2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax underwent a significant transformation, shedding its previous image for a more stylish and modern design. It was longer, lower, and wider than its predecessor, borrowing elements from the midsize Chevy Blazer. This included a prominent grille and distinctive body lines, giving it a strong presence. The Trax offered various trims with different styling cues, such as the rugged Activ and sporty RS, enhancing its appeal. Inside, the Trax featured a mix of materials, with higher trims offering Evotex upholstery and unique design elements, though some choices like piano-black plastic were less practical.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Venue presented a more compact and practical design. It was available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with prices ranging from $21,275 to $24,525. The Venue's design was appealing for an affordable car, with a mature look in Ecotronic Gray. Inside, it featured hard plastics but maintained a stylish appearance with striped seats and white trim. The Venue's digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen were highlights, offering quality finishes and operation. Overall, the Venue was thoughtfully designed, providing a high-quality feel for a small SUV.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax featured a new 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Despite a decrease in power from the previous model, it offered improved acceleration, with minimal turbo lag and a responsive feel. The Trax was front-wheel drive only, with a six-speed automatic transmission. Its handling was more car-like, providing a stable and nimble ride, though it still exhibited some body roll. The Trax also impressed with its refinement, thanks to active noise cancellation, though ride quality was slightly rough.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue came with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. Weighing 2,612 pounds, it was agile in urban settings, aided by a CVT that maximized power. However, the Venue struggled on rough roads due to its suspension setup, resulting in a busy ride. On highways, it maintained speed but sounded strained under pressure. The Venue was front-wheel drive only, with 6.7 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for light snow. It achieved an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined, though real-world tests showed slightly lower efficiency.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered increased rear-seat legroom but had reduced headroom and shoulder room compared to its predecessor. It provided a comfortable driving position with excellent visibility, though it lacked the elevated seating of typical SUVs. Cargo space improved to 25.6 cubic feet with seats up and 54.1 cubic feet with seats down, surpassing the Venue.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured higher ground clearance, making entry and exit easier. Front seats offered manual adjustments and heating, while the rear seat was better suited for two passengers. Storage was limited, and the Venue lacked rear air vents and privacy glass. Cargo capacity was 18.7 cubic feet with seats up and 31.9 cubic feet with seats down, comparable to a compact car.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax boasted significant tech upgrades, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and an 11-inch screen on higher trims. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and phone charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though some controls favored the driver. The Trax also included a digital instrument cluster and multiple USB ports.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with modern graphics and easy operation. Standard tech included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited trim added navigation, satellite radio, and a wireless charger, though it required wired connections for smartphone integration. The Venue's infotainment was sophisticated, with effective voice recognition, but the sound system could be improved.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered a range of driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. It also featured the Teen Driver system, promoting safe driving habits.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue came with Hyundai SmartSense, offering forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Limited trim added cyclist detection. However, it lacked adaptive cruise control. The Venue received Good ratings in IIHS crash tests and a four-star NHTSA rating, though it was smaller than most vehicles on the road.