The 2018 Chevrolet Trax, Chevy’s smallest utility vehicle, is straightforward: it’s plain on the outside but practical inside, not particularly fast but adequately fuel-efficient.
Pros Versatile, spacious interior Seats four actual adults Does well in safety tests AWD at any trim level Reasonable pricing
Cons Generic styling Acceleration lacking Base LS model is truly plain
The 2018 Chevrolet Trax's mundane cabin and ho-hum performance place it solidly in the bottom half of our subcompact SUV rankings. Most of its competition is better in one or both of these areas.
Pros Good maneuverability Supportive seats
Cons Weak engine Low-rent interior Limited small-item storage
The official line is that the Mokka is a traditional SUV, with butch looks and the option of four-wheel drive, whereas the Crossland X is intended to be a more family-friendly choice. To that end, all versions are front-wheel drive, which means there isn’t a driveshaft to the rear that robs the interior of usable space. The Crossland X also has deeper side windows than the Mokka to help create an airier feel inside, and it has smaller wheels, which have the potential to improve space, ride comfort and fuel efficiency.
The Vauxhall Crossland X is practical and comfortable, but it’s let down by an underwhelming driving experience.
Pros Spacious and comfortable Eager 1.2-litre petrol engine Plenty of standard safety kit
Cons Is it a genuine SUV? Steering too sensitive Wind noise at speed
Crossland X is not at all, an off-roader and is aimed, quite simply, at two markets: one is the young family and the other is the older couple whose children have left home and who might want to downsize to a sensible, smaller, yet still practical vehicle.
Pros Sensible and practical family car A range of customisation options Large choice of engines
Cons Tough competition, but will come out fighting