If you’re in the market for a versatile, stylish, and budget-friendly small SUV, the 2025 Chevrolet Trax deserves a top spot on your list. As the top Trax dealer in the Upstate of South Carolina, Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney is proud to offer this best rated small SUV to customers from Gaffney, Spartanburg, Greenville, Rock Hill, and beyond.
With bold new styling, modern tech, and an affordable price point, the Chevy Trax is redefining what shoppers expect from a small SUV. But how does it stack up against the competition? Let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison between the 2025 Chevy Trax and four of the best small SUVs on the market today: the 2025 Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Subaru Crosstrek.
1. Chevy Trax: A New Standard for Value and Style
The all-new 2025 Chevy Trax offers a sleek design, roomy interior, and advanced safety features—without the premium price tag. Starting at just around $21,500, it’s one of the most affordable small SUVs available today. That makes it an excellent option if you’re shopping for cars under $20,000.
Here’s what stands out about the 2025 Trax:
- Turbocharged 1.2L engine for smooth, responsive performance.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across all trims.
- Generous rear seat legroom—more than some midsize SUVs!
- Standard Chevy Safety Assist including lane keep assist, forward collision alert, and more.
Whether you’re commuting from Shelby, NC or heading up I-85 to Spartanburg, the Trax provides the efficiency and comfort you need for everyday life in the Upstate.
2. 2025 Honda HR-V: Reliable but Pricey
The Honda HR-V is a long-time favorite in the small SUV segment. It boasts Honda’s legendary reliability and a quiet ride. But compared to the Chevy Trax, it comes with a noticeably higher price tag—starting around $25,000. That’s nearly $4,000 more than the Trax for a similarly equipped vehicle.
The HR-V’s infotainment system has improved, but it still requires a step up in trim level for many modern features that come standard in the Trax. Plus, the HR-V’s engine is underwhelming in terms of power, especially when merging onto highways like I-26 or US-74 near Forest City, NC.
If you’re shopping for the best small used SUV, a gently used HR-V could be a good option, but when buying new, the Chevy Trax offers significantly more value.
3. 2025 Hyundai Kona: Tech-Savvy but Compact Inside
The Hyundai Kona has earned praise for its tech features and quirky styling. The 2025 redesign adds a bit more space, but it still feels cramped compared to the roomier Chevy Trax—especially in the back seat.
Both SUVs offer strong warranties and modern interiors, but the Trax wins on price and passenger comfort. Hyundai’s safety suite is solid, but so is Chevy Safety Assist—and remember, it comes standard on every Trax trim.
If you’re searching for a budget-friendly chevy small SUV, the Trax outshines the Kona for families and daily drivers in areas like Boiling Springs or Blacksburg who need interior space and value.
4. 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross: Safe but Slow
Toyota’s Corolla Cross offers reliability and fuel efficiency, making it a solid small SUV for first-time buyers or retirees in Gaffney and Cowpens. However, reviewers frequently note that its engine is underpowered, and its handling can feel sluggish.
With a starting price around $25,000, it’s priced similarly to the HR-V—again giving the Trax a big advantage for budget-conscious drivers. The Trax not only costs less but feels more agile and fun to drive, especially in urban environments like downtown Spartanburg or Greenville’s busy shopping districts.
Those looking for the best small SUV for both price and performance should test drive the Trax before settling on the Corolla Cross.
5. 2025 Subaru Crosstrek: Rugged but Expensive
The Crosstrek is one of the few small SUVs with standard all-wheel drive, making it a top choice for outdoor lovers in northern Cherokee County or Rutherfordton. But AWD comes at a premium, and with a starting price near $26,000, it’s not exactly entry-level.
While the Crosstrek is a solid option for rougher terrain, most South Carolina drivers won’t need that capability year-round. The Trax, on the other hand, focuses on delivering efficiency, comfort, and connectivity—all at a price that’s easier on your wallet.
And if you do want to explore the Carolinas, the Trax has the space and tech to get you there in style and comfort.
How the 2025 Chevy Trax Compares to Other Top Small SUVs
Choosing the best small SUV can be overwhelming with so many options on the market, but not all small SUVs are created equal. Below is a side-by-side comparison of the 2025 Chevy Trax and four other top competitors—highlighting price, features, space, and performance—so you can see why the Trax is a standout choice for drivers in Gaffney, Spartanburg, Greenville, and across the Upstate.
| Feature | 2025 Chevy Trax | 2025 Honda HR-V | 2025 Hyundai Kona | 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 2025 Subaru Crosstrek |
| Starting Price | ~$21,500 | ~$25,000 | ~$25,000 | ~$25,000 | ~$26,000 |
| Fuel Economy (Highway) | Up to 32 MPG | Up to 32 MPG | Up to 35 MPG | Up to 33 MPG | Up to 34 MPG |
| Rear Legroom | Best in class | Average | Tight | Average | Moderate |
| Standard Safety Features | Chevy Safety Assist (standard) | Honda Sensing (standard) | Hyundai SmartSense (standard) | Toyota Safety Sense (standard) | Subaru EyeSight (standard) |
| Infotainment Features | 8″ touchscreen, Wireless CarPlay/AA | 7″ touchscreen, wired CarPlay/AA | 8″ touchscreen, wired CarPlay/AA | 8″ touchscreen, wired CarPlay/AA | 7″ touchscreen, wired CarPlay/AA |
| Interior Space | Spacious for passengers and cargo | Cramped rear seats | Compact, especially rear seats | Tight cargo space | Taller roofline, modest space |
| Drive Feel | Smooth, responsive ride | Underpowered | Agile but compact feel | Sluggish acceleration | Rugged but less refined on-road |
| All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Not available | Optional | Optional | Optional | Standard |
| Best For | Value, tech, and everyday driving | Reliability, brand loyalty | City driving, tech lovers | Efficiency, Toyota fans | Outdoor adventure, AWD needs |
Burns Chevrolet: Your Destination for the Best Chevy Small SUV Deals
At Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney, we know what Upstate drivers want in a small SUV: practicality, technology, reliability, and affordability. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax delivers all of that and more.
We offer one of the largest inventories of Trax models in South Carolina and North Carolina, and we’re committed to helping you find the perfect one for your lifestyle and budget.
Whether you’re shopping for new cars or used cars near Gaffney, our friendly team is here to help every step of the way.
Why Choose the 2025 Chevy Trax?
- Affordability: One of the few small SUVs still available under $25,000 new.
- Style: Bold new design that turns heads from downtown Greenville to the backroads of Kings Mountain.
- Technology: Loaded with wireless smartphone integration, large touchscreen displays, and active safety features.
- Space: Roomy cabin and cargo area that easily handles weekend trips or school pickups.
- Fuel Economy: Up to 32 MPG on the highway—perfect for daily drives from Kings Mountain to Spartanburg.
Real Value, Real People, Real Savings
We know that buying a vehicle is a big decision. That’s why Burns Chevrolet makes it easy and transparent. Whether you’re browsing online or visiting us in person, you’ll get straightforward pricing, local expertise, and real customer service.
If you’re comparing the best small used SUV or considering the jump to a brand-new model, our team will walk you through financing, leasing, trade-ins, and more. Plus, we offer reliable cars under $20,000 that work for first-time buyers, students, families, and retirees alike.
Test Drive the 2025 Chevy Trax Today
Ready to experience the best small SUV for yourself? Stop by Burns Chevrolet off I-85 in Gaffney today and take the 2025 Trax for a spin. We’re confident you’ll be impressed by its comfort, features, and unbeatable value.
Come see why Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney is the #1 Trax dealer in the Upstate—and let us help you find your perfect small SUV today.
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