Honda HR-V vs Chevy Trax
1. Introduction
The Honda HR-V has the perfect combination of capability and space when talking about the Chevy Trax. Honda HR-V projects a versatile character to the consumer with its 2WD or AWD capability, also by using bigger engine with 1.8L SOHC i-VTEC that producing 141 HP and 172 Nm torque. The bigger power does not sacrifice the efficiency of fuel usage. Honda HR-V has class-leading fuel economy with estimated 8.3L per 100 km for 2WD type and 8.8L per 100 km for AWD type. Honda HR-V has been showcased at the 2014 LA Auto Show, and it starts entering the market on early 2015. Honda HR-V comes up with 3 choices of type; they are S, E and also Prestige type. Discussing about the price, Honda HR-V AWD with the highest type (Prestige) has a price of 409.5 million on the road where the price is lower compared to the previous generation of CR-V 2.0 with A/T. Chevy Trax appears as a modern city SUV that has a good capability for roaming in the town. Chevy Trax itself is coming up with a 5-seated Crossover compact SUV that has 1.4L Turbo engine with Ecotec 4 cylinders that could produce a power up to 140 HP with 200 Nm torque. Although it uses a smaller engine compared to HR-V, Chevy Trax engine performance is quite good because it uses the turbo technology. But the turbo technology has an impact to the fuel-efficiency. Unfortunately Chevy Trax only has 1 choice of type because it is a CBU (Complete Built-Up) product from the General Motors Korea and the price is around 325 million.
1.1. Overview of Honda HR-V
Cabin space and practicality are one of the HR-V's main advantages. Thanks to Honda's famous magic seat, it fits long items and enables various settings. It has a rear camera and 6 airbags as safety features, and G-CON + ACE for security and high self-protection. The only thing that becomes a minus point for the HR-V is the suspension and tire sound. Even after using MRF tires and a new suspension, defects in those factors are still noticeable.
Launched in 2016, the Honda HR-V shares its platform with the Honda Fit. It is offered in three different variants: E, V, and RS. And just recently, Honda updated the HR-V with a Mid-Cycle Update (MMC) in 2018. The MMC variant is now only available with a 1.5L NA engine, which is powered up to 120 PS. Using Earth Dreams Technology, the fuel combustion produced is efficient. Even with an NA engine, it's more fuel efficient because instead of changing it to a new turbo engine, Honda has lightened up the structure and uses a more advanced CVT compared to the previous one. The new HR-V also has a new design front and rear bumper and a pair of LED headlamps with DRL. Additionally, there's a big change in the interior and accessories. Now it has a 6.8" touchscreen head unit with Apple CarPlay.
1.2. Overview of Chevy Trax
In contrast, the Chevy Trax is slightly heavier at 2800 lbs. However, the additional weight does help make you feel more planted to the ground and secure when driving, due to the fact Chevy has used high strength steel throughout the structure. The wheelbase of the Trax is the same as the HR-V at 100", but the overall length is a little shorter but similar to a Fit at 167", which I consider a more "just-right" size for a CUV. The Trax comes in with a slightly lower ground clearance at 6.2 inches, but this is common with smaller CUVs and the Subaru XV Crosstrek is the only other one in the segment with noticeably more clearance at 8.7". This will mean the Trax should be able to handle its share of snow and dirt roads, but its main target will be the urban jungle. Available in 10 exterior colors from the entry level LS to the top of the line LTZ, combined with stylish 18" wheels and a sleek modern design, the Trax has good potential to become a trendy vehicle, especially amongst younger buyers.
