2020 Chevy Trax vs 2020 Mazda CX-3 – Albany, NY

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  • 2020 Chevy Trax

    A black 2020 Chevy Trax 1LZ is angled left.

    Starting at

    $21,300

    2020 Mazda CX-3

    A grey 2020 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring is angled right.

    Starting at

    $20,640

    48.4Max Cargo Space (cu.ft.)42.7
    148Torque (lb-ft)146
    3Available Trims1

    Compact SUVs may be one of the most misnamed vehicle classes on the market today. The word compact seems to imply a vehicle that is small, cramped, and unsuitable for anyone but a single commuter looking to go to and from work. While this may be the case for some vehicles, there are many compact SUVs that are affordable and fuel-efficient while also offering plenty of comforts, luxury, and space. And the best of these provide a driving experience unlike any other with solid speed and pickup, exceptional handling, and surprising power. That said, picking just one out of the many options on the market in this class can prove to be daunting. So today, to assist you in your decision, we are going to look at two of the best options on the market in a comparison: 2020 Chevy Trax vs 2020 Mazda CX-3.

    Both are front-wheel drive standard with available all-wheel drive. This option makes the already good handling on the Trax and CX-3 even better, especially if you live in an area that gets plenty of snow, sleet, and rain during the winter. Additionally, these two provide exceptional fuel economy. The front-wheel drive 2020 Chevy Trax gets about 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, while the front-wheel drive 2020 Mazda CX-3 provides up to 29 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. However, despite these similarities, and what may even seem like an advantage toward the Mazda CX-3, as the comparison gets more in-depth, the real winner will emerge: the Trax.

  • Trims

    A closeup shows the rear badging on a blue 2020 Chevy Trax Premier.

    The Mazda's One Trim

    When it comes to comparing two vehicles, one of the first considerations is likely how customizable they each are. And customization in terms of vehicles begins with the number of trims offered. So one of the first things you may notice about the 2020 Mazda CX-3 is that it has only one trim level, the Sport. You can get a Mazda CX-3 Sport for a base MSRP of $20,640, or you can opt for an all-wheel drive model for a slight increase in price. There are no other trim levels, no special editions, and no way to get anything more on your CX-3 from the factory; there is absolutely no room for customization.

    Customization With Chevy

    Chevrolet offers three trim levels on the Trax, as well as one special edition. The base model of the Trax is the LS, and it has an MSRP of $21,300, just slightly more than the Mazda CX-3 Sport. The Trax LT has an MSRP of $23,200 and adds roof rack side rails, deluxe cloth seating, a remote vehicle start, and cruise control.

    The top-of-the-line Trax is the Premier, and, starting at $27,600, it has 18-inch alloy wheels, leatherette seating, a power sunroof, and a Bose 7-speaker audio system. Chevy also offers the 2020 Trax in the Redline Edition with 18-inch black-finish aluminum wheels with red accent stripes, black mirror caps, and grille with a black surround, and front and rear Black Chevy bowtie emblems. With these trims and the special edition, the Trax is potentially one of the most customizable compact SUVs on the market.

    Outcome

    Due to the numerous customization options in comparison to the CX-3's one, the advantage in this area goes to the 2020 Chevy Trax.

  • Technology

    The black interior and dashboard of a 2020 Chevy Trax is shown.

    Infotainment systems and technology play a significant role in choosing a vehicle these days. With a technological world that is constantly evolving, drivers expect these advances to be portrayed in vehicles. And for the most part, they are. However, some manufacturers equip their vehicles better than others, like Chevy. Let's take a closer look.

    Comparing Technology

    The 2020 Chevy Trax and 2020 Mazda CX-3 feature the infotainment system from their respective companies, the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, and the Mazda Connect infotainment system. Both systems offer Bluetooth capability and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility with a 6-speaker audio system. Additionally, the Mazda CX-3 and Chevy Trax both have 7-inch color touchscreens equipped in their cabins.

    However, the Trax LT has the option of upgrading to a premium Bose 7-speaker audio system, which comes standard on the Trax Premier trim and the Redline special edition. The CX-3 has no stereo upgrades. And finally, the Chevy has made a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot available on all models of the 2020 Chevy Trax to improve connectivity wherever you decide to make tracks with your compact SUV; again, something the CX-3 does not offer.

    Outcome

    The advantage in the area of technology goes to the 2020 Chevy Trax. With more features available such as a Bose audio system and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, it pulls far ahead of the Mazda CX-3.

  • Performance

    A blue 2020 Chevy Trax is driving on a street near Albany after winning the 2020 Chevy Trax vs 2020 Mazda CX-3 comparison.

    The Equipped Engines

    Both the 2020 Chevy Trax and 2020 Mazda CX-3 have only one engine option. All models of the Trax come equipped with a 1.4-liter Turbo EcoTec 4-cylinder gas engine. This is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and can produce up to 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque.

    The CX-3 offers a similar engine, a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder with variable valve timing. This engine comes with a SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission and produces slightly more horsepower than the Chevy Trax, 148 hp in total, but slightly less torque, at 146 lb-ft of torque. As a result, the CX-3 has slightly better acceleration than the Trax but will have a little less strength when hauling a full cargo.

    Outcome

    The overall ride is similar between the two SUVs; however, the Trax will provide better overall handling than the Mazda CX-3. This is especially the case if you opt for the 2020 Chevy Trax Premier or Redline Edition, which both come with 18-inch wheels. That all said, the advantage in the performance category goes to the 2020 Chevy Trax.

  • Interior Space

    Two woman are walking alongside a blue 2020 Chevy Trax which has a table in the cargo area and the liftgate open.

    Few compact SUVs provide both adequate passenger and cargo space. Many that have roomy passenger compartments do so at the expense of room for your stuff. However, some models have figured out the perfect combination of cargo and passenger space, allowing comfort and convenience simultaneously.

    Comparing Passenger Space

    Fortunately, the designers at Chevrolet have done an excellent job of efficiently apportioning the space in the 2020 Chevy Trax. There is a full 92.8 cu.ft of passenger space with plenty of room in the front and rear rows of seats. Front-row passengers will enjoy 39.6 inches of headroom, 40.8 inches of legroom, 51.7 inches of hip room, and 54.1 inches of shoulder room, while rear seat passengers will be amazed by 38.8 inches of headroom, 35.7 inches of legroom, 50.7 inches of hip room, and 52.8 inches of shoulder.

    In contrast, the 2020 Mazda CX-3 provides less room overall for passengers than the Trax. The front row is slightly less with 38.4 inches of headroom, 41.7 inches of legroom, 52.3 inches of hip room, and 53.5 inches of shoulder room. And the rear seating in the Mazda also offers less space with only 37.2 inches of headroom, 35 inches of legroom, 49 inches of hip room, and 50.4 inches of shoulder room.

    A Look at Cargo

    This disparity in space carries over to the trunk and overall cargo capacity of the two vehicles. The 2020 Chevy Trax has room for 18.7 cu.ft. of cargo in the trunk that expands to a full 48.4 cu.ft. with the rear row of seats folded down. The 2020 Mazda CX-3 only has room for 17.8 cu.ft. of cargo in the trunk and only increases to 42.7 cu.ft. of space with the rear row of seats folded down. For more cargo space, the Trax is clearly the right choice.

    Outcome

    With more space for both cargo and passengers, the advantage here goes to the 2020 Chevy Trax.

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