2024 Chevy Trax VS Buick Envista || $25k SUV Bargain Or Mistake?

2024 Chevrolet Trax VS 2024 Buick Envista comparison review. We review and test drive the 2024 Chevy Trax and 2024 Buick Envista to find out which is the best small SUV you can buy. We also compare the Toyota Corolla Cross, Honda HR-V, and Subaru Crosstrek. If you are buying a 2024 Chevy Trax or Buick Envista, make sure to watch this review.
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ABOUT ME
With over a decade of experience as a professional car buyer and auto consultant, Shari Prymak has helped thousands of consumers with their car buying needs. Car Help Corner provides honest, objective, consumer advice with all aspects of car buying and car ownership. For more professional advice, check out Car Help Canada, become a member, and subscribe!

[@lancewonderley2323]

I love my trax. And I my mpg is averaging around 33. The 3 cylender performed better than I expected. I actually dont notice the difference between the bigger 4. Cylinder engines. My family has owned Chevy for years, and we have not had many issues overall. I think this car is going to be more reliable than people realize.

[@shenanigan3083]

Notice how this guy doesn't even give you a notice to your comment

[@casualsuede]

I'm curious, what is it like on the highway at around 70 to 80 mph (120 to 140 km/h)? I can see it buzzing at 4000 rpm to stay at those speeds.

[@carlchapin8352]

​@@casualsuedeMy 2024 trax activ runs 2300 RPM at 70mph 2000 RPM at 60mph 1700 RPM at 55mph. I'm averaging 33mpg, that's with 745 total miles.

[@johnwstruhar]

My 1RS Trax runs like a 4 cylinder, and hovers around 2500 RPM at 75 mph. 30-32 MPG.

[@speedandstyletony]

I am looking at the Trax for my first brand new car. I ruled out both the HRV and Corolla Cross because of the CVT and the Subaru is UGLY. I do not need AWD and am glad it is only FWD. I am a little concerned about the small engine but you get a 5 year warranty so at least in that period it is covered. The Buick looks neat on the outside but I don't like the interior. The added cost for a few features but loss of storage in the rear are deal breakers.

[@billyrock8305]

After owning several Hondas, Subarus and Toyotas for many years, I’m used to them never breaking, even with hundreds of thousands of kilometres. That’s the bar level. Anything less is totally unacceptable. I will not spend $20,000+ for a “luxury” model badge that doesn’t provide $20,000+ more quality or reliability. In fact crappy brands like Mercedes and Range Rover are exceptionally LESS in terms of quality and reliability. My automobile purchase criteria is: 1) Quality 2) Reliability 3) Value for the money ✅ ✅ ✅

[@brucekalter4206]

It's very easy to recommend the Corolla Cross or the HRV or CrossTrek like you did--- but those cars have issues too. Sure, they might have a better image or "track record" for reliability, but you're giving up in areas of comfort, quietness, performance, cost, etc. And you're also getting stuck with a CVT --- with all of the reliability issues that go with THOSE. So I think on balance, all of these cars have their pro's and con's... & each buyer may find one that suits them better. In my mind, kudos to Chevy & Buick for offering new cars with good tech & practicality at a low price point. We need more affordable cars like these, and no car is going to be perfect, especially at this price point.

[@Incomudro1963]

Instead, you get a wet belt in these things. It's a time bomb.

[@terrymurphy2637]

Great review. I'm in Calgary & had a deposit on 1 of each a Trax 1LT & Envista base model. When the first Envista came in I got to drive one. Disappointed in noise level on the highway, slow to respond transmission & seats were very firm ( hard ) compared to our 2020 Kia Soul EX. Our almost 5 year old Soul has 60000 KMS & felt more solid than the new Envista ST. Dealer refunded deposit & we will keep looking. I am also skeptical of GM's reliability track record for small cars.

[@tonyn3227]

This engiwill not last long,in pathetic 3 cylinders, wise choice.

[@frumpyamerican9236]

15,000 miles on my Trax so far and I am averaging 33 MPG. I believe as long as you perform the required maintenance and run an injector cleaner through the system every so often, the engine should perform just fine and be reliable for years to come. I’m loving this car so far and with winter tires, it goes every where I want it to go.

[@frumpyamerican9236]

I should add, mine is the 2024 model Trax Activ. It is fantastic so far!

[@austinwhiteted8231]

​@@frumpyamerican9236keep us updated!

[@lasvegaslife5770]

​@@frumpyamerican9236 I have a 2024 black activ trax and love it. But I do worry alot about reliability... 3 cylinder with turbo.... idk will it even make 100k without power train issues?????? Guess will find out.

