2025 Chevrolet Trax vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 Chevrolet Trax and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the substantial $8,250 MSRP gap, with the Trax starting at $20,500 versus the Santa Cruz's $28,750. This price difference correlates with performance metrics, as the Santa Cruz delivers 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Trax's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy favors the lower-cost vehicle, as the Trax achieves a superior 30 MPG combined, compared to the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Trax is more compact, measuring 178.6 inches long, while the Santa Cruz stretches to 195.7 inches. The Trax also offers less width at 71.8 inches versus 75.0 inches for the Santa Cruz, impacting maneuverability and garage fit.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax wins for commuters due to its higher 30 MPG combined rating and lower initial cost of $20,500.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is better suited for families due to its larger exterior dimensions (195.7 inches long) and greater height (66.7 inches).
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Enthusiasts will prefer the Santa Cruz because it provides 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the Trax's 137 hp.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The Trax offers superior overall value given its $8,250 lower MSRP and better fuel efficiency at 30 MPG combined.
Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...
- Your budget priority dictates starting at $20,500 or less.
- Maximizing fuel economy is critical, as evidenced by its 30 MPG combined rating versus 25 MPG for the competitor.
- Maneuverability in tight urban areas is preferred, given its shorter length of 178.6 inches.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You require significantly more output, evidenced by the 191 hp available.
- Greater interior and exterior space are necessary, as the Santa Cruz is wider (75.0 inches) and taller (66.7 inches).
- The smoother operation of an 8-speed automatic transmission is preferred over the Trax's 6-speed unit.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Trax | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.6" | 195.7" |
| Width | 71.8" | 75.0" |
| Height | 61.4" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 118.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | flex-fuel (FFV) | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/32 MPG | 22/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/422.4 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.8 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | 245/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Trax and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
What is the primary difference in drivetrain between these two vehicles?
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is equipped with a more advanced 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Both models are listed with Front Wheel Drive as the standard configuration.
How much more cargo space does the Trax offer compared to the Santa Cruz?
Based on provided specifications, the Trax lists 25.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Since the Santa Cruz's cargo capacity specification was not provided, a direct comparison cannot be made, though the Santa Cruz is significantly longer overall.
Is the increased price of the Santa Cruz justified by fuel savings?
No, the Santa Cruz costs $8,250 more upfront and is less efficient, achieving only 25 MPG combined compared to the Trax's 30 MPG combined rating.
Which vehicle has superior acceleration capabilities?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a clear advantage in potential acceleration due to producing 54 more horsepower (191 hp vs. 137 hp) and 19 more lb-ft of torque (181 lb-ft vs. 162 lb-ft).
Are premium fuel requirements a factor for either vehicle?
Neither vehicle requires premium fuel, as both the 2025 Chevrolet Trax and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
How does the size difference affect maneuverability?
The Trax is significantly smaller, being 178.6 inches long and 71.8 inches wide, making it easier to navigate and park than the larger 195.7-inch long Santa Cruz.
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