Starting at
Starting at
137 | Horsepower (hp): | 122 |
54.1 | Max. Cargo Volume (cu.ft.): | 32.3 |
Available | Wireless Charging: | No |
The subcompact SUV segment has been gaining steam. Drivers who are most comfortable handling small dimensions are starting to realize that they can enjoy car-like handling in a subcompact SUV but get added perks like better ground clearance, improved traction, and improved performance. Many of our customers are excited about the Chevy Trax returning for the 2024 model year. Chevy allegedly took this subcompact SUV off the market for the 2023 year, after nine successful model years, to focus on their other subcompact SUV, the Trailblazer. Drivers have had very will-they/won't-they questions about Chevrolet and the Trax, but we were all excited to see it return for the 2024 year.
Another popular subcompact SUV that drivers often consider alongside the Trax is the Nissan Kicks. These two peppy vehicles offer nearly identically starting price tags, so it's no wonder so many shoppers compare the 2024 Chevy Trax vs 2024 Nissan Kicks. The two models do share many major similarities. However, get to know them closer, and you'll find that driving them long-term will deliver very different experiences. We are here to give you all the information you need to move forward in your purchasing journey. Here's a look at the 2024 Chevy Trax vs the 2024 Nissan Kicks.
Easy handling is one of the top reasons our customers give as to why they're shopping in the subcompact SUV segment. Drivers want to feel in command of their vehicle — especially for drivers for whom a subcompact SUV is their first divergence from a sedan. It's like a "starter" SUV for drivers who aren't sure they'd be comfortable handling a larger SUV. So, how do the Nissan Kicks and Chevy Trax hold up in the handling department? We can proudly say that both models are fun and easy to drive. They're agile, boast responsive steering, and deliver a smooth performance. Drivers and car authorities have noted what a joy each of these vehicles is to get behind the wheel.
Fuel economy is another perk of a subcompact SUV, and the Kicks and Trax both prove it. They each offer phenomenal efficiency in the city and on the highway. With low price tags and great fuel efficiency, the Nissan Kicks and Chevy Trax are affordable all around. We will say that people who demand power out of their vehicle will prefer the 2024 Trax. Its beefier engine will achieve a horsepower of 137 hp, while the Kicks has a maximum horsepower of 122 hp.
If you want solid acceleration, you want to go with the Trax. However, both of these models have systems in place to ensure a smooth ride. The Trax has the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, which adjusts power and braking to maintain traction when it senses a loss of control. Then, the Kicks has its Active Ride Control, which minimizes vehicle pitch when going over bumps and potholes. The Trax might have the Kicks beat in performance, though, because it has the MacPherson strut front suspension, which is known for being both powerful and boosting stability.
Drivers and passengers want to be comfortable in their vehicles. So we always make sure to take our new models for a drive and test out what comfort and convenience features they offer. Most drivers will notice, after just a short drive in either vehicle, that the Trax has far more available comfort and convenience features than the Kicks.
Let's start with the seats. The Trax has an available 8-way power driver's seat, making it easy for a driver to adjust their seat angles to a perfectly comfortable position for long drives. The Kicks only goes up to a 6-way driver's seat, and it's manual — not power. So, getting in the ideal driving position in the Kicks will take more work, and the payoff isn't as good. The Trax also has some features that are available on all trims, but they are only available on the upper trims of the Kicks. One of these is the available heated driver and front passenger seats. You can have these starting at the base level trim of the Trax but only on the upper trims of the Kicks. If you can't stand the feeling of sitting in cold seats on winter days but are working with a limited budget, only the Trax gives you access to heated seats in the starting trim.
Meanwhile, on sunny days when you want to let some natural light in, the Trax gets you an available sunroof package. The Kicks does not. So, if getting your all-important Vitamin D on your drive matters, go with the Trax. Another feature available on all Trax trims but not all Kicks trims is a front center console armrest. This gives a driver and front seat passenger a convenient place to keep small items and rest their arms. You'll get this standard on all Trax trims, but in the Kicks, you'll have to step up to the higher trims to get it.
Overall, cargo and passenger volume is also higher in the Trax. The total passenger volume in the Trax is 99.8 cu.ft., compared to 92.6 cu.ft. in the Kicks. Maximum cargo volume with the rear seats down is 54.1 cu.ft. in the Trax and 32.3 cu.ft. in the Kicks. That's a big difference for those who need to regularly take advantage of cargo volume. One more feature we like to point out about the Trax is the Active Noise Cancellation. This system maintains a quiet and peaceful cabin. The Kicks doesn't have such a system for now, so if your vehicle is your place of serenity, you'll want the Trax.
We're impressed with the technology features of both the Chevy Trax and the Nissan Kicks. You wouldn't know by looking at these small SUVs that they contain so many infotainment and driver-assist features in their cabins.
We'll start with infotainment. Each has a color touch screen and smartphone compatibility so that you can use your favorite apps in the vehicle's infotainment system. However, the Trax has a much larger available touchscreen, and even its standard one is bigger than the Kicks. The Trax has a standard 8-inch touchscreen and an available 11-inch one. The Kicks has a standard 7-inch touch screen, and its "large" available one just gets you 8 inches. If you like a large screen, you'll need the Trax.
Both have USB ports for your smartphone devices, but only the Trax has available wireless charging. If you want a tidy, cord-free dash area (which can be nice in a small vehicle), you'll again want the Trax. As for Wi-Fi, the Trax has available Wi-Fi on all of its trims, while the Kicks only has it on the upper trims. Today, we know most drivers are accustomed to having the option of Wi-Fi in their vehicle, so it's somewhat disappointing that people who want the low MSRP of the starting level Kicks have to forego Wi-Fi capabilities.
As for driver-assist technologies, these two vehicles have many of the same features, but the Trax goes the distance with extras. Each model gets rearview cameras, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, only the Trax has a Rear Seat Reminder, urging you to check the back seat for valuables before exiting the vehicle. Plus, only the Trax has Chevy's popular Teen Driver technology, which has an array of features that let you monitor your teen's driving habits and encourage better ones.