2. Exterior Features
With Honda and Chevy both targeting the youth with these mini sport utility vehicles, the design and style are the most important aspect towards catching their intended customers. Both cars have similar designs and styling, a front engine, five-passenger vehicle with four doors. The front ends of both cars look similar, the hood and lighting, however, the Honda has a more futuristic look to it. The Chevy and the Honda both have a rear spoiler which adds to the sporty SUV look. The rear door handles on the Chevy are located near the top of the door, some consumers find this feature annoying and prefer the more traditional side placements found in the Honda. The spare tire location in the Trax is another deciding factor for some as it is located on the underside of the vehicle as opposed to on the rear hatch in the Honda. This can be a pain to get to with groceries or moving things and could be a deciding factor for potential buyers. Both cars are built to accommodate five passengers with ample seating and compact size for easy parking. The Honda's four doors will be more convenient for passengers to enter and exit, with the Trax having only two doors, the rear ones being half doors that many may find annoying. Always looking to bring technology to their customers, Honda has a lane watch camera available on the passenger side mirror which activates a small camera below the mirror and displays on the infotainment system screen. This feature is nifty for ensuring there is no one in your blind spot when switching lanes. The Trax is equipped with a rear vision camera, lower trims have the display in the rearview mirror and high trims activate a display in the infotainment screen. Both features are convenient safety options often sought out by today's buyers. Both Honda and Chevy are offering 17" wheels for the stock tire option on their vehicles with a possibility to upgrade. Consumers often notice tire size, this is important that these tires are durable enough to take on forest roads, though these cars are not true off-road vehicles, the option is available with the real-time AWD in the HR-V and the on-demand AWD in Trax. Honda is offering alloy rims that have a striking design depending on the trim of the vehicle. Chevy is also offering aluminum rims although they are steel covered in aluminum, consumers may prefer the option of full alloys.
2.1. Design and Styling
The Trax and HR-V are different in terms of exterior design. The HR-V is largely identical to the US-market Honda Fit. The Trax, meanwhile, is somewhat of a niche vehicle in the Chevrolet lineup - the brand has been primarily promoting the muscular new look of its larger SUVs and this isn't what the Trax embodies. The result is a vehicle that's relatively small in length - it's 168.5 inches long, a figure that's 13 inches shorter than a CR-V and 10 inches shorter than the HR-V. Nonetheless, both Chevy and Honda have opted for a rugged, SUV-like look for their smaller crossovers. In terms of dimensions, the Trax is a bit taller and narrower than the HR-V, which might give pause to those who wonder whether it's a good vehicle for highway driving. Inside, it's easy to see why the Honda HR-V is currently winning the sales battle. The Chevy Trax has a rather conventional interior that's a scaled-down version of the one used in the Chevrolet Cruze. It's a clean design, but the materials used in constructing the dashboard and door panels are subpar compared to other vehicles in the segment, and several interior pieces didn't seem to fit together well at our early-production test vehicle. Above, the entire driver's instrument cluster is on a single plastic panel and while it looks nice during the day, we can't help but wonder if it will produce excessive glare on bright or sunny mornings. It's also disappointing that Chevrolet replaced the motorcycle-inspired gauge cluster used in other models with a conventional trio of gauges. It sacrifices more personality than it needed to. A bright spot, however, is Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, which comes standard on all but the base LS model and is cleanly integrated into the dashboard. This option will be discussed further a bit later. The HR-V's interior, meanwhile, is all about flexibility and quality. This vehicle employs Honda's latest interior design language and it's been a hit with the company's other recent models. The HR-V is also a scaled-down version of a larger sibling, but in this case it's the CR-V and that's nothing to complain about there. This crossover has a more upscale look and feel than competitors, some of which are more expensive than the HR-V. Upper trims have seat upholstery that wouldn't look out of place in an Acura. In the front, both vehicles offer a relatively high seating position and good forward visibility, but the additional height of the Trax may be more beneficial to shorter drivers. Rear seat passengers in the HR-V will experience significantly more room than those in the Trax. The Chevrolet's rear seat is more cramped than the segment standard and offers minimal adjustability. The HR-V's unique Magic Seat, borrowed from Honda's Fit, allows for a variety of cargo and seating configurations, the most notable of which is a tall and deep storage capacity where the seat bottom can be flipped up at the expense of losing rear passenger seating. This flexibility doesn't compromise rear seat comfort and our only complaint is that the plastic lever used to adjust the seat position feels cheap. Due to the Trax's placement as a global vehicle, North America receives an updated version of the model already sold in other markets, including one with a much nicer cabin based on Opel vehicles. However, it will likely be years before this second generation Trax is available in our region, and even then the Opel-based Trax's interior may not measure up to the HR-V.
