Starting at
Starting at
137 hp | Horsepower | 122 hp |
162 lb-ft | Torque | 114 lb-ft |
54.1 cu.ft | Cargo Space | 32.3 cu.ft |
In the subcompact SUV segment, the competition is steep. There is a vast array of models available that are affordable and easy to handle, making them the preferred means of transportation for many drivers. So, what does it take to stand out in a sea of seemingly endless options? Well, if you take a look at the Trax, you’ll realize that it’s a showstopper from the outside in, offering a spacious cabin, mesmerizing design elements, and a level of performance and innovation that can’t be ignored. Speaking of rivals, another popular subcompact SUV known for its affordability and no-nonsense approach to the daily drive is the Nissan Kicks. When comparing the 2024 Chevy Trax vs 2024 Nissan Kicks, which daily traveler can offer drivers an unforgettable experience behind the wheel?
Perhaps most exciting is the Chevy Trax, which, after taking a year off from production, has emerged as a larger and more capable vehicle than before. For 2024, this subcompact superstar sports fresh styling, a longer wheelbase, and even more trim levels to choose from than its predecessors, allowing drivers to truly design the ride they deserve. You’ll also find a heightened performance, as well as more standard features and innovation inside to impact your ride in all the right ways.
Unfortunately for the Kicks, it’s pretty much the same budget-conscious driver we’ve been seeing for years, only this year, it upgrades its mid-level trim with onboard Wi-Fi capabilities. Here at McCluskey Chevrolet, we pride ourselves on assisting our customers with finding the vehicles that serve them the best, and when it comes to these two small-size travelers, there’s no mistaking the obvious winner on the streets.
It’s clear that the 2024 Chevy Trax has been enhanced, as you’re able to stretch your legs and enjoy the journey like never before. With an additional 11 inches in length and two inches in width, the Trax is able to offer three more inches of rear legroom and an overall more spacious experience on board. From modern appointments and active noise cancellation to vibrant interior accents and unique badging in certain trims, the Trax’s cabin ambiance has been exceptionally enhanced.
You’ll also find that its larger size impacts its cargo capacity, allowing it to handle up to 54.1 cu.ft. of gear, perfect for commuters, families, road trippers, and others. With 60/40 split-folding second-row seats and various cargo solutions dotted throughout, you’ll have a place for all your travel belongings, even large items, making your time on the road more comfortable than ever.
The 2024 Nissan Kicks is much smaller than the Trax, which heavily impacts the level of comfort it delivers on board. Only able to accommodate up to 32.3 cu.ft. of cargo, you’re vastly limited when it comes to what can accompany you on the journey. Despite the lack of space, the Kicks does offer some nice amenities, including Zero Gravity front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cozy cloth seating. Unfortunately, it’s quite cramped inside, which makes the Trax more appealing to drivers who want to get comfortable as they’re taking on their everyday journey.
The Trax’s larger size is evident at first glance, as are its design enhancements that make this subcompact SUV more captivating than ever. Depending on the trim you choose, you’ll be able to take advantage of everything from luxurious styling elements to athletic appeal, with features like 19-inch machined two-tone wheels, a commanding black grille, titanium chrome accents, and distinctive badging to set this SUV apart from the rest. When looking at the Kicks, it’s not easy to look past its value-driven façade. Despite the fact that it looks quite inexpensive, which isn’t necessarily a desirable feature, it does offer some elevated options to add to its appeal, including LED headlights; however, we’d like to see more classy features to heighten this SUV’s appeal.
Another big piece of news for the 2024 Trax is that it’s available in more trim levels this year, which makes it more exciting than it’s ever been before. You now have five trims to choose from to elevate your ride, with its top-level ACTIV offering 18-inch black aluminum wheels, a wrapped heated steering wheel, and exclusive badging to intensify its style. The sporty 2RS enhances the experience, with an athletic exterior, 19-inch machined two-tone wheels, red interior accents, and a flat-bottom steering wheel to add excitement to the drive. No matter which trim you choose, you’ll enjoy the ride, making a statement wherever you’re heading.
Another disappointment with the Kicks is that it’s only offered in three trim levels, with its highest trim boasting sport cloth seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel as some of its most desirable features. Not having the selection that you have with the Trax makes the Kicks unable to deliver the ride you require. This is why, when it comes to design, the 2024 Trax wows inside and out.
The 2024 Chevy Trax offers a bit more energy to your ride this year, sharing a powertrain with its sibling, the Trailblazer. Armed with a 1.2L EcoTec turbocharged three-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Trax propels forward with 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, which is more power than previous models could provide. Its small yet sturdy build allows you to feel in total control, regardless of the number of twists and turns on the road. With its accurate and firm braking, responsive steering, and effortless handling, the Trax is able to take on any journey that awaits, whether it’s a jaunt down the highway, a trek on a windy mountain road, or a bustling city street, making this subcompact SUV an ideal daily traveler.
Unlike the Trax, the Kicks has not been enhanced for 2024, still offering the same 1.6L four-cylinder, which is unfortunately mated with a continuously variable transmission—the most uninteresting transmission of all. This powertrain setup generates only 122 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque, and as you can imagine, the ride is quite lackluster in every possible way. There’s virtually no power off the line, which makes it a little nerve-wracking to merge onto a busy interstate.
Although the Kicks is seriously lacking excitement on the road, its small size makes it agile and easy to handle, and once you get going, you’ll find that it gets a little peppier; however, once you stop, it takes a bit of time to get back up to speed. This is why, when performance matters, the Trax is the top choice, with its superior agility and precision on the road, blended seamlessly with a more exciting powertrain to make any drive a more dynamic experience for all on board.
It’s apparent that the 2024 Chevy Trax is all-new this year, and when it comes to technology, this subcompact SUV has everything you need to impact your drive. Its available 11-inch diagonal touchscreen grants you access to a plethora of features. With standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus available wireless charging capabilities, keeping your cabin space clean and clutter-free, especially without unsightly wires, is a given inside the Trax. An available built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot helps you remain connected to your day from the road, while an available 8-inch diagonal Driver Information Center provides you with helpful details about your ride behind the steering wheel.
The 2024 Nissan Kicks isn’t able to offer the innovation that you’ll find in the Trax, with only a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen option available. You’ll find smartphone integration; however, it’s not wireless, and there’s not a wireless charging pad in sight. Unfortunately, the Kicks just doesn’t offer the level of intuitiveness that you’ll find in the Trax, which makes the Trax a top pick for drivers who desire top-notch innovation inside their vehicles.
Through the standard Chevy Safety Assist suite, the 2024 Trax offers an impeccably safe ride, no matter what type of journey you’re taking on next. With features like Front Pedestrian Braking and a Following Distance Indicator, you’re able to reduce the chance of an accident, ensuring that you remain as safe as possible, both on open highways and city streets. Available features like Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert come in handy in packed parking lots and dense traffic on the highway, ensuring that you’re seeing as clearly as possible, no matter what surrounds you.
The Nissan Kicks also offers a nice suite of advanced safety and assistance features with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including a Blind Spot Warning, Rear Automatic Braking, and Lane Departure Warning. Both vehicles provide a safe and secure ride, armed with durable builds and superior safety features. The difference lies in the connectivity features and the overall immersive experience, which is where the Trax simply shines.