2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

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 added unique styling elements such as faux skid plates and blacked-out trim, respectively. Inside, the Trax featured a slim dashboard design with a freestanding touchscreen and large air vents, providing a fresh look while maintaining functionality. Higher trims offered Evotex upholstery and additional design flourishes, though some materials, like piano-black plastic, were prone to smudging.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, tested in challenging snowy conditions near Mount Rainier National Park, showcased its capability with the Rock Creek trim. Equipped with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated tires and standard all-wheel drive, the Pathfinder handled the terrain with ease. The Rock Creek trim featured a rugged design with beadlock-style wheels, a V-Motion grille, and stacked LED lighting. Despite its adventurous appearance, the Pathfinder was a unibody crossover, lacking additional ground clearance and skid plates. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a mix of cloth and leatherette upholstery, with the Rock Creek trim featuring unique "Rock Creek" logos. The interior was comfortable, with heated front seats available on higher trims, though a heated steering wheel was limited to the SL and Platinum trims. The Pathfinder's interior was generally well-received, offering comfort and solid material quality.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Despite the decrease in power from the previous model, the new engine provided a quicker 0-60 mph time, thanks to its flat torque curve and minimal turbo lag. 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, with a wider track for a planted feel. While not a hot hatch, the Trax offered nimble handling and exceeded expectations in refinement, with active noise cancellation and a decent ride quality.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, with power output varying by trim. The Rock Creek trim offered 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, while other trims produced 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet. A nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the Rock Creek and Platinum trims included a transmission oil cooler for a 6,000-pound towing capacity. The Pathfinder's ride was soft, suitable for light off-roading but less composed on twisty roads. Fuel economy for the Rock Creek was 20 mpg city, 23 highway, and 21 combined, with seven drive modes and hill-descent control enhancing traction.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered increased rear-seat legroom but saw a decrease in headroom and shoulder room. It provided a car-like driving position with 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 Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, while smaller than some competitors, provided ample interior space. It comfortably accommodated four adults and their gear on a ski trip. Cargo space was 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 45 cubic feet with it folded, and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows down. The Pathfinder featured three-zone climate control and comfortable seating, with the Rock Creek trim offering captain’s chairs and a removable center console.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax saw significant infotainment upgrades, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and an 11-inch screen on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless phone charging, were available. The system was user-friendly, though the screen's tilt favored the driver. The Trax also offered a digital instrument cluster and multiple USB ports.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's tech lagged behind competitors, with an older interface and smaller screens. The SL and Platinum trims offered a 9-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay, while lower trims had an 8-inch screen. A 13-speaker Bose system was available on higher trims. The Pathfinder included standard voice recognition, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM, with navigation limited to higher trims.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax's crash-test ratings were unavailable, but it offered a range of driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and optional adaptive cruise control. The Teen Driver system was standard, promoting safe driving habits.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and ProPilot Assist on higher trims.