2019 Mazda CX-3 vs. 2019 Chevrolet Trax

Chevy and Mazda make two of the most popular subcompact crossover SUVs on the market: the Trax and the CX-3. Both are sporty-looking SUVs that are just as fun to drive. Both have received critical praise and have garnered rave reviews from buyers.

If you're in the market for a new SUV, you may narrow your search to the CX-3 and the Trax, but you may have a hard time choosing. Here's a closer look at how the 2019 Mazda CX-3 and the 2019 Chevy Trax compare to help you make your choice:

Exterior Styling

The 2019 Mazda CX-3 and the 2019 Chevy Trax have distinct exterior styling that will appeal to different audiences. Neither is necessarily better than the other, but you would likely have a preference for one over the other.

The Chevy Trax has a more rugged look about it, with a thick, snub-nosed front end that is filled with large air-intake vents. The grille, air intakes, head lights, and fog lights work together to fill in the space, making the front end seem thicker than it is. Meanwhile, the body has an angular profile that includes sharp grooves and straight lines. The Trax isn't boxy, but it is more geometric than the sleek CX-3.

The Mazda CX-3 has a smooth, aerodynamic design that is stripped down on the details, proving that less is more. The simple grille is trimmed in chrome, and it is flanked by slanting headlights. Subtle details like a black border around the wheels and on the bottom of the frame create visual interest and a sophisticated look.

Take a look at the Mazda CX-3 and the Chevy Trax to see which style you prefer.

Sizing

The 2019 Mazda CX-3 and the 2019 Chevy Trax are very similar in size, which is an important metric when considering SUVs.

The 2019 Chevy Trax measures 168 inches long and 70 inches wide. Depending on which trim level you choose, the Trax will be 65 or 67 inches high.

Meanwhile, the 2019 Mazda CX-3 is the exact same size, but is a bit shorter. The CX-3 is also 168 inches long and 70 inches wide, but it is just 61 inches high. That means that you'll be able to pass through more places without worrying about the clearance, and you'll even have more room for luggage on your roof without sacrificing clearance.

Both SUVs seat five passengers and offer plenty of room to stretch. You get a little more cargo room in the Trax thanks to its more angular design. However, the difference isn't enough to notice, even you had the two parked side-by-side with the liftgate open.

Interior Quality and Features

You don't just want an SUV that looks pretty. You'll be spending a lot of time inside your SUV, so you want it to look and feel great, and you want enough convenience features to make driving fun. Both the Mazda CX-3 and the Chevy Trax deliver.

The 2019 Mazda CX-3 has a luxurious interior that comes standard with a great infotainment system with a large touchscreen, Bluetooth for audio streaming and hands-free capability, and two USB ports for streaming and charging smart devices. A navigation system is included that has predictive text so drivers don't have to enter the full address to find their destination. Voice control makes it easy to use the infotainment system, as do the conveniently located controls and ergonomic design of the cabin.

Meanwhile, the 2019 Chevy Trax has an adequate interior, but you won't feel like you've slipped into a luxury vehicle. The Trax comes standard with an infotainment system with satellite radio, hands-free communication, and wireless streaming and calling. You can get more, but you have to opt for a higher trim level or pay for an accessories package.

Performance and Power

Compact SUVs aren't known for their rugged performance or power, but the Trax and the CX-3 perform better than most.

The 2019 Mazda CX-3 comes standard with a 2.0-liter Inline 4 engine that puts out 148 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the drive train gets an estimated 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Excellent steering and sharp brakes make driving even easier and more fun.

The 2019 Chevy Trax offers less power than the CX-3. The Trax comes standard with a 1.4-liter Inline 4 engine that puts out 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. It also has a six-speed automatic transmission, but it gets lower fuel economy. The Trax gets an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Safety Features

Both the Mazda CX-3 and the Chevy Trax have received five-star crash-test ratings across the board, except for a four-star rollover rating, and both have plenty of great safety features. The Mazda CX-3 comes with standard safety equipment such as stability and traction control, a suite of airbags, and a backup camera. Upgrade to the Grand Touring trim and you'll get adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a collision mitigation system.

The Trax offers the same standard equipment, but you'll have to go higher up the trim level to match the additional safety equipment offered on the CX-3.

Pricing and Selection

The 2019 Mazda CX-3 starts at an affordable $20,390, while the 2019 Chevy Trax starts at $21,300. Overall, the Mazda CX-3 offers more features than the Trax, and it is a much more luxurious looking SUV that packs a more powerful punch under the hood (and saves you gas in the process). For us, the choice would be clear.

Visit Seacoast Mazda today to explore and test drive the 2019 Mazda CX-3 and learn what makes it so great. We're certain that you'll fall in love with this gorgeous SUV. Our friendly associates will help you find the right trim level and configuration to meet your needs and your budget, and our finance specialists will help you find the right terms to fit your monthly budget.