2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax underwent a significant transformation, shedding its previous image to emerge as a more stylish and modern vehicle. The redesign embraced a "longer, lower, wider" philosophy, resulting in a vehicle that was 11 inches longer, four inches lower, and two inches wider than its predecessor. This new design borrowed elements from the midsize Chevy Blazer, such as a prominent grille and distinctive body lines, giving the Trax a more commanding presence. The base Trax LS featured 17-inch steel wheels, while higher trims offered 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum options. The interior, though primarily plastic, incorporated interesting design features like a freestanding touchscreen and large air vents, adding a touch of sophistication to the entry-level model.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its distinctive retro-inspired appearance, reminiscent of the 1986-1991 Lancia Delta. The mid-cycle refresh introduced subtle changes to the front fascia while maintaining the iconic "Parametric Pixel" headlights and taillights. The new XRT trim stood out with red tow hooks and black plastic bumper cladding, featuring a unique "digital camouflage" pattern. The Ioniq 5's color palette expanded, offering exclusive colors for the XRT trim. The interior remained minimalistic and modern, with minor updates to the center console for improved functionality. The Ioniq 5's cabin continued to provide an open and uncluttered space, characteristic of Hyundai's electric vehicles.

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 1.4-liter engine, 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 handling was tuned to be more car-like, offering a planted feel and nimble handling, although it still exhibited some body roll. The Trax's ride quality was slightly rough, but active noise cancellation helped reduce unwanted sounds.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT introduced a Terrain Mode button with three options: Snow, Mud, and Sand, adjusting throttle mapping, wheel slip, and power distribution. The XRT handled off-road conditions well, with regenerative braking minimizing the need for traditional braking. The Ioniq 5 offered all-wheel drive for the XRT trim, while other trims had rear-wheel drive as standard. The 2025 model saw increased battery capacity, resulting in longer ranges: up to 318 miles for RWD models and 259 miles for the AWD XRT. Power output varied, with RWD models producing up to 225 horsepower and AWD models delivering 320 horsepower. The Ioniq 5's electric torque provided a fun driving experience despite its weight.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax's larger dimensions didn't uniformly translate to increased interior space. Rear-seat legroom increased by three inches, but headroom decreased slightly. The Trax offered competitive passenger space compared to rivals like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue. The driving position was more car-like, with low window sills providing excellent visibility. Cargo space increased to 25.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 54.1 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing the Venue but only slightly better than the Kicks.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 addressed previous complaints by adding a rear windshield wiper. The interior featured a movable center console with improved cupholders and a wireless charging pad. Heated front seats were standard, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and front seat ventilation available on higher trims. Interior dimensions remained unchanged, offering generous legroom and cargo space. The Ioniq 5's transition to the North American Charging System allowed access to Tesla's Supercharger network, enhancing its charging capabilities.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax saw significant infotainment upgrades, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and an 11-inch touchscreen with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available for the first time, along with wireless phone charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with crisp graphics and a logical menu layout. The Trax offered multiple USB ports, but the wireless charging pad's shape and angle might not suit all phones.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its dual 12.3-inch screens, now with improved functionality and faster processing speeds. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard, enhancing connectivity. The Bose Premium Audio system was available on the XRT trim, while other trims had a six-speaker system. The Ioniq 5 featured standard navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and multiple USB-C ports. A head-up display was exclusive to the Limited trim, and the wireless charging pad was available from the SEL trim level.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax's crash-test ratings were unavailable, but it offered a range of driver-assist features. Standard features included 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 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. New standard safety features included an enhanced driver attention system and parking-distance warnings. The XRT trim offered additional features like a surround-view monitor. Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2 were available, with the latter offering lane-changing capability and machine learning.