[@ns123]

Thanks for the great review, I get the feeling the reviewer wanted to like this one but was hesitant based on Chevy's past reputation, I test-drove nearly all cars in this segment and drive/comfort and power were best in Chevy Trax, reliability of course yet to be seen.......this one is made/assembled in south Korea, very basic and plastic/fantastic interior but seems like very well put together and has 5 years 100k powertrain warranty..never own any chevy before but this one might be a better pick over competitors, if you get a chance just test drive and I am sure you will be surprised.

[@hennadiiminskyi6088]

Mazda CX-30 is the only SUV in the $25-30 grand area. The most elegant, powerful and reliable - all in one! But not so spacious, though 😊

[@moeanthony9308]

Hrv just as good more space

[@BoopSnoot]

HRV has a horrible powertrain, and the non-turbo CX-30 is also pretty lame, and the CX-30 is quite tight in the back. @@moeanthony9308

[@bvk4520]

But all the Maxda dealers are asking so much more money above MRSP.

[@moeanthony9308]

@@bvk4520 in Canada is against the law

[@Dakiraun]

Ha - echoing @dm285 here, NEVER - not even if they knocked a grand or two off the price. That engine sounds like a whole series of disasters waiting to happen. The kicker is - why? (besides the obvious that GM is trying to cut costs). They might claim it's for emissions and efficiency, but the 2.5L boxer in my Crosstrek manages better fuel economy than those things with a lot more power and torque. I absolutely agree with you in the end - for the money, one is better off considering Toyota, Honda or Subaru offerings. And of course, there is the obvious reality here - no one will know if these GM vehicles are any good until a good 7 years or more go by and we see how they hold up. _Maybe_ they'll end up being okay, but.... GM's previous track record is not making that look likely.

[@BoopSnoot]

Why are you talking in hypotheticals though? The GM E-Turbo engine, aka the 8th gen ecotec, has been around since 2018, so we don't really have to guess. If problems were going to be widespread, with it in circulation in different parts of the globe for 6 years now, we would have heard of it, and we haven't. The engine is reliable, the belt is practically a lifetime item, 5K mile oil changes are not hard to remember to do thanks to being able to program in the reminder on the dash, and the problems are that its low horsepower and inefficient, but not unreliable. The answer is cost, its very inexpensive to make. For example, they offer a 1.3T that is the same engine with a chain instead of belt and more horsepower and higher fuel economy mated to a CVT, but its more expensive. The Boxer in your Crosstrek doesn't have that great of idle emissions or power to weight ratio either. The Nissan new 3-cylinder 1.5 liter does 205hp/225ftlbs from a much lighter and smaller package than the 2.5 while giving a Rogue 37mpg highway rating, 4mpg higher than in the similar size/weight Subaru Forester in spite of being much more powerful.

[@jonathanhealy2004]

If you're looking to buy less expensive, these are valid options. Japanese and Korean car prices have ballooned, you can get a Kia Seltos or Hyundai Venue for the similar price range, but they go up quickly and flirt in the high 30's and low 40's. All Japanese now have gone mid-thirties for the basic models and as soon as you add more kit, you're going in the mid to high forties if not even 50's with taxes. If you're buying for resale value, get a Honda or Toyota and lease it, not sure why you would even look at American. I don't even know how we can mention a Subaru in here, it's overpriced and not really a new model or platform. I love how we are quick to judge, but some people cannot afford more expensive just because it might be better. These actually look nice, drive okay and take you to point A & B. If you have the option to buy something better, then by all means no one is stopping you, but for people that had a very small budget and their only options were a Nissan Kick, a Mitsubishi Mirage or aforementioned Venue & Seltos....they have another option, in a pool of vehicles that is getting smaller and smaller, having a manufacturer actually making an attractive bargain vehicle, that people might actually like, is a nice change, who else has been been doing that lately, really?

[@vishalmodha8205]

Waited so long for your review on these cars since they were launched

[@carhelpcorner]

Sorry it took so long!

[@mikej238]

50% of Buick dealers in the US will be closing this year.

[@josephpanozzo4815]

They have compelling prices and look decent. But when I looked for them, dealers didn’t have a good selection of them. When I finally got a chance to drive a Trax, the dealer wanted to charge me “additional markup adjustment” prices above and beyond the MSRP. My insurance agent also quoted me higher than normal insurance prices. So I have to pass on these models.

