2026 Chevrolet Trax vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax fires up the affordable crossover segment with its snappy design and incredible entry point at just $21,600, offering a respectable 30 combined MPG. It champions efficiency and accessibility in its compact 178.6-inch frame. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson brings considerably more muscle to the table, boasting 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, a 50 hp advantage over the Trax. While it commands a higher MSRP of $29,200, the Tucson rewards drivers with significantly more utility, offering a massive 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Trax's 25.6 cu ft. The Tucson's more advanced 8-speed automatic transmission complements its stronger powertrain, promising a more engaging drive experience, though its combined MPG dips slightly to 28 MPG. This comparison pits budget-conscious efficiency against superior power and space.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Chevrolet Trax
The Trax wins for commuters due to its lower $21,600 MSRP and superior 30 combined MPG efficiency.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson is the clear family choice, offering substantially more cargo capacity at 38.7 cu ft versus the Trax's 25.6 cu ft.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
Enthusiasts will prefer the Tucson's robust 187 horsepower and 8-speed automatic transmission for a livelier experience.
2026 Chevrolet Trax
The Trax delivers unbeatable baseline value by undercutting the Tucson's price by $7,600 while still achieving 32 highway MPG.
Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...
- Your absolute top priority is initial purchase price, as the Trax starts at just $21,600.
- Maximizing fuel economy is key, given its 30 combined MPG rating.
- You prefer a smaller footprint, with the Trax measuring 178.6 inches in length for easier city maneuverability.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...
- You need ample storage, utilizing the Tucson's generous 38.7 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You demand superior acceleration derived from its 187 horsepower engine.
- The smooth shifting of an 8-speed automatic transmission is important to your driving dynamics.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Trax | Hyundai Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.6" | 182.7" |
| Width | 71.8" | 73.4" |
| Height | 61.4" | - |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 108.5" |
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 | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 178 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 | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/422.4 mi. | 357.5/471.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 14.3 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 | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin 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. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 57.6 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 | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.8 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Chevrolet Trax and 2026 Hyundai Tucson.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2026 Trax and Tucson?
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson provides a significant power advantage, producing 187 horsepower compared to the Chevrolet Trax's 137 hp, a substantial 50 hp gap. This power difference is paired with the Tucson’s more capable 8-speed automatic transmission.
How much more cargo space does the Tucson offer over the Trax?
The Tucson is much more voluminous for hauling, boasting 38.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is over 13 cubic feet more than the 2026 Trax, which maxes out at 25.6 cubic feet.
Is the $7,600 price difference between the two vehicles justified by the Tucson's specs?
The $7,600 premium for the Tucson buys you 50 more horsepower, a larger body (182.7 inches long), and significantly more utility. For budget-focused buyers, the Trax's $21,600 starting price is tough to beat.
Which crossover is better for long-distance fuel economy?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax slightly edges out the Tucson in efficiency, achieving 32 highway MPG versus the Tucson’s 33 highway MPG, although the Trax has a better overall combined rating of 30 MPG. Both use regular unleaded fuel.
Do either of these crossovers offer All-Wheel Drive?
Based on the provided specifications, both the 2026 Chevrolet Trax and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson are listed with a Front Wheel Drive configuration. Neither specification sheet mentions an available AWD option.
How do the dimensions compare for parking and city driving?
The Trax is the more compact option, measuring 178.6 inches long and 71.8 inches wide, making it slightly easier to maneuver and park than the larger Tucson. The Tucson is about 4 inches longer and 1.6 inches wider.
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