price. Even young families and older couples find benefits in driving a subcompact SUV. This is why so many automakers offer at least one of these models in their lineup. Toyota recently joined the competition by making an extension of its popular and long-running Corolla compact sedan. Called the Corolla Cross, this subcompact SUV began appearing in 2022. Not to be outdone, Chevy recently updated its popular Trax subcompact SUV, with a new generation being offered for the 2024 model year.

As a result, many drivers are going to consider comparing the 2024 Chevy Trax vs 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross. The key difference between these two models is that you will get more for your money if you choose the Chevy. In fact, the entry-level model of the Toyota Corolla Cross costs almost as much as the top trim on the Trax. If you are looking for your next Chevy Trax, DePaula Chevrolet is the dealership for you. We carry the full lineup of new Chevy models including the Trax. This lets you find one with all of the features you desire at a price that is perfect for your budget.

The Trax Is More Cost Effective Than the Corolla Cross

If you are on a budget like so many other drivers, you will be concerned about cost. Every dollar you save will help you meet your budget in the long run. This is why it is important to look at things like the number of trims and comparative pricing. The 2024 Chevy Trax has a base MSRP of $20,400, which will get you behind the wheel of the base model LS.[a] This features such enhancements as an 8-inch touchscreen for its infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for your devices, LED daytime running lights, and the Chevy Safety Assist suite of active driver assistance features.

The LS is one of five different trim levels on the 2024 Trax. Meanwhile, Toyota only offers three trims on the 2024 Corolla Cross, starting with the base model L for an MSRP of $23,860. This also has many standard features you would expect, such as the Toyota Audio infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, LED daytime running lights, and the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 active safety features.

The key to this comparison is that you can get the top trims of the Trax, the ACTIV, and the 2RS for almost the same price as the base model Corolla Cross L. The Trax ACTIV and 2RS both start at an MSRP of $23,900.[a] With either of these two trims of the Trax, you will get such advanced features as an 11-inch HD color touchscreen for the Chevrolet Infotainment System, heated front seats, Evotex seat trim, a front recovery hook, and larger wheels. While the Trax LS and the Corolla Cross L ride on 17-inch wheels, the Trax ACTIV features 18-inch wheels, and the Trax 2RS rides on 19-inch wheels. By choosing the Trax over the Corolla Cross, you can walk out of your dealership with cash in your pocket or opt for a few dollars more to get a top trim level on your Trax.

The black interior and dash in a 2024 Chevy Trax is shown.

Differences in Performance

Both Chevy and Toyota have opted for a standard powertrain for their respective subcompact SUV models. No matter which trim you choose, your 2024 Trax will feature a 1.2-liter EcoTec turbocharged I-3 gas engine. This comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and features a turbocharger to boost performance. The engine has a dual overhead camshaft configuration (DOHC), with 12 valves for its three cylinders. The powertrain uses direct fuel injection to deliver 162 lb-ft of torque.

The 2024 Corolla Cross has a 2.0-liter I-4 gas engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The engine also has a DOHC configuration with 16 valves for its four cylinders, and features variable valve timing to improve engine efficiency by reducing the number of valves in operation at lower speeds. The powertrain uses a combination of direct and port fuel injection, providing up to 151 lb-ft of torque. As you can see, Chevy’s powertrain provides more torque. The Trax does give you slightly better acceleration; you can get to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds, better than the 9.2 seconds it takes for the Corolla Cross to get up to speed. This will make it easier for Trax drivers to merge onto busy highways during rush hour than folks in a Corolla Cross.

The Trax Gives You More Interior Space

Passenger space can often come at a premium on smaller modeled vehicles. In some cases, like a two-seat sports car like a Chevy Corvette, that is not a major consideration. However, with subcompact SUVs, drivers may find the need to use their back seat for additional passengers. Both the 2024 Chevy Trax and the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross have room for five passengers, but the Chevy provides a roomier interior, allowing you to use the rear seat more frequently. The Trax has 99.8 cu.ft. of space inside its passenger compartment, while the Toyota Corolla Cross only offers 94.9 cubic ft.

This difference is most apparent in the rear seat. Both models offer enough room in front for the driver and front passenger. When you go to the back seat, though, the Trax is much more comfortable than the Corolla Cross. The Trax gives rear seat passengers 38.7 inches of legroom and 54.3 inches of shoulder room, allowing all three passengers to stretch out, even on long drives. This is not the case with the Corolla Cross. Rear seat passengers in the Toyota may feel cramped, as they only get 32 inches of legroom and 52.4 inches of shoulder room. If you are traveling with young kids, you may find yourself serenaded with choruses of “Are we there yet?”

The space difference doesn’t affect the cargo space. The trunk on the Trax opens to 25.6 cu.ft. for your things, while front-wheel drive models of the Corolla Cross offer 25.5 cu.ft. of cargo space in the trunk. This amount is slightly less in all-wheel drive models, which have 24.3 cu.ft. of trunk space.

A red 2024 Chevy Trax RS is shown driving on a city street.

The Trax Gives You More for Less

The 2024 Chevy Trax represents a better value than a 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross. The two models have similar engines with comparable fuel economy, making them both a good option for commuters. However, the slight performance advantage of the Trax may make it easier for folks who commute during rush hour. As for students and others on a budget, you can get a Trax for significantly less than a Corolla Cross, or opt for a top Trax trim like the ACTIV or 2RS for about the same price as an entry-level Corolla Cross. Finally, the Trax gives you a more versatile rear seat, a plus for family drivers and others needing extra passenger space. Come in today and see why you should make a 2024 Chevy Trax your next subcompact SUV.


[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.