Trax vs HR-V
Two brands, one target. The Trax from Chevrolet and the HR-V from Honda compete head to head for subcompact suv shoppers. The data doesn’t leave much room for doubt: 1 of 4 areas go to the Trax, and the gap is widest in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Fuel Economy & Range Trax wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing HR-V wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Space & Practicality6.5
- Engine & Performance1.7
- Fuel Economy & Range1.8
- Space & Practicality5.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The HR-V has 21 hp more power
When it comes to total system output, the HR-V wins comfortably with 158 hp against 137 hp. The HR-V’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Trax has 24 lb-ft more torque
It’s a lopsided result (162 lb-ft for the Trax, 138 lb-ft for the HR-V) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Trax has better fuel economy
The HR-V isn’t far behind at 28 mpg, but the Trax’s 30 mpg still comes out ahead. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Trax has better city fuel economy
A narrow win for the Trax. With 28 mpg to 26 mpg, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Trax starts from a better baseline.
-
The HR-V has available all-wheel drive
This is a feature gap rather than a spec gap: the Trax simply lacks it. The HR-V offers all-wheel drive; the Trax doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Trax | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 104.5 in |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
The engine & performance round is shared. The Trax has 24 lb-ft more torque, and the HR-V has 21 hp more power. Weigh both advantages honestly; the one you’d miss more is your answer on engine & performance.
Total system output
Trax: 137 hp HR-V: 158 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Trax: 162 lb-ft HR-V: 138 lb-ft The Trax’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Trax leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Trax leads the fuel economy & range section with room to spare. The Trax gives you better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Prioritize fuel economy & range, and the Trax is where you should land.
Fuel economy (combined)
Trax: 30 mpg HR-V: 28 mpg The Trax uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Trax: 28 mpg HR-V: 26 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the space & practicality section. The space & practicality verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Off-road & Towing
HR-V leads
The off-road & towing comparison is tighter than it first looks, with the HR-V marginally ahead. Choose the HR-V and you get available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. Bottom line for off-road & towing: the HR-V has the edge.
AWD / 4WD available
Trax: no HR-V: yes Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the Trax’s and the HR-V’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trax | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 158 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 138 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trax | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg (winner) | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trax | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.6 cu ft | 24.4 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 54.1 cu ft | 55.1 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | 38.70 in Most rear legroom | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Trax | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trax | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Honda Sensing |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Trax | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 104.5 in |
Price
| Spec | Trax | HR-V |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $20,500 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Trax if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (162 lb-ft vs 138 lb-ft of torque)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (30 mpg vs 28 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (28 mpg vs 26 mpg)
Choose the HR-V if…
- you want more power (158 hp vs 137 hp)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
- you’re comfortable with how Honda does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Trax or the HR-V?
We’d point most buyers to the Trax. The main exception is if you’d trade the rest for 21 hp more power.
Executive Summary
The Trax against the HR-V: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the Trax brings 24 lb-ft more torque. Add better fuel economy to the list, and the Trax looks even better. Credit where it’s due: the HR-V offers 21 hp more power.
If you’d rather have strength in fuel economy & range, go with the Trax. If off-road & towing is what you’d miss, go with the HR-V.
My pick: the Trax, though the HR-V makes sense if you specifically want 21 hp more power, where the HR-V has the edge.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.