2025 Subaru Crosstrek Vs. Chevrolet Trax: Full Comparison
2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2025 Chevy Trax at a Glance
- The Subaru Crosstrek has standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across the entire lineup; the Chevy Trax is only available with front-wheel drive.
- You can tow up to 3,500 pounds1 with the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness or 1,500 pounds1 on other trims; the Chevy Trax is not recommended for towing any amount.
- Two engine options power the Subaru Crosstrek lineup: either a 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The Trax only has a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine.
- The Subaru Crosstrek has an 11.6-inch touchscreen on all models except the Base, while the Chevy Trax has an 11-inch touchscreen on only the top three trims.
Comparing the Subaru Crosstrek vs. Chevy Trax is essential if you're considering a purchase or lease of either of these compact SUVs. While they may look similar in size, there are plenty of differences between them in terms of performance, features, and everything in between. Our team at Wallace Subaru of Bristol put together this handy guide to compare the most important aspects of each model.
Subaru Crosstrek vs. Chevrolet Trax Specs and Performance
Starting with the specs, the new Subaru Crosstrek for sale is powered by a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine that makes 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. For all other Crosstrek models except the Base, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine is used and produces up to 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.
The Chevrolet Trax has a smaller 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that makes up to 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque for the entire lineup. When it comes to engines, the Subaru Crosstrek dominates with higher horsepower and more choices.
Another important distinction between the Crosstrek and the Trax is their drivetrains. The Crosstrek has standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across all models, which enhances handling and provides confidence both on and off the road. However, the Chevy Trax only has front-wheel drive, which may fall short when it comes to versatility and capability.
The Base Crosstrek gets higher MPG ratings on the highway with an EPA-estimated 27/34 MPG (City/Highway)2 compared to the EPA-estimated 28/32 MPG (City/Highway).3 On top of that, the Crosstrek achieves this with AWD, which the Chevy model lacks.
Subaru Crosstrek vs. Chevy Trax Specs Comparison Chart
| 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Base | 2025 Chevy Trax LS | |
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cyl | 1.2L 3-cyl |
| Horsepower | 152 | 137 |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 162 lb-ft |
| Max. Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs1 | Not rated for towing |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 27 / 34 / 29 MPG2 | 28 / 32 / 30 MPG3 |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Transmission | Lineartronic CVT | 6-speed automatic |
Chevy Trax vs. Subaru Crosstrek Towing Capacity
The Subaru Crosstrek Base model can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. Opt for the Crosstrek Wilderness, however, and the maximum towing capacity jumps up to an impressive 3,500 pounds.1
If you're interested in any amount of towing capacity, the Crosstrek is the natural choice due to the fact that the Chevy Trax is not rated for towing at all. The 2025 Chevy Trax Owner's Manual states: "Never tow a trailer with your vehicle. It was not designed or intended to tow a trailer."
Subaru Crosstrek vs. Chevy Trax Dimensions
| 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Base | 2025 Chevy Trax LS | |
| Length | 176.4 in | 178.6 in |
| Width | 70.9 in | 71.8 in |
| Height | 62.8 in | 61.4 in |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Space (Min / Max) | 19.9 / 54.7 cu ft | 25.6 / 54.1 cu ft |
| Headroom (Front / Rear) | 39.8 / 38 in | 39.6 / 38.1 in |
| Legroom (Front / Rear) | 42.9 / 36.5 in | 41.9 / 38.7 in |
| Passenger Volume | 100.5 cu ft | 98 cu ft |
As you can see, maximum cargo space and passenger volume are two areas in which the Subaru model excels. Inside the Crosstrek is up to 54.7 or 54.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down; you and your loved ones can enjoy over 100 cubic feet of passenger volume without a moonroof. The Chevy model comes up short with 54.1 cubic feet of max cargo room and 98 cubic feet of passenger space.
Compare Chevy Trax and Subaru Crosstrek Trim Levels and Configurations
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek trim lineup consists of the following:
- Base
- Premium
- Sport
- Limited
- Wilderness
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax has five editions to choose from:
- LS
- 1RS
- LT
- 2RS
- ACTIV
Subaru Crosstrek vs. Chevy Trax Interior and Features
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek has either cloth, sport cloth, StarTex, or premium leather upholstery, depending on the model. Interior amenities that come either standard or as an upgrade include a 7- or 11.6-inch touchscreen display, wireless smartphone integration, a Harman Kardon® premium audio system, 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability, paddle shifters, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and keyless access with push-button start.
The Chevy Trax comes equipped with an 8- or 11-inch touchscreen display and optional amenities like wireless charging, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. You only get two choices for upholstery: cloth or EvoTex.
Learn More About the Subaru Crosstrek at Wallace Subaru of Bristol
With its superior performance, off-road prowess, and interior perks, the Subaru Crosstrek is the preferred choice for many drivers when compared to the Chevy Trax. If it also sounds right up your alley, explore our Subaru Crosstrek deals at Wallace Subaru of Bristol.
We invite you to visit us in Bristol, TN, and experience the Crosstrek for yourself. Schedule a test drive online today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What sets the Subaru Crosstrek apart from the Chevrolet Trax?
The Subaru Crosstrek is superior to the Chevrolet Trax in many aspects: It has standard all-wheel drive, higher horsepower, more engine options, and can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. The Chevy Trax isn't rated for towing at all, and it only comes in front-wheel drive. The Crosstrek also has more interior passenger volume and maximum cargo space with the rear row down.
Does the Subaru Crosstrek offer better towing capacity than the Trax?
The Subaru Crosstrek can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, while the Chevrolet Trax is explicitly not recommended for towing. The Crosstrek Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited have a maximum tow rating of up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped, and the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness has increased capabilities with its 3,500-pound maximum tow rating.1
Does the Crosstrek offer better performance vs. the Trax?
The Subaru Crosstrek has superior performance metrics than the Chevy Trax, thanks to its standard AWD system. The Crosstrek Base has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces up to 152 horsepower, while all other models have a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower. In contrast, the Chevy Trax lineup has one option: a sluggish 1.2-liter powertrain that produces up to 137 horsepower.
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1Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.
2EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle’s condition.
3EPA-estimated 28 city/32 hwy/30 comb 1.2L 3-cyl.
