2024 Mazda CX-30 vs Chevy Trax

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 and the 2024 Chevrolet Trax likely stand out if you’re shopping in the crowded crossover SUV market. However, comparing vehicles can present challenges with all the features different manufacturers offer. So we asked our SUV experts to do the work for you, and here’s what they found.

Exterior Style

The Mazda CX-30 shares many of the same styling cues as its big brother, the Mazda CX-50. Mazda employs KODO design elements that capture the interplay of light and shadow. This interplay results in shifting reflections of the world around you, creating a sense of motion, even when at a standstill.

Signature LED headlights with adaptive lighting technology illuminate the way, including around corners. LED daytime running lights frame the grille, and sharp nose lines provide an aggressive stare. Sweeping curves on the sides give an elegant profile, and the SUV rolls on various sizes and styles of alloy wheels. The rear fascia has LED combination taillights and a roof-mounted rear spoiler, rounding out the CX-30’s athletic posture.

Chevrolet’s Trax has a new modern look with sharp lines and soft curves that strike a confident pose. The Trax has LED headlights but no adaptive headlights or daytime running lights. Chevrolet uses 17-inch machined wheels on the lower trims and 18- or 19-inch variants on the top models.

Looking at both vehicles from the curb, your eyes are drawn to the CX-30. The Trax SUV lacks the CX-30’s elegance and premium finish.

Interior Comfort and Convenience

The carefully curated cabin of the Mazda CX-30  invites and invigorates as you slip inside. Premium features such as perforated leather upholstery with signature stitching, sophisticated color schemes, and soft-touch surfaces provide a refined look and feel. The seats and the leather-wrapped steering wheel provide heat for comfort on cold days.

You can fit five passengers in this comfortable cabin. Plus, if you have gear to haul, the 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space do the job. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat opens up 45.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity when needed, while a power liftgate makes for simple loading and unloading.

You’ll find a user-friendly layout inside the Trax’s cabin with intuitively placed controls. The Trax’s comfortable seats also heat up to keep you warm. The lower trims have premium cloth upholstery, while the top models use a synthetic material.

The Chevrolet Trax also features a second row that split folds for multiple cargo/passenger configurations. Behind the second-row seat, you have 25.6 cubic feet of space. Folding the rear seat flat gives you 54.10 cubic feet for cargo.

In comparison of these two vehicles, the Trax has more cargo capacity, but the premium fit and finish of Mazda’s CX-30 has a more refined quality.

Technology

All your in-vehicle tech runs through an 8.8-inch touch screen or an optional 10.5-inch variant, both powered by the Mazda Connect infotainment system. This system has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto preinstalled for your convenience. Now, you can sync your smartphone to access your apps, stream your favorite playlists, and receive navigation information.

Built-in Wi-Fi and a wireless charging pad come standard, and multiple USB ports add more charging and connecting capability. You also get three years of complimentary Mazda Connected Services. Download the app to your phone to be able to operate your car and access vehicle diagnostics remotely.

Chevrolet offers an 8-inch touch screen standard or an optional 11-inch version, both running its infotainment system. The automaker provides a wireless integration standard, but a wireless charging pad and Wi-Fi are options. Chevrolet also offers a remote connectivity app similar to Mazda’s.

Mazda edges the Trax in the technology department with a larger base touch screen and more standard features than the Trax.

Performance

Every Mazda CX-30 model has i-ACTIV AWD with off-road traction assist standard. Mazda has two engine options depending on the CX-30 trim level. The lower models have the SKYACTIV-G 2.5L inline four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation technology. Mazda paired this engine with its six-speed automatic transmission. As a result, this powertrain produces 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque and gets up to 33 mpg.

The second engine is Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G 2.5L inline four-cylinder dynamic pressure turbocharged engine, which also pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain has an impressive 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, achieving 30 mpg.

Chevrolet opted for a single engine for the entire lineup. A 1.2L inline three-cylinder turbo engine connected to a six-speed automatic transmission provides 137 horsepower, 162 lb-ft of torque, and 32 mpg. Chevrolet offers the Trax with front-wheel drive and no all-wheel-drive option.

One of Mazda’s strengths is its powertrain technology, which clearly beats the Chevrolet Trax.

Driver-Assistance Systems

Mazda includes a suite of driver-assistance technologies designed to enhance your driving experience and improve safety. The suite consists of cruising and traffic support, which keeps you at a preset speed and distance in traffic and helps you stay centered in your lane. Other systems, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning, provide confident driving in congested areas.

Chevy Safety Assist comes standard on every Trax. This suite offers some of the same tech in the Mazda suite, such as forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and lane departure warning. However, the adaptive cruise control, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, and rear cross-traffic alert systems are only available as options.

In comparison to Mazda’s CX-30, the Chevrolet Trax’s standard driver-assist systems aren’t quite so robust. Mazda’s suite has more systems and capabilities that add value to these must-have features.

2024 Mazda CX-30 for the Win

The Mazda CX-30 shines from the curb and cradles you in comfort inside, whereas the Trax gets close but doesn’t quite measure up. Performance-wise, Mazda’s CX-30 has far more impressive power and capability than the Trax. And considering the value drivers place on in-vehicle and safety technology, Mazda checks all the boxes.

If you’re ready to elevate your San Juan Capistrano commute with a stylish, comfortable, and capable SUV with the cutting-edge tech you desire, we invite you to shop our virtual inventory. You can always visit our Valle Road showroom for a personalized experience and test-drive your preferred CX-30.