Trax vs CX-30
The Trax and the CX-30 sit in the same subcompact suv class, but Chevrolet and Mazda don’t always agree on what matters most. Of the 5 areas we compared, the Trax wins 2. If one area explains the result, it’s space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance CX-30 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Trax wins
- Space & Practicality Trax wins
- Off-road & Towing CX-30 wins
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Space & Practicality6.5
- Engine & Performance4.0
- Fuel Economy & Range2.3
- Space & Practicality2.5
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
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The CX-30 has 54 hp more power
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the CX-30 makes its strongest case: 191 hp against 137 hp. The CX-30’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Trax has 27% more cargo space
The Trax clearly leads on cargo (behind rear seats), and 25.6 cu ft versus 20.2 cu ft is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. The Trax’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
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The Trax has 20% more maximum cargo space
On cargo (seats folded), the Trax posts 54.1 cu ft against 45.2 cu ft for the CX-30, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
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The CX-30 has 24 lb-ft more torque
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The CX-30’s 186 lb-ft beats the Trax’s 162 lb-ft. The CX-30’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Trax has better city fuel economy
The Trax wins this narrowly, 28 mpg against 26 mpg, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Trax has the better rating here.
Design & Size
The Trax simply takes up more room than the CX-30, whether that’s on a desk, in a bag or in a parking space.
Dimensions
| Spec | Trax | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.1 in | 173 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.7 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 104.4 in |
Engine & Performance
CX-30 leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the CX-30. Choose the CX-30 and you get 54 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. If engine & performance is your priority, the CX-30 is the car to pick.
Total system output
Trax: 137 hp CX-30: 191 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Trax: 162 lb-ft CX-30: 186 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Trax leads
On fuel economy & range, the difference is modest, and it favors the Trax. In its favor, the Trax has better city fuel economy. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Trax starts from a better baseline. If this section decides it for you, choose the Trax.
Fuel economy (city)
Trax: 28 mpg CX-30: 26 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Trax leads
The CX-30 has a tough time in the space & practicality section, where the Trax pulls well ahead. The Trax answers with 27% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. In short, the Trax is the better-equipped car for space & practicality.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Trax: 25.6 cu ft CX-30: 20.2 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Cargo (seats folded)
Trax: 54.1 cu ft CX-30: 45.2 cu ft The Trax can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
Off-road & Towing
CX-30 leads
Slight edge to the CX-30 on off-road & towing. Most buyers could live happily with either. On the CX-30, you get available all-wheel drive. The CX-30 offers all-wheel drive; the Trax doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. Prioritize off-road & towing, and the CX-30 is where you should land.
AWD / 4WD available
Trax: no CX-30: yes All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
If safety & tech matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. If safety & tech was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trax | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 191 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trax | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 32 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trax | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.6 cu ft (winner) | 20.2 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 54.1 cu ft (winner) | 45.2 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | 38.70 in Most rear legroom | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Trax | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trax | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11 in | 10.3 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Mazda i-Activsense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Trax | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.1 in | 173 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.7 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 104.4 in |
Price
| Spec | Trax | CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 20.2 cu ft)
- you move bulky items now and then (54.1 cu ft vs 45.2 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you want better city fuel economy (28 mpg vs 26 mpg)
Choose the CX-30 if…
- you want more power (191 hp vs 137 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (186 lb-ft vs 162 lb-ft of torque)
- you want all-wheel drive available
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Trax or the CX-30?
The Trax makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you care more about 54 hp more power than anything else.
Which is larger, the Trax or the CX-30?
The larger model here is the Trax (179.1 in); the CX-30 is more compact at 173 × 70.7 × 61.7 in.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the Trax’s and the CX-30’s) so you don’t have to. My main argument for the Trax? It comes with 27% more cargo space. A second point goes to the Trax for better city fuel economy. Still, if you care most about 54 hp more power, the CX-30 deserves a look.
Choose by what you’d use most: fuel economy & range leads to the Trax, engine & performance leads to the CX-30.
My pick: the Trax gets my vote, but the CX-30 is the right call if you need 54 hp more power, which only the CX-30 offers.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.