Trax vs Taos
Rivals in the subcompact suv class rarely match spec for spec, and the Trax and the Taos are no exception. The spec sheets tilt toward the Taos, which leads in 3 of 4 areas and opens its biggest gap on engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Taos wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Taos wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Taos wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Engine & Performance3.5
- Fuel Economy & Range3.5
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 Taos has 37 hp more power
Among all the differences on this page, 174 hp against 137 hp is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the Taos. The Taos’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Taos has 22 lb-ft more torque
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The Taos’s 184 lb-ft beats 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.
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The Taos has better highway fuel economy
The Taos wins this narrowly, 36 mpg against 32 mpg, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
-
The Taos has available all-wheel drive
The Taos has it; the Trax doesn’t. No percentages needed. The Taos offers all-wheel drive; the Trax doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Trax | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Taos leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Taos leads the engine & performance section with room to spare. In its favor, the Taos has 37 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Bottom line for engine & performance: the Taos has the edge.
Total system output
Trax: 137 hp Taos: 174 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Trax: 162 lb-ft Taos: 184 lb-ft The Taos’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Taos leads
The Taos squeezes out a win in the fuel economy & range section. Here the Taos offers better highway fuel economy. The Taos uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the Taos is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (highway)
Trax: 32 mpg Taos: 36 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Call the space & practicality round a draw. On space & practicality alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Off-road & Towing
Taos leads
Slight edge to the Taos on off-road & towing. Most buyers could live happily with either. The Taos adds 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. If off-road & towing is your priority, the Taos is the car to pick.
AWD / 4WD available
Trax: no Taos: yes Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trax | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 1.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 174 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD (4Motion AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trax | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 32 mpg | 36 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trax | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trax | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | N/A (not specified) |
Dimensions
| Spec | Trax | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Trax | Taos |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Taos if…
- you want more power (174 hp vs 137 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (184 lb-ft vs 162 lb-ft of torque)
- you want better highway fuel economy (36 mpg vs 32 mpg)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Trax or the Taos?
On the specs compared here, the Taos makes more sense for most buyers; the Trax doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I love a proper cross-brand matchup, and the Trax against the Taos is exactly that. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is 37 hp more power, and that goes to the Taos. The Taos also scores with better highway fuel economy.
If your days lean on the things a spec sheet can’t capture, I’d pick the Trax; if they lean on engine & performance, the Taos.
My pick: the Taos.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.