2.2. Dimensions and Size
When it comes to dimensions, the Trax and the HR-V have similar heights and wheelbases. But other than that, the HR-V is larger in every other category. It's longer, wider, has more ground clearance, and more cargo space. This gives the HR-V a slightly more comfortable ride, better capability for light off-road use, and simply more versatile accommodations for passengers and cargo. This goes to show that even though the HR-V and the Trax are both subcompact CUVs, it's easy to see that the HR-V is, in fact, the more useful and capable vehicle.
As for the HR-V, it's also a raised hatchback, but it attempts to mimic the styling and utility of a crossover far better than the Trax. With a sleek and stylish exterior, the HR-V looks far more like a genuine crossover than the Trax. The HR-V is also built on a global compact platform, however, it is shared with the Honda Fit so it's a more spacious and functional platform than the Sonic that the Trax is built on. The HR-V is available in an all-wheel drive option and comes packed with many of Honda's latest technology and safety features.
Being a compact crossover vehicle, the Chevy Trax is an extremely small vehicle. So small in fact that many auto industry analysts don't even classify it as a true crossover. And with good reason. The Trax is basically a raised compact hatchback, and nothing more. It's built off the platform of the Chevy Sonic, which means it has a taller stance than a traditional compact, but that's all-wheel drive is available option.
2.3. Wheel Options
Understanding the power of the wheel is essential to understanding any vehicle. Two automobile brands that do it well off the bat are Honda HR-V and the Chevy Trax. Both cars locked down great initial tires to hit the pavement and display what they can do for potential buyers. The HR-V comes stock with 17-inch wheels and has an option for 18-inch wheels. To show that they can display greatness from the get-go, the Trax comes in hot with an LT and LS model that come standard with 18-inch aluminum wheels. With each car looking to make an immediate impression, it is an easy battle between the two HR-V wheels being that they are only a 17 to 18-inch difference where the Trax stays ahead at 18 inches. Knowing that wheel size is an essential component to a vehicle, both teams decided to go to work with customizing their wheel options to cater to their seeing impairment in mind being that the car can either sit on 2WD set of wheels or the 4WD variant wheels to mark the path of where they have been. Honda came to an interesting conclusion that has their own benefit but it can confuse buyers. They designed the HR-V to have a 17-inch wheel set for the 2WD and an 18-inch set for the AWD. Chevy had a clearer judgement call for this as they decided on 16-inch wheels for the LS models and an 18-inch wheel format for the LT and LTZ model Trax. This is where Honda has a slight edge due to the fact that there is no change in wheel size, it is just dependent on the model you choose. A change of the HR-V wheels for an AWD will cost customers beneficial traction in the mind of seeing that they will have to go down an inch in size to purchase an entirely new set of wheels for the traction they want. For future buyers plans to keep the stock wheels and possibly buy a new set down the line, the Honda HR-V may offer more flexibility with its confusing but accessible wheel change being that they will remain different sizes so there is no confusion in what they need to purchase at a later time.
3. Interior Features
Overall, the HR-V wins easily in terms of interior quality and space, but the Trax has a more unique, modern feel, targeted at an active youth market.
The Chevy Trax interior is much less car-like than the HR-V and feels as though it was designed to accommodate a very active, youthful lifestyle. It features a motorcycle-inspired gauge display and an abundance of hard plastic. All the controls are within easy reach of the driver and with a 7-inch touch screen, there are plenty of user-friendly tech features. The front seat is comfortable, with good storage space and well-cushioned seats. Unfortunately, this is not quite the case in the rear where the limited head and legroom, and the flat bottom cushion on the seat, do not make for a comfortable ride. The Trax offers 39.6 inches of headroom and 40.8 inches of legroom in the front and 38.8 inches of headroom and 35.7 inches of legroom in the rear. This is noticeably less than the HR-V. Cargo space in the Trax is 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 48.4 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded down. This falls significantly short of HR-V’s cargo space.
Roomy areas abound inside the HR-V. Rear legroom is very good, with plenty of space for adults, even with the front seats pushed all the way back. The rear seat cushions can be flipped up to create a tall space behind the front seats, useful for carrying items such as tall plants. The front and rear headroom is also plentiful. The driver’s visibility is enhanced by a high eye point and the HR-V boasts a class-leading 100.1 cubic feet of passenger space.
