Buick Envista vs. Chevrolet Trax

Three-Quarters View of the 2026 Buick Envista ST in Ocean Blue Metallic

Buick Envista
VS.
Chevy Trax

The Envista and the Trax are both examples of subcompact SUVs, which means they’re among the smallest SUVs dimension-wise, but still tend to be larger and have more storage than the average car. However, despite their shared category and the fact that they’re both General Motors stablemates, they have some important differences to consider before buying.

If you’re looking for the best small SUV for the money and you’re stuck between the two, read our quick comparison to find out which is the best fit.

Shop Buick Envista Models

Envista vs. Trax: Highlights

2026 Buick Envista 2026 Chevy Trax
Starting price $24,700 $21,700
Horsepower 137 hp 137 hp
Mpg 28 city / 32 highway 28 city / 32 highway
Display screen size 11 inches 8 inches
Wi-Fi Yes Yes

Envista vs. Trax: Engine and Performance

First, let’s tackle something they share in common: their powertrains.

The 2026 Buick Envista Compact Crossover Driving Through the City

Both are motivated by GM’s 1.2-liter EcoTec Turbocharged engine, a plucky piece of work that puts out 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Both are also paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive as the only option, and with this setup, they’re rated for 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Folks with a real need for speed may find them a bit lacking, but most families will appreciate their solid fuel economy and zippy around-town demeanor.

Envista vs. Trax: Dimensions

Now, let’s have a look at their actual size to determine which one has more space. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

Trunk View of the 2026 Buick Envista Interior with the Back Seats Folded Down
2026 Envista 2026 Trax
Length 182.6 in 178.6 in
Wheelbase 106.0 in 106.0 in
Width 71.5 in 71.8 in
Height 61.2 in 61.7 in
Passenger capacity 5 5
Head room (front/rear) 39.4 / 37.3 in 39.6 / 38.1 in
Shoulder room (front/rear) 56.0 / 54.5 in 55.7 / 54.3 in
Leg room (front/rear) 41.9 / 38.7 in 41.9 / 38.7 in
Cargo capacity behind rear seats 20.7 cu ft 25.6 cu ft
Cargo capacity behind front seats 42.0 cu ft 54.1 cu ft

On the outside, the Envista is a bit longer and wider, while the Trax is taller, and both have identical wheelbases, which means you can expect very similar handling and cornering.

Inside, they have the same leg room, but the Envista has more sideways room, while the Trax has a bit more vertical space. The biggest difference is their cargo capacity, though—the Trax has far more total volume in the back, which may appeal to some shoppers. But, if your goal is to maximize storage capacity, it’s worth noting that both brands carry models that will get you there at a similar price point, like the Buick Encore GX.

Envista vs. Trax: Interior

2026 Buick Envista Front Row Interior with Ultrawide 11-inch Infotainment Display

Step inside, and you’ll immediately notice the difference between the two—the Envista has a lush, luxurious leaning, while the Trax is a bit more utilitarian.

The 2026 Envista has an 8-inch digital driver info center and 11-inch center touch screen, which are combined into a single panoramic display. That setup comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, multiple USB ports, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Wireless charging is also available.

The 2026 Trax gets most of the same features, except a 3.5-inch driver info center and 8-inch touch screen is standard, and the available 8-inch and 11-inch screen combo is only available on the higher trims.

Envista vs. Trax: Safety Features

Both come with an identical set of driver assistance systems, which include the following features:

  • Forward Collision Alert
  • Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Front Pedestrian Braking
  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Following Distance Indicator
  • Intellibeam (auto high beams)
2026 Buick Envista Parked in a Gravel Driveway with the IntelliBeam Auto High Beams On

Envista vs. Trax: Reliability

J.D. Power #1 Mainstream Brand for Dependability Award - Buick Envista

Since they’re brand new, we don’t have any data on how reliable the 2026 Envista and Trax are. But we do have data on the automakers as a whole.

For their 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study, JD Power rated Buick as the #2 brand overall, while Chevy took 5th place. Consumer Reports also rates Buick significantly higher, which means that as a whole, the Envista is a safer bet if you’re looking for longevity and low service costs.

Envista vs. Trax: Price

Finally, let’s check out their starting price by trim level. Here’s what you can expect to pay for a new 2026 Chevy Trax:

  • LS: $21,700
  • LT: $23,200
  • 1RS: $23,200
  • 2RS: $25,400
  • ACTIV: $25,400

Here’s the starting MSRP of the 2026 Buick Envista:

  • Preferred: $24,700
  • Sport Touring: $26,200
  • Avenir: $29,500

While they’re both quite affordable, the Trax on average is about 3 to 4 grand less due to the Envista’s more luxurious leanings. So, does the Envista earn its slightly higher price tag? We think so.

Side Passenger View of a 2026 Buick Envista Parked Outside of a Modern Home

Shop New Buick Envista Models in Columbia, SC

If you’re interested in test-driving a new Buick Envista to see for yourself why it’s the best small SUV, visit Jim Hudson Buick GMC, where we have an excellent selection of trims and a variety of special offers to help you save money.

Contact us online or call us at (803) 462-4475 to learn more.