Compare the2022 Chevrolet TraxVS 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The Chevrolet Trax has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Crosstrek Hybrid doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Compared to metal, the Trax’s plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid has a metal gas tank.

Both the Trax and the Crosstrek Hybrid have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The Trax’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Crosstrek Hybrid’s (6 vs. 5 years).

There are almost 5 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Subaru dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Trax’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Trax third among small suvs in their 2020 Initial Quality Study. The Crosstrek Hybrid isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2020 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Subaru vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 46 more problems per 100 vehicles, Subaru is ranked 27th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Subaru vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet 12th in reliability, above the industry average. With 10 more problems per 100 vehicles, Subaru is ranked 17th.

The Trax’s standard 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder produces 7 more horsepower (155 vs. 148) than the Crosstrek Hybrid’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

For better stopping power the Trax’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Crosstrek Hybrid:

The Trax has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Crosstrek Hybrid; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The Trax has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Crosstrek Hybrid doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

The Chevrolet Trax may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 450 to 600 pounds less than the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid.

The Trax is 8.9 inches shorter than the Crosstrek Hybrid, making the Trax easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front step up height for the Trax is .7 inches lower than the Crosstrek Hybrid (16.8” vs. 17.5”). The Trax’s rear step up height is 1.2 inches lower than the Crosstrek Hybrid’s (16.8” vs. 18”).

The Trax has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Crosstrek Hybrid with its rear seat up (18.7 vs. 15.9 cubic feet). The Trax has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Crosstrek Hybrid with its rear seat folded (48.4 vs. 43.1 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Trax easier. The Trax’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.8 inches, while the Crosstrek Hybrid’s liftover is 30.7 inches.

The Trax’s front and rear power windows all lower with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Crosstrek Hybrid’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open them fully.

The Trax LT has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Crosstrek Hybrid doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Trax is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Crosstrek Hybrid doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

The Car Book by Jack Gillis recommends the Chevrolet Trax, based on economy, maintenance, safety and complaint levels.