The Chevy Trax Takes Value to the Next Level
Some people look at the auto industry and see a collection of vehicles designed to appeal to a wide range of folks or see different brands chasing various trends. To us, the purest expression of the auto industry at its best is when a manufacturer understands that different drivers need different things. Chevy does this better than just anyone else. GM, in general, has always been fantastic about understanding this concept, and it shows when you look at their lineup of vehicles. While the Silverado is designed for people who need a hard-working truck, and the Corvette is engineered for thrill seekers, the Trax is built for drivers who need something reliable, functional, and affordable.
This becomes even clearer when you look at the 2024 Chevy Trax vs 2024 Volkswagen Taos and compare what they each offer. We’ll admit that the Taos is a fine vehicle with some good features inside and out. Still, by comparison, the newly-updated 2024 Trax is a beautiful entry-level option to Chevy’s lineup, giving you a terrific subcompact SUV with great new tech features, gorgeous styling, and a beautifully low price that makes this vehicle even more remarkable.
A Tale of Two Starting Prices
There are many things to consider and factor into the overall value of a vehicle, particularly when looking at two different models and seeing how they stack up. However, one of the simplest places to start is with the starting price or MSRP for a vehicle. It offers a solid foundation for what you can expect from the vehicle and what standards you should hold it to.
Currently, the 2024 Trax has an MSRP of $20,400, marking one of the lowest prices for a vehicle in the Chevy lineup.[a] It makes the Trax a fantastic introductory model for those intimidated by the sheer amount of Chevy there is out there, or merely looking for the best they can get without going too far ahead of 20,000. Suppose you’re a long-time used car driver shopping on a budget but want to enjoy the tech luxuries of a new vehicle made within the last several years. In that case, the Trax is one of your best options for subcompact SUVs across the entire auto industry, not just from Chevy.
By comparison, the 2024 Volkswagen Taos currently has an MSRP of $23,995. Some quick head-math shows a big difference: more than $3,500 between the two vehicles. If you plan on buying your next SUV and need an auto loan like most folks do when looking for financing on a vehicle, then this difference is even more substantial. With an auto loan, you pay interest on the amount you need to borrow, so the more you borrow, the more you pay. That $3,500 difference will cost you more in the long run as you pay more interest, all for a starting trim without any additional considerations.
Interior Features and Options
Not only do we see a significant difference in starting prices between these two models, but what you get for that additional cost is—as far as we’re concerned—not worth it. Only you can decide what your budget looks like and what you’re willing to pay for certain features. However, the Trax has you covered with a fantastic reimagination for the 2024 model year, making it more impressive and feature-rich than ever.
For one thing, Chevy’s designers increased the wheelbase of the Trax for 2024 by almost six inches and gave it a wider track for a bold and stylish stance, translating into better handling when you’re on the road. In addition, the Trax grew 11 inches in total length and two inches in width, which increased interior space. You’ll find about three inches more legroom in the rear seats of the 2024 model compared to the previous year and increased cargo capacity, reaching a maximum of 54.1 cu.ft. with the seats folded down over the previous generation’s 47.4 cu.ft. As far as space is concerned, the Trax offers not only great value but incredible comfort and functionality.
Along with this increased interior space, Chevy lowered the instrument panel to give the Trax a more open and airy feel. A standard eight-inch infotainment screen complements this design in addition to the standard adjustable eight-inch driver information center, but higher trims of the Trax bump that up to a stunning 11-inch infotainment display. The Trax boasts a technologically advanced interior at an incredibly accessible price, with plenty of available options such as a wireless phone charger, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat, and a panoramic power sunroof, to name a few.
In comparison, the VW Taos has some good standard and available features, but not enough to justify the significant price difference. In fact, a 6.5-inch Infotainment display is standard in the more expensive Taos, with an eight-inch screen available only on higher trims. Effectively, you have to pay more for a higher version of the Taos with an infotainment display the same size as the standard screen in the Trax. Not only that, but there’s no option for something larger—nothing in the Taos can match the 11-inch screen in the Trax, which is remarkable to us.
Trim Levels and Overall Options
Speaking of the different trim levels available for these two models, we also see significant differences in value between them. While the base Taos S starts at $23,995, the cost jumps to an MSRP of $28,165 if someone wants the next trim level up. That’s more than a $4,000 increase just going from S to SE, and someone interested in the Taos SEL is looking at $33,515 to start. We hardly consider that an accessible price point for a subcompact SUV.
In comparison, the Chevy Trax starts at a fantastic value and maintains this value as you move up the trim ladder. Beyond the starting $20,400 price tag, moving up to the Trax 1RS increases the starting price to $22,100.[a] Chevy offers two high-end trims for the Trax, the 2RS and ACTIV, with different styling and aesthetic details, so you can choose the look and feel you like, starting at $23,900 for both.[a] You read that right; the highest trim levels for the Trax are $95 less than the starting price for the Taos!
Chevy Trax: Small Size, Big Value
Many different factors can guide your search for the perfect vehicle, and understanding what you need and what you’re looking for is one of the most important things we can do as your car dealership. If you’re interested in an entry-level vehicle representing incredible value, the Chevy Trax is impossible to beat. Not only that, but Chevy is well known for long-term reliability and accessible replacement parts, so your costs will stay low as you continue to enjoy the Trax for a long time. Like many other import brands, Volkswagen is not always known for being an inexpensive option to maintain and service, so keep that in mind, too. Ultimately, we consider the Trax to be Chevy’s best offering for “most bang for your buck.”
0 comment(s) so far on The Chevy Trax Takes Value to the Next Level