Affordable, yet impressive package
Both the Chevrolet Trax and Buick Envista have surprised many of us, as they represent outstanding bang-for-your-buck propositions. This year, the base price of the Envista jumps up a bit to $23,800, and the 2025 Chevrolet Trax comes in at $20,500. These prices are MSRP, before fees, but it still means that both vehicles land in the top 10 for the least expensive vehicles in the United States.
Chevrolet
Buick
Underneath, both vehicles feature the same 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, which produces 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive. Despite being referred to as “SUVs” or “crossovers,” they do not offer an all-wheel drive (AWD) option. Both vehicles get an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. They both have 13.2-gallon gas tanks, and despite being turbocharged, they do not require premium fuel.
With so much in common underneath, it’s easy to look at the Buick Envista as a Chevrolet Trax wearing a nicer suit. Indeed, they share quite a few interior components as well, but General Motors managed to give both vehicles distinctive personalities and driving characteristics. This means that they are unique, despite sharing so much.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
Chevrolet
Recently introduced in its current form, the 2025 Trax adds Cypress Gray and Marina Blue Metallic as new exterior colors for this model year, bringing the color option count to six. However, some of the colors are trim-specific. Additionally, the 1.2-liter engine can now run on E85 fuel. Trims consist of the $20,200 LS, $22,200 1RS, $22,700 LT, $24,500 2RS, and $24,500 ACTIV.
Mechanically, all of the Trax trims are the same. The LT gives you an 11-inch diagonal color touch-screen and an 8-inch diagonal color driver Information screen. Other than that, the main differences are wheel sizes and designs, along with interior appointments and trim. Heated seats and steering are options on most trims. The Trax has 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and a maximum of 54.1 cubic feet.
Chevrolet
The curb weight of the 2025 Chevrolet Trax is 2,983 pounds, which makes it slightly lighter than the Buick Envista and potentially more nimble. Honestly, they feel a bit different based on the suspension setups and interior components. The off-the-line performance for the Trax gives it a 0 to 60 mph time of just under 9 seconds. In traffic, it’s surprisingly spritely, but on the highway, it takes some time to spool up power for some passing maneuvers. It can be a bit noisy on the road, but the ride is rather well sorted for a vehicle in this class.
2025 Buick Envista
Buick
The Buick Envista has been a success for the brand, surpassing many doubters’ expectations. For 2025, the Envista now has remote start and rear parking assist standard on all trims as well as a new color – Aquamarine Blue Metallic. The Envista comes in three trims: the $25,195 Preferred, the $26,695 Sport Touring, and the $29,995 Avenir.
Like the Trax, all Buick Envista trims are mechanically the same. What you’re paying for with each trim level is nicer seating, wheels, paint, and electronics. Many of the optional items available for the Preferred and Sport Touring, like the heated seats and steering wheel, are standard in the Avenir. While the interior is just about as comfy as the spacious Trax, the cargo area is a bit smaller. It holds 20.7 cu-ft of cargo behind the rear seats, with a maximum of 42.0 cu-ft with the seats folded. The cargo space disparity mostly has to do with the Buick’s fastback exterior design.
Zac Palmer
Weight goes from just over 3,000 lbs for the base trim to the Avenir’s 3,115-lbs curb weight due to the extra goodies, padding, and equipment. That also means it’s a bit slower from 0 – 60 mph, at just over 9 seconds, and its handling is a bit less athletic. Still, with its “QuietTuning” noise-cancelling tech, all Buick Envistas feel like a premium ride over the Trax.
My choices
Chevrolet
Buick
I would personally choose the $24,095 Chevrolet Trax LT, as it comes with an 11-inch touchscreen infotainment setup and an 8-inch digital color driver Information center, among other features. Normally, I prefer entry-level vehicles as I’m a bit of a tightwad, but the Trax inspires me to go mid-level. The LT is still a banger of a bargain, but the extra tech and nicer 17-inch wheels seem like a good incentive to me.
As for the Buick Envista, I would definitely choose the $25,195 base Preferred model. There are plenty of options to get the car exactly the way you want, but it already comes as a quiet and comfortable ride. Simply put: you get a lot for the money, and it’s a good idea not to overload this vehicle with too much kit. Weight does matter after all.
With all of that being said, and despite the Trax being less expensive, more utilitarian, and slightly more athletic, I think I would lean towards the Buick Envista. This is based on my becoming an old man and having a preference for a quiet, calm cabin. It just feels a bit more serene, and I like the looks too.
Buick
Final thoughts
Either way you slice it, the Chevrolet Trax and its more refined brother, the Buick Envista, are screaming deals. I have been warned that, if you don’t service them correctly, the wet timing belt can become an issue as miles pile up. Otherwise, both vehicles seem like solid buys, and ones that reward in their own, unique way.
About the author
Nathan Adlen
Contributing Writer, Autoblog