It’s natural to assume that the newest model year is the best incarnation of a vehicle’s nameplate, but that isn’t always true. Reasons to opt for an older model year over a newer one could include aesthetic, performance, price, or even feature preferences. A perfect example is the 2024 Chevy Trax vs 2023 Chevy Trax, where the last model year of the Trax before its overhaul is completely different from the 2024 model. But which one should you go with?
Well, there are some interesting differences between the outgoing model year Chevy Trax and the new 2024 model year Chevy Trax—some you probably didn’t expect and a few that you did. But the major differences will determine what you should anticipate from both vehicles; some features vary depending on the production year. So if you’re thinking about which one to buy, this article will give you the details on what to look for when it comes time to commit to a Chevy Trax.
Highlights of the 2023 Model
There is unfortunately no distinction between a 2023 Chevy Trax and the 2022 model year preceding it. Nothing new was added for 2023, as Chevrolet was focusing its efforts on redesigning the 2024 model to be radically different. All 2023 models are thus essentially reprints of the 2022 Chevy Trax, as the 2023 model is a carry-over of the 2022 model.
Thus, what the 2022 Chevy Trax had to offer is now what the 2023 model currently offers. This build is centered around a 1.4L turbocharged inline four-cylinder that now makes 155 hp at 177 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain had seen a 20% increase, giving the 2022 and 2023 Trax a little bit more power over its previous iterations. So with the Trax, you get that extra touch of power leading into the new generation refresh.
Beyond the small power buff, however, there aren’t any other significant changes made to the outgoing Chevy Trax. So that leaves you basically with all of the benefits that come with that particular model year. Of course, those benefits will vary depending on what you find valuable as standard features for the Trax, such as the Chevy Infotainment system with a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen, the Wi-Fi 4G LTE hotspot support, and the integrated inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also the Chevy Safety Assist and rear vision camera; these are all standard features on the Trax, which still give it quite a bit of value for those looking for a subcompact SUV.
What’s New for the 2024 Model
The 2024 Chevy Trax is completely overhauled and rebuilt with an extensive lineup of new features. It’s no longer just a subcompact SUV like the previous generation Trax; this new generation is slightly longer, wider, and isn’t quite a standard subcompact SUV, but rather more of a compact crossover, as the new Trailblazer seems to fulfill the role of being Chevy’s chief subcompact.
The all-new 2024 Trax has a redesigned silhouette, more standard safety features, a new infotainment setup, and a wholly overhauled trim lineup. Additionally, from the performance changes made in the 2022 model, Chevy decided to completely alter the performance offerings for the 2024 Trax. It completely forgoes the 1.4L turbocharged inline four-cylinder and instead rocks a 1.2L EcoTec turbocharged three-cylinder.
Simply put, the 2024 Trax is all new in just about every way but name. It comes with a lot of new features, upgrades, and alterations to not only the performance but also the interior and its capacity as well. As mentioned, it’s more of a compact crossover than a subcompact; that’s one critical aspect to consider when first comparing the 2023 model to the new 2024 model.
What Are the Major Differences Between Them?
Regarding shopping preferences, most SUV customers will want to know exactly what they’re getting into and want the best bargain. When it comes to directly comparing features and specs between the 2023 Trax and 2024 Trax, there are numerous stark differences. First and foremost, the trim lineup between the two model years is vastly different; the 2023 Trax only comes in the LS and LT, whereas the 2024 Trax is available in LS, TRS, LT, 2RS, and ACTIV trim variations. This gives you a lot more variety in how this crossover SUV can be configured.
However, the 2023 Trax comes in two special editions not available for the 2024 Trax: the Sport and Midnight Editions. The latter gives you a blacked-out appearance and unique stylings; if that is something you’d be interested in, it is only available for the 2023 Trax.
The other big difference is the powertrain configuration. While both SUVs are designed for front-wheel drive, the outgoing Trax is available with all-wheel drive, while the 2024 model year is not—so that’s also something to consider. On the upside, both SUVs still offer the same gas mileage, so even with the increase in the 2024 Trax size, you aren’t spending more on gas to move your vehicle around, which is great.
As mentioned, the 2024 Trax has much larger dimensions. It is 4 inches lower, 2 inches wider, and 11 inches longer; it has also increased its maximum cargo volume by 12%, giving you up to 54.1 cu.ft. of cargo volume compared to the 48.4 cu.ft. of cargo volume in the 2023 Trax. That makes a significant difference regarding what you can store in the vehicle, as well as overall passenger volume.
Standard features and infotainment have been overhauled for the 2024 Trax; while you still get all the basic comfort and convenience features from the outgoing model year, you get a very different aesthetic afforded to the 2024 model year thanks to the new dimensions, color schemes, and layout. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better, but it does mean it’s different, and that’s something SUV shoppers will have to evaluate against their preferences.
One thing that is unequivocally better is the infotainment stack, which starts at 8.0 inches and scales up to 11.0 inches for the HD color touchscreen on the 2024 model, compared to the standard 7.0-inch touchscreen of the 2023 Trax.
Which Chevy Trax Is Right for Me and My Budget?
To keep things simple, you get more features, more convenient alternatives, and more trim variations for the 2024 Chevy Trax. You get an improved infotainment stack and more standard driver assistance tools. You also get more interior volume and better overall dimensions. However, the newer 2024 Chevy Trax against the 2023 Chevy Trax also sees an expected price increase.
The outgoing model of the Trax is now making its way around used dealerships and sellers, meaning that you’re going to be able to find it at a much lower price than the newer 2024 Trax. The other thing to keep in mind is that the newer 2024 Trax is also slightly larger; while it’s still sometimes considered a subcompact SUV, it’s technically more of a small compact SUV, whereas the outgoing Trax is definitely a subcompact. If the size was a significant concern for you, and you needed something remarkably compact, the older Trax—in this case—would be the preferable option.
Style, space, capacity, and features will obviously all play a big role in which one is worth your money. If all-wheel drive is important to you because of where you live, or you just want that extra stability, then the outgoing Trax gives you that option. However, if the inclusion of more standard driver assistance tools, more interior space and cargo volume, and higher-quality infotainment features all matter to you, then the newer 2024 Chevy Trax would be the clear winner.