[@petteremmartz]

I paid 26700 for the 2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS which is one of the 2 top trims. Also full loaded with soonroof and wireless charging packages. Pretty fair price and not above MSRP considering all the bells it came with. Also, the vehicle insurance company is GEICO and I paid 450 dollars for 6 months of premium, 75 dollars montlhy. Not bad at all.

[@austinwhiteted8231]

​@user-ob8cy6uq2s how's your trax goin?? I want to get one but I'm still nervous as this will be my first own bought car

[@petteremmartz]

mine is doing perfect, today was it first oil change at 3k miles. It is my first own bought car too@@austinwhiteted8231

[@ronshaw9311]

After being bitten by unreliable cars in the past, I only buy Toyotas and Lexus vehicles now. I have never regretted that decision.

[@nonamesplease6288]

Same here. I would add that the car brands I've owned in the past (Ford, Nissan) appear to have gotten worse since I switched to Toyota.

[@sexy912]

​@nonamesplease6288 My nissan is 300k miles on it. There are no issues... Had a honda accord oil boil leak problem at 120k miles can't really outcast the entire brand always that 1 problem child with everything

[@nonamesplease6288]

@@sexy912 I get that luck had something to do with it, especially with Nissans and Hondas. My last few Nissans just felt like I was rebuilding the cars from the inside out. My last Ford also went for a long time, but there were always stupid problems with it. I haven't had these problems with my Toyotas.

[@ronshaw9311]

At one time Nissan built great cars, and their reliability was right up there with Toyota. But after they were bought by Renault, the quality started to go down hill, A real shame, as I owned a few that were really good cars, but I wouldn't buy one now.

[@sexy912]

@nonamesplease6288 Exactly, and we know Ford, everyone, dogs out as the worst vehicle, and I own a Ford right now with over 300k a Ford Focus 2013 still running and works. I believe any car will work well with good maintenance outside of just having a bad apple..

[@ilovetotri23]

To say that the engine in these cars is a weak point, is to put it nicely! GM has never made a small engine with reliability to rival any auto maker. This engine truly seems to be destined to premature failure. Not to mention that it gets poor gas mileage for the segment. My recommendation would be to buy a 2 year old CRV/RAV 4. They will be around the same price but they will get you better gas mileage and last 2 to 3 times longer.

[@tonyn3227]

Agreed, this small 1.2 l. 3 cyl, engine cannot last long, no fukin way. It will fail as soon as warranty runs out, you can bet on that.

[@dancejka7966]

Wow, what a biased comment. Turbo 3 cylinders have been sold with good reliability and durability for years worldwide. GM has had great success with the ecotec engines and are even running full size trucks with their new turbo 4 cylinder platform. The mileage is in the 30s, and this car is on the larger side for a CUV vs its competitors so I’d hardly call it poor MPG - its intent was clearly a stylish car for the $$, not a stripped econobox. Ugly, used CRV/RAV4 vs new, good looking Trax/Vista……gotta disagree on your decision there bud but hey this leaves more to pick from as these cars are sold out everywhere. Guess the people have spoken!

[@tonyn3227]

@@dancejka7966 yes but this is not a 4 cylinder engine as you mentioned. It's a pathetic sad motorcycle 3 cylinder engine only 1,2 liter. Not many gm cars even have them except . This Buick and Chevy Trax.

[@dancejka7966]

the rest of the word and other cars in USA use reliable 3 cylinder engines for years, you wouldn’t even notice it behind the wheel. GM is active globally where these PROVEN smaller turbo engines they build are more popular in cars this size. You sound foolish with your ignorant “motorcycle engine” comments. I’m an engineer and work specifically on power train technology (not GM). Feel free to stick with your used CRV, but don’t taint this new car with your baseless opinion or you will get called out !

[@tonyn3227]

@@dancejka7966 your opinion. just make sure you get rid of the car after powetrain warranty runs out.

[@paulheiting6484]

My wife and I bought a Cruze, new, back in 2014, long before it was apparent what flaming POS's they were. I'll never buy another GM vehicle again.

[@catmom11]

I bought a 2017 Chevy Cruze RS with a manual transmission and one winter I had snow get into the turbo (at least that’s what I was told) and had to have it sit in the heated garage for a couple days. Problem was I had to commute 100 miles per day going north and my dealership was about 40 miles south from where I lived. Once spring came, I traded it in because it basically kept me trapped and didn’t want to go through another winter with that issue.

