2021 Lexus NX Hybrid vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, based on the 2015 model, retained its 2017 design updates, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. By 2021, the Premier trim was dropped, leaving LS and LT trims. The LS featured 16-inch wheels, keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. The LT added features like heated mirrors, roof rails, and upgraded seating, with optional styling and convenience packages.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the UX and RX, maintained its sharp, streamlined design. Despite its luxury status, it shared a platform with the older Toyota RAV4, lagging behind in engineering. The F Sport Black Line model featured a distinctive grille, dark wheels, and Grecian Water paint. Inside, the design felt familiar, with a stepped console and plastic switchgear, though the Black Line added sporty touches like aluminum pedals and NuLuxe upholstery.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered a single engine: a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder with 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. It came with a six-speed automatic transmission and either FWD or AWD. While adequate for city driving, it struggled on highways, with a firm ride that was harsh over bumps. Its tight turning radius aided maneuverability, but rivals like the Hyundai Kona offered more comfort and fun.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 194 horsepower and standard AWD. Despite its sporty F Sport styling, it was more focused on efficiency than performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The drivetrain felt clunky under pressure, but the sport-tuned suspension improved handling without sacrificing comfort. However, steering was numb, and drive modes offered minimal impact.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax provided decent headroom and legroom, though rear seats lacked comfort for long trips. It featured multiple storage options and 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 48.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The front passenger seat folded flat for larger items, but no power liftgate was available.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with the worst rear legroom in its class. Front seats were comfortable with 10-way power adjustment, and a Premium Package added heated and ventilated seats. The sloping roofline hindered rear visibility, but exterior mirrors helped. Cargo space was 16.8 cubic feet, expanding to 53.7 cubic feet, with optional power-folding seats and liftgate.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with vivid graphics and physical controls for ease of use.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system felt outdated. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax earned five stars from NHTSA but lacked advanced safety features. Standard equipment included airbags and a backup camera, with optional blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid received a “Top Safety Pick+” from IIHS and five stars from NHTSA. It came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring was standard, but a 360-degree camera system was absent.