2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax underwent a significant transformation, shedding its previous image for a more modern and stylish design. The new model was longer, lower, and wider, drawing inspiration from the midsize Chevy Blazer. This redesign gave the Trax a more commanding presence, with a distinctive grille and pronounced body lines that set it apart from competitors like the Hyundai Venue and Nissan Kicks. The Trax offered various trim levels, including the Activ and RS, which added unique styling elements such as faux skid plates and blacked-out trim, respectively. Inside, the Trax featured a mix of cloth and Evotex upholstery, with higher trims offering more upscale materials and design touches.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded a refined elegance with its modern design, highlighted by the GLS 450's 22-inch AMG rims and polished metal accents. The interior showcased a luxurious Bahia Brown over Black color scheme, complemented by natural-grain Grey Oak trim and polished aluminum accents. The GLS 450 was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, offering a smooth and powerful driving experience. The vehicle's AMG Line and Exclusive Trim Packages added sporty styling and premium features, while the Acoustic Comfort Package enhanced the overall driving experience. The GLS 450's MSRP reached $97,730, reflecting its premium positioning in the market.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax featured a new 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Despite the decrease in power compared to the previous model, the Trax managed to improve its 0-60 mph time by about a second. The engine's flat torque curve provided strong acceleration from a stop, and turbo lag was minimal. The Trax was available only with front-wheel drive, differentiating it from the all-wheel-drive Trailblazer. The vehicle's handling was tuned to be more car-like, offering a planted feel and nimble handling, although it still exhibited some body roll and limited grip. The Trax's ride quality was slightly rough, but active noise cancellation helped reduce unwanted sounds.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, with its 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, delivered a smooth and powerful performance. The mild-hybrid system provided an instant torque boost, making the GLS 450 feel lively from a stop. The nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system offered seamless power delivery and excellent traction. The GLS 450's driving modes allowed for tailored vehicle dynamics, and its maximum towing capacity was 7,700 pounds. The adaptive air suspension and large tires contributed to the GLS 450's impressive handling, while the brakes provided smooth and reliable stopping power. The GLS also featured an Off-Road menu for enhanced off-road capability.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered increased rear-seat legroom, but headroom and shoulder room were slightly reduced. The Trax's interior space was comparable to its main rivals, with comfortable seating and a car-like driving position. The vehicle provided 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 54.1 cubic feet with them folded, offering more space than the Hyundai Venue.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS, equipped with the AMG Line package, featured sportier styling but posed challenges when entering or exiting the vehicle. The GLS's front seats were comfortable and offered a commanding view, while the Exclusive Trim Package added heated rear seats and a four-zone climate control system. The second-row captain's chairs provided excellent thigh support, but accessing the third-row seat was cumbersome. The third-row space was snug for adults but suitable for children. The GLS offered practical cargo space, with 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 84.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax saw significant infotainment upgrades, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and an 11-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless phone charging, were available for the first time. The Trax's infotainment system was user-friendly, with crisp graphics and a logical menu layout. The digital instrument cluster offered a modern design, and multiple USB ports were available for front and rear passengers.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the latest MBUX infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offered improved graphics and various themes, but touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and center console caused occasional frustration. Despite this, MBUX was praised for its intuitive operation, natural voice recognition, and augmented reality navigation. The standard Burmester surround-sound system provided an impressive audio experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax came with a range of standard driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Trax also featured the Teen Driver system, which monitored driving behavior and provided a report card to parents.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered an extensive array of safety features, with adjustable settings through MBUX. The advanced driving assistance systems were praised for their effectiveness and subtle operation. The GLS handled various driving conditions with ease, and the lane-centering assist system performed well, with only one minor issue during testing.