3 Advantages the 2024 Chevy Trax Has Over the Buick Envista Despite Being Almost Identical
The all-new Buick Envista subcompact SUV is the brand’s first model since the Encore GX and serves as a showcase for the automaker’s new design identity. The Envista borrows heavily from its corporate cousin, the Chevrolet Trax, to make its debut. However, the Trax has several advantages over the Envista.
The Buick Envista vs. Chevrolet Trax
As the Buick Envista makes its debut, the 2024 model year also serves as the debut for the revamped Chevrolet Trax, which sports new styling and a larger footprint. A look at the spec sheet highlights where the two models align.
For starters, both are powered by a 1.2-liter inline-three engine paired with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive riding on the same platform. The Buick Envista sports 4 more inches of overall length, but the Trax is slightly taller and wider. Passenger accommodations are nearly mirrored between the models.
A notable difference between the models is the Trax starts at $21,495 for the base LS model, while the base Envista commands $23,495 MSRP. Both of those figures exclude destination costs.
Both models feature a suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision alert, following distance indicator, automatic high beams, and lane-keep assist with lane departure warning. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, satellite radio, and Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity are also standard across both models.
The Chevy and Buick models ride on 17-inch wheels, but the Trax’s are steel while the Buick gets aluminum units. The base Envista gets additional upgrades like standard heated power-adjustable outside mirrors, full LED exterior lighting, an 11-inch touchscreen, two additional speakers for the audio system, a far larger digital driver information center, active noise cancellation, and charge-only USB ports.
The Chevy Trax’s 3 main advantages over the Envista
The Chevy Trax has an obvious edge in overall pricing. The base Trax is $2,000 less than the Buick Envista, and the range-topping Trax models, the $24,995 2RS or Active, are nearly $5,000 less than the top Envista Avenir.
As for dimensions, the Envista may be longer overall, but the Trax gets the advantage in cargo capacity. The Envista can accommodate 20.7 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, while the Trax will hold significantly more at 25.6 cubic feet.
And, though the models use the same powertrain, the Chevrolet Trax dishes out 137 horsepower to the Envista’s 136 hp. One more horsepower may not account for much unless you’re piloting a horse-drawn wagon, but still, the Chevy can tick that advantage box.
The Envista has its own strong suits
Still, the Envista should hardly be dismissed. The Buick’s standard features show it’s more attuned to the brand’s M.O. of occupying a space between mainstream and luxury. The base Envista may cost $2,000 more than a standard Chevy Trax, but there are certainly enough upgrades to justify the jump in price. Upgrading the Envista over the base model nets buyers many more upscale features, too. Some highlights include heated front seats, wireless charging, 19-inch wheels, remote start, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way lumbar control, some of which aren’t even available in the Trax lineup.
To boot, Buick’s new design language helps the Envista to look more upscale. From certain angles, it has some of the same design cues as luxury SUVs and, dare we say, the Lamborghini Urus.
Overall, the Envista and Trax both appear to be making solid debuts for the 2024 model year. Though highly similar, each has its own advantages to appeal to the needs and desires of subcompact crossover buyers.
