As we edge toward the close of the year, the market for affordable SUVs is heating up with enticing new entries. Among them, the Chevrolet Trax stands out as a fresh contender. Despite being Chevy’s most compact crossover SUV, the Trax impresses with its practicality and a suite of modern tech features.

Another strong competitor is the Volkswagen Taos. Like the Trax, the Taos is the smallest in Volkswagen’s crossover lineup but surprises with its well-crafted interior and spacious feel. For the 2025 model year, Volkswagen has enhanced the Taos with a more powerful engine, revamped styling, and a refreshed interior, aiming to capture the attention of savvy buyers. Experts at Edmunds have put both of these models to the test to determine which offers the most value.

When it comes to performance and fuel efficiency, the Chevrolet Trax is powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, generating 137 horsepower. In performance tests by Edmunds, the Trax managed the sprint from zero to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds. While not blisteringly fast, this engine is adequate for urban driving, though it may feel underpowered on the open highway.

In contrast, the Volkswagen Taos brings more muscle to the table. Equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 174 horsepower, the Taos, particularly with its optional all-wheel-drive setup, clocks the zero to 60 mph dash in 7.8 seconds. This SUV feels robust, especially when quick acceleration is needed or when carrying multiple passengers.

Volkswagen’s Taos is the more muscular SUV. It features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 174 horsepower. Fitted with its available all-wheel-drive system, the Taos accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. In general, the Taos feels stronger when you need a quick burst of speed or when you have a full load of passengers aboard.

Both SUVs are pretty frugal. The Trax gets up to an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving, while the Taos can get up to an estimated 31 mpg combined. Crucially, the Trax does not offer all-wheel drive. That alone may settle the debate if you want the added traction of all-wheel drive for winter weather driving.

Winner: Taos

Technology

Both models offer similar standard tech features, including a four-speaker sound system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, making this a close contest. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect wirelessly to your phone in all Trax trim levels. Most Taos trim levels have this capability as well, though the base Taos does not and requires you to connect your phone with a USB cable. The Trax also offers an optional larger 11-inch center touchscreen, whereas the Taos is limited to an 8-inch display.

The Volkswagen does have some advantages. It comes with more USB-C fast-charging ports, for instance, plus an available integrated navigation system, which the Trax doesn’t offer at any level. The Taos also comes with more driver assist features as standard, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. Those are optional on the Trax.

Winner: tie

Interior space and conveniences

If space is a priority, there’s only one choice. The Taos has nearly 28 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, which is about 2.3 cubic feet more than what the Trax can hold. Folding the rear seats yields even more room, 65.9 cubic feet, compared to the Trax’s 54.1 cubes. The Chevy’s longer length gives it slightly more rear seat legroom, but the Taos’s extra height creates more headroom for taller drivers and passengers.

While the Chevy does a nice job masking its budget interior materials, the Taos gets progressively swankier if you’re willing to spend. You can get it with ventilated leather front seats, customizable ambient lighting, second-row air vents, and a premium audio system as you move up the trim levels. You won’t find any of these posh touches in the Trax.

Winner: Taos

Price and value

The 2025 Trax starts at a budget-friendly $21,895, including destination fees. That’s considerably lower than the Taos’ starting price of $26,920 for the S trim. Volkswagens often cost more than similarly equipped rivals, but the gap is hard to justify here. Both models offer similar base trim features, including cloth upholstery, 17-inch wheels, LED headlights and 8-inch touchscreens.

Chevrolet’s pricing advantage stays intact at higher trim levels too. A top Trax Activ will set you back less than $27,000, while a loaded Taos can be close to $37,000. For some buyers, the VW’s superior performance, extra convenience features and available all-wheel drive will merit the difference. But for buyers simply seeking a good deal, the Trax is the obvious choice.

Winner: Trax

Edmunds says

For a small SUV with big value, the Trax is hard to beat. However, for overall utility and refinement, we recommend opting for the Volkswagen Taos.

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This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds.

Dan Frio is a contributor at Edmunds.