Compare the2022 Chevrolet TraxVS 2023 Kia Sportage 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 Sportage Hybrid doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Both the Trax and the Sportage Hybrid have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, 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.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and with its optional front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Trax the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2016, a rating granted to only 207 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Sportage Hybrid has not been tested, yet.

The Trax’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Sportage Hybrid’s (6/100,000 vs. 5/100,000).

There are almost 4 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Kia 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 2021 Initial Quality Study. The Sportage Hybrid isn’t in the top three in its category.

The Trax LT’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Sportage Hybrid EX/SX-Prestige’s 60 series tires.

For better maneuverability, the Trax LS’ turning circle is 3.2 feet tighter than the Sportage Hybrid’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.6 feet). The Trax LT’s turning circle is 1.9 feet tighter than the Sportage Hybrid’s (36.7 feet vs. 38.6 feet).

The Chevrolet Trax may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 450 pounds less than the Kia Sportage Hybrid.

The Trax is 1 foot, 3.9 inches shorter than the Sportage Hybrid, making the Trax easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Trax’s front and rear power windows all open fully with one touch of the switches and its driver’s window also automatically closes, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Sportage Hybrid’s standard power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically. The Sportage Hybrid EX/SX-Prestige’s rear windows don’t open automatically.

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 Sportage Hybrid doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

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

The Chevrolet Trax outsold the Kia Sportage by 26% during 2020.