The Honda HR-V’s cabin features a traditional, high quality Honda design, with easy to use climate and audio controls. The cabin is roomy and the high quality materials give it a high-end feel.
3.1. Cabin Space and Comfort
The HR-V is a little longer and bigger than the Chevy Trax and it shows inside. Cargo room is a push, but the Honda's back seat is a game changer in this class. The HR-V's "Magic Seat" is borrowed from the larger Civic and it's a winner. The Trax rear seat is a 60/40 split design (as are nearly all back seats). The Honda's is split into three sections and the seat bottoms can be flipped up, like in a pickup, to carry tall items inside the vehicle. This makes the HR-V's rear comparably huge and it's a nice, low-cost feature. Both vehicles have fold-down front passenger seats to further aid with carrying longer items inside the vehicle. When we talk about seat comfort, we are talking about a starting point for each vehicle at 2WD. The HR-V is only available with 2WD until the top line touring trim. The Trax is only available with AWD in its top of the line LTZ trim. When we compare LTZ to say, EX, we're talking about a $4000+ price difference. The fabric is a little nicer in these two vehicles and the comfort level is about the same. We say this because the Trax has had a suspension update recently, but because of my AWD only vs. 2WD comparison, our last test drive of a 2015 Trax was a bit too rough riding for a vehicle in this class. This said, the HR-V is a little quieter inside and has a bit more sound deadening. Anti-vibration subframe mounts have Honda claiming the HR-V has superior ride quality and noise isolation; a claim we are mostly inclined to believe. Both vehicles offer tilt and telescoping steering wheel, though only the HR-V will include that across all trims. Step up to the HR-V EX and Honda provides automatic climate control and heated front seats. Jeep Renegade and Mazda CX-3 also offer automatic climate control, but neither provide the heated seats at this trim level. It's trims like these where Honda's near-premium branding shines and sheds light on the areas where the HR-V mislabeled as an entry-level vehicle. At the top of the line EXL Navi trim, the HR-V offers a power-adjustable driver's seat, which is not available on any trim of Trax. The HRV will also have more upscale trim, surface materials, and full, soft-touch dash. This is a nice change of pace from the hard plastics and dull, gray tones that are common to subcompact crossover interiors. Both vehicles will have tilt and telescoping steering wheel, but only the HR-V will include that across all trims. The Trax counters these amenities with the OnStar 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot as standard equipment on all trims. This is an innovative and valuable feature for those who want internet access outside the vehicle, but it might not be enough to sway buyers away from the Honda.
3.2. Infotainment System
The Honda HR-V system has a 5.0-inch LCD screen on LX models and a 7.0-inch touchscreen on the EX and higher trim levels. Honda has an infotainment system that is much maligned for its lack of a volume knob – a point we feel the need to mention every time we talk about a Honda product. That said, its basic functionality is very good, response times are quick, and the layout is straightforward. Bringing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the upper EX and Navi models for 2019 is a big plus. With it being an SUV that will prove very popular in urban areas, we feel physical buttons around the system simply to turn it off and access the maps function would be a good idea in the future, to make it more convenient and safer to operate while driving. The old touchscreen-only system is getting a bit out of date! Honda's infotainment system does not have an option to add a navigation system on lower price point EX models, but with smartphone integration, this is not a massive issue. One thing we do love is that Honda has retained a simple air conditioning system on the HR-V, as opposed to the climate control systems on some other models.
The Chevrolet Trax has a 7.0-inch touchscreen on the LT and Premier models. The system is easy to use, and the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard in all models makes for more seamless smartphone integration. The LS model makes do without the touchscreen and steering wheel audio controls, which makes it less attractive from a connectivity standpoint. All models come with 4G LTE Wi-Fi, which is a nice feature in this day and age. OnStar is also standard, in case you get into an accident and need some help.
