The 2019 Chevrolet Trax makes a compelling used car alternative, but rivals do many things better.
Pros Reasonable base price Roomier inside than it looks Optional AWD New car smell
Cons Lackluster to drive Short on safety gear Base LS model is truly plain Anonymous styling Expensive when loaded up
The 2019 Chevy Trax is available in three trim levels: LS, LT and Premier. The base LS trim has enough standard equipment not to feel stripped down, but the LT adds more practical features and has access to several option packages. The Premier trim not only gets interior upgrades, but it also has added active safety features.
Pros Offers appealing passenger space for its size Plenty of features for the price
Cons Fuel economy falls short for the class Less cargo space than some rivals Slow acceleration from the underpowered engine Ride quality is choppy on the freeway
The 2019 Chevrolet Trax ranked #13 in Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Chevrolet Trax has a score of 7.2 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 45 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros User-friendly infotainment system Spacious, comfortable seats
Cons Limited engine power Jostling ride Subpar fuel economy ratings Many rivals have more cargo space
Perhaps we need to stop calling these cars SUVs, because the new Mazda CX-30 is really just a Mazda 3 on stilts, and all the better for it.
Pros Excellent dynamics Interior fit and finish Audio and infotainment system Active safety features Exterior and interior design, practical, makes more sense than a Mazda 3
Cons Ride felt a tad firm (European spec) Expected price premium over the Mazda 3 Infotainment housing a little old school Fits four adults at best
Slotting into the Mazda SUV lineup in the narrow space between the subcompact CX-3 and the compact CX-5 is the new—and curiously named—CX-30. Why isn't it called CX-4? We asked Mazda: It's kind of a long story. Regardless, we like the way it looks. Mazda's designers gave it a more severely forward-canted rear window and chunkier black-plastic body cladding to help differentiate the 2020 Mazda CX-30 from its other crossover siblings.The 2020 CX-30 shares much of its mechanicals and platform with the all-new Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback, so we expect it to have a 186-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. It's possible that Mazda's new gasoline-powered compression-ignition engine—which the company calls Skyactiv-X—is likely to be available in the CX-30 at some point down the road.
Good car, the Mazda CX-30. Handles well, looks smart and has a lovely interior. But as is always the case with crossovers – the conventional car on which it’s based (in this case the Mazda3 hatchback) is the sensible buy.
Pros Good-looking, decent to drive, lovely interior.
Cons Cramped rear, old-fashioned auto.