[@dancejka7966]

Sounds like an operator error, not a chevy cruze reliability issue - no car will drive correctly if you get snow in the air intake. Know where your car breathes and keep it clear of snow/ice. Maybe you need to consider a SUV which is higher off the ground - trax is not this

[@daynevickers1079]

Love the looks of these vehicles, the features for the money and the roomy and evidently quiet interior. But yeah, that little 3 cylinder might come with it's own set of problems, the least of which is lack of sufficient power. That might very well keep me from pulling the trigger on one of these. Great review!

[@josephpiskac2781]

Very pretty though the 3 cylinder scares me.

[@jamesstuart3346]

Trax in Cacti Green is gorgeous. Envista is stunning too. Lease it for 3 years before the lawn mower engine gives out 😅

[@whiz3528]

Mileage will increase with a larger engine with more torque and horse power. We have an Acadia 3.6 V6 and a Buick Encore 1.4 turbo, the Acadia gets within 3 MPG of the Encore, small does not equate economy. You have to understand the volumetric efficiency of gas engines.

[@Incomudro1963]

That wet belt system should be a 100% a deal breaker for anyone. A truly terrible idea.

[@eeZyy_]

Why?

[@mstngken]

@@eeZyy_ It's a rubber timing belt running through the oil not a good idea a very very cheap move on GM a timing chain would have cost $5 more. The wet belt has proved to be a bad idea for ford and has been destructive to the engine. GM turbos are another issue very cheap turbos.

[@XMG3]

trax looks far better than envista in my opinion. But just like you said, the tiny turbo engine is my biggest reliability concern.

[@NathanMoist]

I bought my cruze new in 2012 and just traded it with 203,000 miles on it on an Envista. The less expensive cars may not last as long because they are usually beat to death and not taken care of.

[@bradyakubovich1531]

I really like the looks of the Trax, but ended up ordering a Corolla Cross, those tiny turboed GM engines don't exactly have a stellar reputation. Lots of plastic parts attached to the engine that are prone to failure and leaking.

[@paullabbee9300]

They are built in separate factories in South Korea. And you get a longer warranty on the Buick

[@OswaldBeef]

I really like mine!

[@katmarrs7054]

I have a 2020 Trax. It's comfortable and has good cargo space. I haven't had major issues yet (still under 50K miles). But looking into getting the new one was when I started learning about cars and ultimately led me to this page. I'm glad that the next car I get will be an informed decision and will not be any Chevy vehicle at all.

[@Gopinathk17]

So no issues at all until 50k miles?

[@katmarrs7054]

No major issues. I needed new rotors though.@@Gopinathk17

[@rachellelynn9406]

If you have had no issues that that says lots!! It’s good! So are many other Chevy products!

[@charlesw4727]

Your honesty got me to scribe.

[@mgaming7]

I was interested but you saying the engine and reliability sucks is now making me 2nd guess purchasing the Chevy Trax. I think it's gorgeous but I want to keep the vehicle 15 years.

[@s-man3684]

Don't buy these. Going to be a rolling pile of crap real quick. A timing belt in the engine oil is stupid.

[@arevee9429]

Agree - buy the more reliable, better resale value Honda. The Corolla and Civic names have been around for 50 or more years. These 2 GM names may last a decade, but not much longer. Wonder why GM has to keep renaming cars :) ?

[@palebeachbum]

It's beautiful and priced very well, but the engine is a ticking time bomb. I foresee owners having expensive repair bills later down the road. Direct injection has proven to be a problematic technology with carbon build-up over the last decade, which is why all other manufacturers have switched to dual injection. A timing belt instead of a timing chain is an extra maintenance point in the future. GM says the belt is good for the life of the engine. What is the predicted lifespan of the engine? Slapping a turbo on any engine puts extra strain and wear on the engine, shortening the engine's lifespan and likely resulting in the need for an expensive turbo replacement. GM Korea turbos have a track record for a short lifespan. Envista is a great value upfront, but I suspect it will cost a fortune long-term. It may be a better car to lease cheaply and ditch before it falls apart. I honestly hope I'm wrong and these vehicles prove exceptionally dependable, but it's not likely.

[@carhelpcorner]

Well said. Thank you

[@kmp9232]

Do not want three cylinder engines in and we don't want electrics.

[@TG-ok4ty]

I would NEVER buy a new Honda or Toyota over this! It would cost you $15,000 more in the long run. Sure this engine is trash, but by the time it goes bad a used engine would cost you around 3,000 installed. That means you enjoyed a way nicer vehicle the whole time and spent $11,000 less. But if you used full synthetic oil on time, garage kept it, it would last you almost as long as a Honda or Toyota.

