Trax vs Niro
Cross-brand comparisons are where priorities show. Chevrolet’s Trax and Kia’s Niro target the same subcompact suv space in different ways. There is a favorite. The Niro beats the Trax in 2 of 4 areas, and fuel economy & range is its biggest advantage.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Niro wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Niro wins
- Space & Practicality Trade-off
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Space & Practicality6.5
- Engine & Performance2.8
- Fuel Economy & Range10.0
- Space & Practicality6.2
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 Niro has better fuel economy
At 53 mpg versus 30 mpg, this is a decisive lead for the Niro, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The Niro has 33 lb-ft more torque
If torque is one of your priorities, this settles it: the Niro leads clearly with 195 lb-ft to the Trax’s 162 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Niro has 18% more maximum cargo space
The numbers aren’t close. The Niro lists 63.7 cu ft for cargo (seats folded), while the Trax lists 54.1 cu ft. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
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The Trax has 12% more cargo space
The Trax is slightly stronger on cargo (behind rear seats). The gap, 25.6 cu ft versus 22.8 cu ft, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. The Trax’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
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The Niro has better city fuel economy
A clear win for the Niro: 53 mpg against 28 mpg. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
The Trax is physically larger, so the Niro will be the easier fit wherever space is limited.
Dimensions
| Spec | Trax | Niro |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.1 in | 174 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 71.8 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 107.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Niro leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Niro. Choose the Niro and you get 33 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. On engine & performance alone, the Niro gets the nod.
Torque
Trax: 162 lb-ft Niro: 195 lb-ft The Niro’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Niro leads
For fuel economy & range, the verdict is easy: the Niro leads, and not by a little. The Niro brings better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the Niro is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (combined)
Trax: 30 mpg Niro: 53 mpg The Niro uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Trax: 28 mpg Niro: 53 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Niro has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Trade-off
On space & practicality, it’s give and take: the Trax brings 12% more cargo space, and the Niro brings 18% more maximum cargo space. Pick the strength that fits your routine; that’s the honest answer for space & practicality.
Cargo (seats folded)
Trax: 54.1 cu ft Niro: 63.7 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Trax: 25.6 cu ft Niro: 22.8 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on off-road & towing; the numbers are close throughout. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
Names, not numbers: the safety & tech rows below show what each one is built with, and it’s worth reading them side by side.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trax | Niro |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 1.6L I4 hybrid |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 139 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trax | Niro |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 53 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 53 mpg (winner) Best city economy |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 32 mpg | 54 mpg (winner) Best highway economy |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trax | Niro |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.6 cu ft (winner) | 22.8 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 54.1 cu ft | 63.7 cu ft (winner) |
| Rear legroom | 38.70 in Most rear legroom | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Trax | Niro |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trax | Niro |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Kia Drive Wise |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Trax | Niro |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.1 in | 174 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 71.8 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 107.1 in |
Price
| Spec | Trax | Niro |
|---|---|---|
| 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 haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (25.6 cu ft vs 22.8 cu ft)
- you like more of everything, size included
- you’re comfortable with how Chevrolet does things
Choose the Niro if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (53 mpg vs 30 mpg combined)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (195 lb-ft vs 162 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more room with the seats folded (63.7 cu ft vs 54.1 cu ft)
- you want better city fuel economy (53 mpg vs 28 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Trax or the Niro?
The Niro makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you’d trade the rest for 12% more cargo space.
Which is larger, the Trax or the Niro?
Size goes the other way: the Trax is larger (179.1 in), and the Niro is the smaller option (174 × 71.8 × 61.8 in).
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The Trax and the Niro are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story. Here’s what matters most to me: the Niro offers better fuel economy. Plus, the Niro gets 33 lb-ft more torque, which I wouldn’t overlook. The Trax has a trump card of its own in 12% more cargo space.
A quick self-test: do you care more about cargo space or engine & performance? The first answer means the Trax, the second means the Niro.
My pick: the Niro. The Trax only comes out ahead if what you want most is 12% more cargo space.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.