Trax vs Corolla Cross
Few matchups in the subcompact suv class come up as often as the Trax against the Corolla Cross. Count the areas and a pattern appears. The Corolla Cross is ahead in 3 of 4, led by a clear margin in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Corolla Cross wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Corolla Cross wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Corolla Cross wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Engine & Performance2.4
- Fuel Economy & Range3.7
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 Corolla Cross has 32 hp more power
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 169 hp for the Corolla Cross versus 137 hp for the Trax. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The Corolla Cross has better fuel economy
On paper, the Corolla Cross is a touch ahead here, listing 32 mpg against 30 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Trax has 12 lb-ft more torque
A modest but measurable lead goes to the Trax: 162 lb-ft compared with 150 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The Corolla Cross has better city fuel economy
The Corolla Cross is slightly stronger on fuel economy (city). The gap, 31 mpg versus 28 mpg, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Corolla Cross has the better rating here.
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The Corolla Cross has available all-wheel drive
The Corolla Cross brings available all-wheel drive, and the Trax has no equivalent. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Trax | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 103.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Corolla Cross leads
The Corolla Cross wins the engine & performance section decisively. The Corolla Cross pulls ahead with 32 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. The Trax wins here with 12 lb-ft more torque. Bottom line for engine & performance: the Corolla Cross has the edge.
Total system output
Trax: 137 hp Corolla Cross: 169 hp The Corolla Cross’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Trax: 162 lb-ft Corolla Cross: 150 lb-ft The Trax’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Corolla Cross leads
If fuel economy & range is high on your list, the Corolla Cross makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The Corolla Cross scores with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. In short, the Corolla Cross is the better-equipped car for fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (combined)
Trax: 30 mpg Corolla Cross: 32 mpg The Corolla Cross uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Trax: 28 mpg Corolla Cross: 31 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
If space & practicality matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Both cover space & practicality well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Off-road & Towing
Corolla Cross leads
The Trax comes close on off-road & towing, but the Corolla Cross does just enough to lead. Choose the Corolla Cross and you get available all-wheel drive. The Corolla Cross offers all-wheel drive; the Trax doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. Prioritize off-road & towing, and the Corolla Cross is where you should land.
AWD / 4WD available
Trax: no Corolla Cross: yes All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the Trax and the Corolla Cross row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trax | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 169 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 150 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trax | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 32 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 31 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 32 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trax | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.6 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 54.1 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Rear legroom | 38.70 in Most rear legroom | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Trax | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trax | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Trax | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 103.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Trax | Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| 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 150 lb-ft of torque)
- you already know your way around Chevrolet’s products
Choose the Corolla Cross if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (169 hp vs 137 hp)
- you want better combined fuel economy (32 mpg vs 30 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (31 mpg vs 28 mpg in the city)
- you want all-wheel drive available
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Trax or the Corolla Cross?
The Corolla Cross wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you need 12 lb-ft more torque, which only the Trax offers.
Executive Summary
If it were just about the brand, you wouldn’t be here. So let’s talk about the Trax and the Corolla Cross on their merits. Honestly, 32 hp more power on the Corolla Cross does a lot of the persuading for me. I also like that the Corolla Cross brings better fuel economy. I don’t want to sell the Trax short, though: it has 12 lb-ft more torque.
Think about your week. Heavy on pulling power? The Trax. More about engine & performance? The Corolla Cross.
My pick: the Corolla Cross, though I’d happily point you to the Trax if you’d trade the rest for 12 lb-ft more torque.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.