2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2025 BMW X3

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 gaping grille and distinctive styling elements 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 touches to appeal to different tastes. Inside, the Trax featured a slim dashboard design with a freestanding touchscreen and large air vents, creating a modern and functional interior.

In contrast, the 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive and athletic appearance for an SUV. Its long hood, captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and tapering roofline contributed to its sporty look. The test model's Arctic Race Blue paint and 21-inch wheels emphasized its dynamic stance. Inside, the X3's cabin was simple yet elegant, with quality materials and a focus on comfort. The Veganza artificial leather upholstery and power-adjustable seats added to the premium feel. However, some interior elements, like the plastic trim, revealed the X3's price point. Despite this, the X3's spacious interior and thoughtful design made it a compelling choice in the compact crossover segment.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax featured a new 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. While less powerful than its predecessor, the Trax managed to improve its 0-60 mph time by about a second. The engine's flat torque curve provided strong acceleration, and turbo lag was minimal. The Trax was available only with front-wheel drive, differentiating it from the all-wheel-drive Trailblazer. Its handling was tuned to be more car-like, offering a planted feel and nimble handling. Despite limited grip and body roll, the Trax exceeded expectations in refinement, with active noise cancellation and a comfortable ride.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite its weight, the X3 achieved a 0-60 mph time of six seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. The engine's broad power curve and mild-hybrid system enhanced responsiveness and fuel efficiency. For those seeking more power, the X3 M50 xDrive offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 393 horsepower. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires provided an engaging driving experience, though the ride could be harsh on imperfect roads. Overall, the X3 delivered a delightful driving experience, especially on twisty roads.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered increased rear-seat legroom and a slight increase in front-seat legroom, though headroom decreased slightly. The Trax's interior space was comparable to rivals like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue, with the most rear-seat legroom among them. The cargo space increased to 25.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 54.1 cubic feet with them folded. The Trax's car-like driving position and low window sills provided excellent visibility, though SUV enthusiasts might miss the elevated seating position.

The 2025 BMW X3 provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with power-adjustable front seats and a wide dashboard featuring the BMW Curved Display. The cabin felt larger than most compact crossovers, with angular trim elements that illuminated at night. The front seats offered comfort and optional ventilation, while the rear seats were less comfortable for taller passengers. The cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with a lightweight cargo cover and additional storage under the load floor. The X3's interior design and features contributed to its premium feel.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax saw significant upgrades in infotainment technology, 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 optional digital instrument cluster provided a modern design, and USB ports were available for both front and rear passengers.

The 2025 BMW X3 featured the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 9 software, offering a user-friendly experience with Quick Select menus. However, creating profiles and accessing BMW Digital Services proved challenging during testing. The system occasionally froze, and media preferences were sometimes forgotten. Despite these issues, wireless Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly. The X3's navigation system with augmented video provided accurate directions, and the overall infotainment experience was mixed, with potential issues unique to the test vehicle.

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, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Trax also came with the Teen Driver system, which monitored driving behavior and provided a report card to parents. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2025 BMW X3's driver assistance features were more rewarding than its infotainment system. The standard Active Driving Assistant suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Parking Assistant Plus, while the Driving Assistant Professional Package offered hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant and other advanced features. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact crash tests.