Lexus GX vs Chevrolet Trax

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax underwent such a thorough redesign that it scarcely resembled its 2023 predecessor. This transformation involved growing by eleven inches in length, nearly six inches in wheelbase, four inches in height, and two inches in width. Designers took inspiration from classic GM eras, crafting a "longer, lower, wider" mantra. The new Trax adopted certain design elements from the midsize Chevy Blazer, such as an assertive grille, distinctive headlights, and a noticeable step between the rear body sides and windows. This refresh granted the Trax an unexpected dose of presence for a subcompact vehicle, distancing itself from the boxy Hyundai Venue and Nissan Kicks.

Base Trax LS models rode on 17-inch steel wheels, with 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum options available in higher trims. The Trax also featured Activ and RS trims, offering rugged and sporty aesthetics, respectively. Notably, the Trax Activ included subtle elements like faux skid plate trim, while the RS boasted blacked-out accents for a sportier look reminiscent of a smaller Blazer.

The LS trim featured cloth upholstery and a predominantly plastic interior, typical of entry-level models. However, some creative design choices, such as a freestanding touchscreen and prominent air vents, added visual interest. Higher trims introduced Evotex upholstery, mimicking leather but more akin to activewear material. The Activ model included yellow contrast stitching, and the RS trim specialized in piano-black plastic accents, which were prone to smudging and heat.

Shifting to the 2024 Lexus GX, this model saw a stark departure from its 2023 iteration. Gone were the softer, rounded corners; this was replaced with a geometric design. The familiar "spindle" grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights that added a squared-off look to the rugged front fascia. The hood sported functional humps, aiding driver visibility over its robust stance, crucial for off-road adventures.

Overall, the GX carried minimalist lines, akin to being carved from a solid metal block. Character lines were horizontal and subtle, with the window beltline lowered for better visibility. Standard running boards reinforced its practical, off-road-ready nature.

The GX offered six trim levels: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and the off-road-focused Overtrail and Overtrail+. The Luxury trims highlighted premium features like 22-inch wheels and illuminated doorsills, while the Overtrail versions focused on off-road capability with 18-inch wheels and robust all-terrain tires. Eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery was prioritized for durability.

Inside, the GX balanced luxury and functionality. Heated and ventilated front seats, practical materials, and a large 14-inch touchscreen with numerous physical controls ensured a balance between comfort and utility.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax featured a single engine choice, downgraded in size from its predecessor. Instead of a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the 2024 model had a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. This new engine delivered 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, down from 155 hp and 177 lb-ft previously. Despite the lower power, the Trax reportedly accelerated to 60 mph a second faster than its predecessor. The engine's torque curve allowed for strong initial thrust and effortless highway overtakes. Turbo lag was minimal, making acceleration smooth and responsive.

The Trax retained the previous model's six-speed automatic transmission but only offered front-wheel drive (FWD) this time. All-wheel drive (AWD) fans were directed to the Trailblazer. The FWD setup, combined with a wider track, provided a more grounded feel, pushing towards a car-like handling experience rather than a traditional crossover's top-heavy nature. While significant body roll and limited grip reminded drivers of its econobox roots, the Trax's nimble handling was commendable.

The 2024 Trax also featured active noise cancellation for a quieter cabin, although tire noise on certain models was noticeable. The ride quality was somewhat firm, a tradeoff for its superior handling characteristics.

Conversely, the 2024 Lexus GX took a bold leap by replacing its old V8 with a new, twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Though reduced in cylinders, the GX significantly improved power output. The torque was accessible low in the rev range, excellent for off-road maneuvering. The 10-speed automatic transmission, borrowed from the Tundra, performed smoothly and assertively.

The GX boasted standard full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential, crucial for off-road enthusiasts. Overtrail trims included a locking rear differential and Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for heightened wheel articulation and stability.

Our test drives revealed strong acceleration, effective braking, and minimal body roll, making the GX surprisingly composed on-road despite its off-road chops. Heavy rainfall limited off-road testing, though the GX's features promised superior capability.

Inside, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered increased overall size but mixed results in space allocation. Rear-seat legroom improved by three inches, and front-seat legroom saw slight increases. However, first-row headroom remained unchanged, and second-row headroom decreased by 0.7 inches. Decreased shoulder room suggested a snugger fit, similar to other GM subcompacts.

Passenger space closely matched rivals Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue. The Trax excelled in rear-seat legroom but offered less front legroom compared to the Kicks. Both front and back seats proved comfortable for the price range. The Trax had a car-like driving position with excellent outward visibility, appealing to those who preferred a lower seating stance.

Cargo space in the Trax increased by 12% to 25.6 cubic feet with rear seats up and 54.1 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing the Venue but only slightly ahead of the Kicks.

The 2024 Lexus GX took a different approach, with a more minimalist and sophisticated interior compared to its predecessor. The focus was on reducing physical buttons while retaining necessary controls. Front and second-row passengers enjoyed ample space, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The available third row, however, was uncomfortable for adults, suitable only for children.

Compared to the Land Rover Defender 110, the GX showed better cargo capacity and slightly better legroom in the second row, though the Defender 110 offered more front-row space. The GX dominated in cargo capacity, offering 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models, without a third row, boasted even more space, maxing out at 90.5 cubic feet.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax received significant tech upgrades. A standard 8-inch touchscreen featured on LS and 1RS trims, while LT, 2RS, and Activ models garnered an 11-inch version alongside an 8-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and phone charging were new additions. Wi-Fi connectivity continued.

The Trax's screen sizes and digital cluster outperformed competitors like the Hyundai Venue and Nissan Kicks. The new infotainment system proved user-friendly, with a logical menu layout and shortcut buttons. However, its driver-focused orientation wasn't ideal for front-seat passengers. Additional USB ports in the front and rear varied by trim, but the wireless phone charging pad's shape was less compatible with all devices.

The Lexus GX followed suit with a 14-inch touchscreen elegantly integrated into the dash. Dual USB-C ports and an optional wireless charging pad served front-seat passengers, while Overtrail models included more USB-C ports for the back seat. All GX models featured a 120-volt AC outlet in the trunk.

The Lexus Interface included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with intelligent voice assistance via Drive Connect. This system, alongside Remote Connect, offered initial free trials but required subscriptions afterward, adding to long-term ownership costs. The GX also offered a 10-speaker audio system, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson system available on top trims.

Safety was a priority for both vehicles, albeit with different levels of pre-release data.

For the Chevrolet Trax, crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at publication. However, it came equipped with numerous driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic high beams, and a following distance indicator. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Trax also integrated the Teen Driver system, which enhanced safety and monitored driving behavior for young drivers.

The Lexus GX addressed previous safety concerns by incorporating advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) through Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. Standard features included pre-collision detection, avoidance and braking, adaptive cruise control (with full stop-and-go), lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and road-sign recognition. The proactive driving assist promised additional braking support during adaptive cruise usage. While crash-test ratings weren't available, the upgrade to the GA-F platform and enhanced ADAS provided increased confidence in the GX's safety.