[@jonwear9791]

Sounds like totally not reliable 3 cylinders turbo no thanks.

[@dragoon666]

yet most new vehicles these days use a 3 cylinder turbo.

[@Incomudro1963]

@@dragoon666 "Most?" No. Not here in the states anyway.

[@Thankyou_3]

I would buy this Chevy or Buick over the Honda CRV. The Honda CRV have the disastrous Turbo engine, they don’t even offer the naturally aspirated engine. Why spend over 40K for the Honda CRV with a Turbo when you get this Chevy with just 24K. The Toyota RAV4 is such a bargain with that 4 cylinder 2.5 litre engine….if anyone pays 50K, it will last more than a decade without any issues. It will hold the value like a rock.

[@carhelpcorner]

What about the HR-V? It's closer in price to the Chevy and comes with the naturally-aspirated K-Series 2.0L engine. It's a very simple solid engine. No turbos and no direct injection.

[@Thankyou_3]

@@carhelpcornerHonda HRV is made in Mexico not the best built quality for long term, I would put my hard earned money on a Toyota Corolla Cross. Even Mazdas are better built quality in the last decade compared to Hondas. Not one Honda is made in Japan anymore but you can get many Made in Japan models from Toyota and Mazda.

[@carhelpcorner]

@@Thankyou_3 Actually there is one Honda sold in North America that is still made in Japan, and it is the most exciting one. The Civic Type R!

[@Thankyou_3]

@@carhelpcornerI was pretty certain it was built in UK maybe I am wrong. Maybe one model creeped in 😂 Regardless, it is easier to find a dodo bird than a Type R on the road.

[@moeanthony9308]

@@Thankyou_3The plant in Swindon closed in the last gen run

[@bekind8246]

If they came with a Toyota engine and transmission I might buy one!

[@smokingzombie4880]

I Would prefer to deal with repairs then to buy one of those lil ugly cars or suv lol looks is very important to me

[@grriceman782]

Manufactured in South Korea 🇰🇷?! I suppose GM couldn’t find a US plant to build these at this price point….wow.

[@carhelpcorner]

I found that surprising too!

[@LeBarfGoylesRottingFishFace]

Giving you some slavings by outsourcing.

[@richardmccaughey5928]

In addition to reducing cargo capacity and rear sear headroom, the "swoopy fastback" on a relatively tall SUV like the Buick (and all the German fastback SUV's) looks ugly. They are not sports cars.

[@joannemcniff4210]

I was ok with the front wheel drive, but when you got to the 3 cylinder engine that's when I said nope.

[@eplourde4634]

Cheap analysis. Sorry. A Envista Prefered is about the same price as a Trax LT and you get more with the Buick. Just not enough analysis of the 2 products.

[@Prawo_jazdy]

I dont understand why you didnt compare to or at least suggest vehicles in its class like every other review ive read or watched. MT, C&D, Car Gurus all compared to the CX30, Seltos, Kona, etc.. Your review instead was: "i know you're craving a hot dog, so go buy a hamburger."

[@coastalbeer]

Big Mistake...Huge! You should never buy any new car that only has a tiny 3 cylinder motor...ever !

[@islanddon865]

I wouldn't consider either of these. The Trax has a horrible track record which will spill over to these two updated models. That will give you equally horrible resale values. I would pass...on both.

[@kumarv1219]

🙏🙏🙏

[@nuclear299]

When you say buy a toyota corrolla...its a toyota corrolla..small, ugly not as comfortable as either one of these at any price point.

[@joey86bu1]

Great vid, crappy cars though.

[@s-man3684]

These will be a rolling pile of junk in a few years.

[@cerinawoehrley4199]

I buy a used rav4 with a. Cpo warranty. For that price. And it last a lot longer

[@nvrsrndr4604]

Corolla LE vs Buick Envista ? Super lol!! Envista all the way and its features are incredible. Corolla 😂

[@RigginTheRod010]

I was with you until you started riding Toyota 🙄🙄🙄

[@tonyn3227]

Definitely a mistake, pathetic 1.2 l. Engine, 3 cylinder

[@becoolmanilaners5256]

Never buy an American cars Never

[@robertjasoncanha]

He has provided no proof of its reliability issues and yet based his review on it. Guy has zero credibility. Basically he manurfactured problems and then based review on it.

[@racineurr.8924]

What do you mean? I tend to have the same feeling about that guy but I can't decide if I only have feeelings or there are some truth to it. There's something about that guy that screams BS. Am I too harsh?