3.3. Cargo Capacity
The Honda HR-V has 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 58.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. That's among the best in the class. In practical terms, the HR-V's low load floor and liftgate design make it more convenient to load bulky items than a traditional trunk design. In comparison, the Chevrolet Trax has 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. That's not bad for the subcompact class, but it still pales in comparison to the Honda. The HR-V also has some clever features that make it especially utility-friendly. The Magic Seat from the larger Honda Fit is a split-folding rear seat whose bottom cushion can be easily flipped up for carrying tall items on the floor. Additionally, the bottom of the rear seat can also be folded up to create a tall load floor just inside the rear door. Honda says this could be used to transport a big plant. We're guessing it's more likely to be used to prevent a muddy bike tire from dirtying the seat cushion. Another cool trick is the HR-V's available AWD, which isn't unique, but the rear seats' ability to flip up the cushions when the seatbacks are lowered creates a nearly flat plastic surface, making for easier cleaning following transporting Fido. All told, the HR-V's cargo handling is a master class in this class, and the same is true of the Trax. A recent update brought a fold-flat front passenger seat on all but the base LS trim, allowing items up to eight feet long to be carried inside. The rear seats also flip and fold in a 60/40 split. It's not quite as clever as the Honda's Magic Seat, but it gets the job done.
3.4. Seating Options
When looking at the number of options for getting the HR-V, it is conceivable to take a look at the seats that are chosen as the upholstery. There is nothing thrilling or noteworthy on any other trim that makes it different from other than the EX-L w/Navi and AWD model. With that said, the LX and EX trims have what Honda calls the "Magic Seat". The "Magic Seat" is Honda's way of making the rear seating fold in a number of convenient ways to position your cargo. It is a 60/40 split second-row seat, due to that the rear seats can move completely forward and back, showing expansive amounts of rear legroom and 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space when folded down. This is especially useful when trying to decide between going for a smaller SUV/CUV such as this rather than a sedan. Also, the fact that the rear seats can fold completely flat, it is easier to load heavy and awkward-shaped items inside the vehicle. The EX w/ Navi and EX-L models come with a little something different than just the "Magic Seat". This "little something" is that the vehicle will come with leather trim and under-the-floor cargo capacity. The leather trim is highly considered for the people who are trying to keep their seats new, clean, and stylish. On the other hand, the cargo capacity has the same concept as the rear seats, but just allows for more private and secure storage, and ease of taking out and cleaning the storage space. This is because the flip-up plastic panels can be easily taken out and cleaned, and the whole underfloor compartment is designed to act as a cooler, due to it being easy to clean. The AWD model has no difference in seating, but the leather trim can come as an option.
4. Performance and Efficiency
The Honda HR-V comes equipped with a 1.8 litre 4-cylinder engine, linking back to the tagline "Powered By Fun". It results in a satisfactory 141hp at 6500rpm torque. On the other hand, the Chevrolet Trax base model offers a 1.4 litre 4-cylinder engine with a turbo that pumps out 138hp. Whilst the HR-V wins the numbers game on this occasion, the engine type may be a hint towards the Chevy Trax being more fuel efficient. AWD is an option for both vehicles; the HR-V is capable of sending up to 20-30% of its maximum torque to its rear wheels, whereas the Trax AWD system kicks in automatically when required and the driver does not have to manually select it. The fuel economy is an area which may influence a lot of consumers, especially those considering purchasing either of the two vehicles as a family car. With the 2WD HR-V achieving figures of 8.3L/100km for city driving and 6.9L/100km for highway driving, and the AWD model only a fraction higher, it is Manchester United-esque (i.e. consistently top four). With fuel prices in Australia only getting higher, this is an area where the HR-V is an attractive option. Its fuel tank capacity is also 50 litres. The Chevy Trax too has decent fuel economy capabilities, with the 2WD models using 7.8L/100km for city driving and 5.8L/100km for highway driving. AWD models on the other hand use 9.2L/100km on city roads and 6.9L/100km for highway driving. With fuel economy figures being relatively close between the two vehicles, it is merely the Honda HR-V that prevails as being the most fuel efficient in its class.
