Drivers who want plenty of space but don’t want to break the bank don’t have to rely on full-size sedans anymore. Many automakers are producing stylish and spacious subcompact SUVs that deliver plenty of cargo and passenger room, offer other weight transport capabilities, and provide stylish features at price-points that can work within potential owners budgets preferences. The 2019 Chevy Trax vs 2019 Mazda CX-3 are two examples of viable spacious options that are available at attractive price-points. Each of these models is available in multiple trim levels and also comes with some of the latest safety features. When choosing between them, drivers may find that the performance capabilities may be the determining factor for which model is right for them since these subcompact SUVs host many similarities.
Price
The 2019 Chevy Trax and Mazda CX-3 both come in three different trim levels. The price point of each new SUV is impacted by which trim level a driver chooses, as well as any customizations and/or add-ons that are incorporated into them. However, potential buyers can rest easy knowing that each of these subcompact vehicles offers similar starting MSRPs.
The new Mazda CX-3 is available starting at $20,390. This model comes with many features that are standard across many new cars, but its performance functionalities are highly rated – even at the base model level. The Chevy Trax is available to purchase for as low as a $21,300 starting MSRP.
Price-wise, both models feature a slightly lower staring price-point and when it comes to gas mileage these subcompact SUVs also have comparable ranges. Exact miles per gallon depends on the combination of the exact trim level, drivetrain, and engine chosen, but on average the Trax gets an estimated 26 city/31 highway mpg and the CX-3 gets an estimated 29 city/34 highway mpg. If pricing is the primary concern or deciding factor for a potential buyer, then drivers can rest assured that each of these vehicles provides similar budget-friendly options.
Safety Features
Each of these vehicles come with the latest safety features so drivers and their passengers can be confident that they will safely arrive at their intended destination. When comparing safety ratings of the Trax and CX-3, there’s no significant difference between them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave both of these subcompact SUVs a five-star rating. However, the NHTSA did call out a safety concern if a side crash occurred with the Mazda CX-3, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety only rated the Chevy Trax as having basic crash avoidance and mitigation for front crash prevention.
Additional hi-tech safety features are also available in both models. There aren’t many differences in the hi-tech safety options available between the two models, but how many of these features come standard does vary based on the different trim levels. For instance, the new Chevy Trax Premier automatically comes with Lane Departure Warning, Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Alert, and Side Blind Zone Alert, and Lane Departure Warning systems. However, the Mazda CX-3 Sport, which is the first trim level of this model, comes with a rearview camera and Blind Spot Monitoring with a Rear Cross Traffic Alert system. If drivers are interested in getting a subcompact SUV that automatically comes with a few advanced safety tech features – without having to advance to higher trim levels – then the Mazda may be the better option for you.
Interior Comparison
Each of these new subcompact SUVs offers spacious and stylish interiors. The Chevy Trax and Mazda CX-3 both provide seating space for up to five, but the Chevy offers a little bit more room for passengers to stretch out and enjoy. The overall cargo volume is almost exactly the same in these subcompact SUVs, but where the Trax shines is that more cargo volume is available behind each seating row. For instance, behind row two the Chevy offers about 18 cubic feet for cargo while the Mazda only provides about 12 cubic feet of cargo volume.
The Chevy Trax also stands out with the entertainment features that come included in this Chevy SUV. The Chevrolet Infotainment System provides support for Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto. Bluetooth capability also gives everyone in the car the opportunity to stream audio from their stream phones. The new Mazda also provides a touch-screen audio system, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not standard features in the base trim level. If entertainment features and interior space are essential details for subcompact SUV driver, then the Trax would meet these needs a little better even if consumers are considering starting with the base trim level.
Performance Capabilities
Oftentimes SUV owners are interested in their vehicle offering performance capabilities that go beyond the need to get from one location to another. Each of these vehicles come in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The trim level and drivetrain can also impact performance, but generally speaking between the Chevy Trax and the Mazda CX-3, the Chevy falls a little short by comparison in this area. This Chevy SUV can only just over 1,200 pounds, while the CX-3 subcompact vehicle can tow up to 2,000 pounds but the CX-3 has to be properly equipped to do so. The Mazda’s engine also tends to feature a little bit more horsepower, which makes the driving experience a little more comfortable and enjoyable for the driver and an overall smoother transportation experience for all in the vehicle.
Making the Final Choice: Chevrolet or Mazda?
Deciding which SUV is better largely depends on personal preference. Critics seem to agree that the new Mazda CX-3 is a more overall versatile choice, but some of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax’s cutting edge additions make it a stand-out option, too. Since the safety ratings are so similar, drivers don’t have to worry about comprising safety for style or functionality.
However, if hi-tech features, more interior cargo and passenger room and ready access to some of the latest hi-tech safety features are what’s most important to a subcompact SUV owner, then the 2019 Chevy Trax may be the best option. However, the 2019 Mazda CX-3’s ability to tow more, provide a better driving experience, and offer more budget-friendly pricing also makes this SUV a viable and worthwhile choice to consider.
