2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

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 with its bold grille and distinctive body lines. This redesign gave the Trax a commanding presence, setting it apart from competitors like the Hyundai Venue and Nissan Kicks. The Trax offered various trim levels, including the Activ and RS, which provided unique styling elements such as faux skid plates and blacked-out trim. Inside, the Trax featured a slim dashboard design with a freestanding touchscreen and large air vents, while higher trims offered Evotex upholstery and contrasting stitching.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its fresh appearance from the previous year, with a futuristic design characterized by a flush grille and slim LED light bars. The Kona's increased size, with an additional six inches in length, improved interior space and road presence. The N Line S and N Line trims offered sportier styling with body-colored bumpers and cladding. The Kona's interior remained unchanged, providing a solid and airy feel with ample tech features. Notably, the 2025 model introduced standard 64-color ambient lighting on select trims. The Kona's seating options ranged from cloth upholstery to Alcantara sport seats and H-Tex leatherette, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated front seats.

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 accelerated to 60 mph about a second faster. The engine's flat torque curve provided strong response, 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 with limited grip and body roll. Active noise cancellation improved refinement, although ride quality was slightly rough.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two engine options for its gas-powered models. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims boasted a more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup, enhancing traction and handling. The Kona's ride prioritized competence, with a more sophisticated suspension setup on AWD models.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered increased rear-seat legroom, but headroom decreased slightly in the second row. The Trax provided a car-like driving position with excellent outward visibility. Cargo space increased to 25.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 54.1 cubic feet when folded, surpassing the Hyundai Venue but slightly trailing the Nissan Kicks.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its cargo capacity, offering 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63.7 cubic feet when folded. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, providing ample space for passengers. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the interior featured numerous storage compartments. The Kona's seating options varied by trim, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated front seats and dual-zone climate control.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax featured an 8-inch touchscreen 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, along with wireless phone charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with crisp graphics and a logical menu layout. The Trax also offered multiple USB ports for connectivity.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona came equipped with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims included wireless smartphone charging and a digital key. The Kona offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on select trims, enhancing customization options. Audiophiles could upgrade to a Bose premium audio system on higher trims, while all models included SiriusXM and HD Radio.

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. The Trax also featured the Teen Driver system, which monitored driving behavior and provided a report card to parents.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning. Higher trims added advanced features like Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Kona included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.