4.1. Engine Options
The HR-V uses a 1.8 liter inline-4 borrowed from the Honda Civic. This engine is tuned for fuel economy in the HR-V, but makes respectable power with 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. This output is among the best in the segment and provides adequate acceleration and passing power. The Chevy Trax uses the same engine found in the Sonic, a turbocharged 1.4 liter inline-4 making 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. Given that the Trax is about 200 lbs lighter than the HR-V, it provides a quite similar driving experience. Both engines in these cars are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, but there is a significant difference in the availability of an AWD option. The HR-V is available with Honda's Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System, while the Trax comes standard with the lighter and simpler FE2 independent front drive system and has an option for a more sophisticated AWD system with an active disconnect. This is not to say the HR-V and AWD are directly comparable to the Trax. The Honda AWD system is more sophisticated and capable than either of those available on the Trax, but we will delve more into that in the fuel economy and handling sections. Overall, the Trax gains an edge here for having a close to equal engine with lighter weight and simpler AWD system configurations.
4.2. Power and Torque
The Honda HR-V is equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, a significant improvement over the Chevy Trax's 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. Where the extra power fails to top the Chevy, the HR-V makes up for it in drivetrain options. Chevrolet Trax comes standard with front-wheel drive. The Chevy Trax is powered by a turbocharged 1.4L ECOTEC engine teamed to a 6-speed automatic transmission producing an SAE-certified 138 horsepower. The Honda HR-V doesn't exhibit much of its sporty temperament around town, but when you're merging onto a highway or in need of passing power, the small SUV feels surprisingly athletic. The Chevy Trax may be more economical and provide a smoother city drive, its modest horsepower and acceleration lag make it a subpar vehicle for the more aggressive driver. Incorporating a variable timing control (VTC) system designed to optimize power delivery across the engine's full operating range, the HR-V's engine and transmission combination provides high levels of both fuel economy and performance. With a wide torque curve, power is well distributed and the need for throttle input is minimized. This means the engine doesn't have to work as hard, reducing engine friction and improving fuel economy. The Chevy Trax is engineered to allow more torque at lower RPM to help provide quick and sudden acceleration. The drawback is that high torque levels at low RPM limits fuel economy and adds stress to the engine.
4.3. Fuel Economy
Why is fuel economy a specific topic within the "efficiency" section of the comparison? Because fuel costs are a major driver of personal transportation costs, and in many cases, a good efficiency rating can compensate for a higher upfront price. In this particular comparison, the Honda HR-V and Chevy Trax have identical relative MSRPs, so if one vehicle can be shown to be much cheaper to operate over the long term, it gives that vehicle an efficiency edge overall. Depending on your beliefs and mindset towards cars, fuel economy can also be a sub-topic within the "performance" category. People who want power and acceleration probably believe fuel economy is just a number and the price for having fun. People who buy smaller, slow cars believe that they are doing so in order to save money on fuel. Either way you see it, cars have different fuel economy ratings and the HR-V and Trax are no exception. Both vehicles come in various drivetrain configurations which give them slightly different fuel economy ratings. This comparison will focus heavily on the base L/LS models for each vehicle which are both 2wd with automatic transmissions.
4.4. Handling and Driving Experience
The Honda HR-V does drive more smoothly and quietly compared to the Trax, but the less powerful engine and the fact that it is not very capable off-road means that it does not really offer a real SUV driving experience. Only available as a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the HR-V does not have the traction or stability of the AWD Trax, and while the AWD LX HR-V is slightly better in this respect, it still pales in comparison. With the stability control turned off, the Trax can be quite fun to throw around in the dirt with its relatively better balance and AWD grip. This is something that is really out of reach for the HR-V. So while the HR-V does offer a nice smooth ride, it actually excels the Trax in terms of driving experience.
The driving experience of the HR-V and the Chevy Trax is quite noticeably different. The on-road oriented HR-V drives and feels more carlike. It boasts a smooth and quiet ride and has better handling compared to most competitors, providing a somewhat sporty driving experience.
The HR-V simply does not handle in the same manner as the Trax. The Trax, although slow, is actually quite fun to throw around. The electric power steering has a far better feel compared to the vague hydraulic system in the HR-V, and the Trax has a much firmer suspension offering less body roll and better stability. The weight balance and the AWD system in the Trax help it to grip and feel more nimble, whereas the HR-V continually understeers in any condition due to the front-wheel drive bias and severe lack of power. The HR-V is the more refined and quiet of the two, with a far superior CVT compared to the outdated 6-speed auto in the Trax, but this is not in line with the driving experience offered by both cars.