what they do not know is that for $5,000 much less, they will get a extra snug and enjoyable small SUV that is simply as dependable

The Subaru Crosstrek is undeniably an excellent small SUV. J.D. Power introduced it because the winner of “The Most Dependable Small SUV in America” in its 2026 US Vehicle Dependability Study. It’s not a flashy award, however it’s positively the form of award you need your reliable small SUV to get.

“Earning the title of The Most Dependable Small SUV in America from J.D. Power is a tremendous honor,” said Jeff Walters, President and COO of Subaru of America, Inc. “Dependability is at the heart of what our customers expect from Subaru. This recognition, alongside our continued commitment to affordability, reflects our dedication to delivering quality, capability, and long-term value to our owners.”

Starting at round $28,000, the Crosstrek is a comparatively whole lot (though we miss the times when let’s imagine there have been new automobiles out there for below $20,000). But $28,000? Pretty good. However, right here’s the factor: The Subaru Crosstrek is good, however not so superb that you must neglect about different small SUVs in its class. For $5,000 much less, there’s an unassuming competitor that’s simply as dependable and nonetheless provides a bit extra.

Subaru Crosstrek vs. Chevrolet Trax: Reliability and luxury

The Subaru Crosstrek was named the “Most Dependable Small SUV” by J.D. Power, incomes a rating of 86/100. However, the Chevrolet Trax was proper behind it with a rating of 84/100. Chevrolet Trax homeowners have usually come to the small SUV’s protection each time its reliability is questioned. There are plenty of forums crammed with Trax homeowners that boast no points or complaints.

J.D. Power’s dependability research is in its thirty seventh yr and considers 184 downside areas. This contains driving expertise, driving help, options, shows, and infotainment, powertrain, seats, and exterior. It’s mainly about how properly the automobile will maintain up over time. Said Director of Auto Benchmarking Jason Norton: “As owners hold onto their vehicles longer, the long-term ownership experience matters more than ever.”

For this purpose, J.D. Power’s opinions are extra targeted on a automobile’s consolation, security, and reliability. It notes the Crosstrek’s outdated however easy-to-read analog gauges, and the infotainment is “similar to a Jitterbug mobile device” in its easy-to-navigate menus. Getting out and in of the entrance seat is straightforward. The cargo house is a bit missing. I imply, it sounds good for a retiree with bifocal glasses, which is nothing to scoff at. But the Chevrolet Trax is nearly simply as dependable with out being tremendous lame.

Said J.D. Power of its cabin consolation: “Overall, the interior design is cheerful, modern, and more upscale-looking than you’d expect in Chevrolet’s least-expensive offering.” There’s loads of leg room, spectacular cargo house, and supportive entrance seats. So the Trax can be dependable and comfy with out being as, properly, lame. And if I’m going to pay $5,000 extra, I don’t wish to downgrade my inside to what seems like a tragic nursing dwelling.

Subaru Crosstrek vs. Chevrolet Trax: Driving expertise

The Subaru Crosstrek makes up for a little bit of its expired-hard-candy inside by providing extra off-road functionality than different small SUVs. With 9.3 inches of floor clearance and all-wheel drive, the Crosstrek is able to tackle some enjoyable trails. The plastic cladding across the wheels and bumpers isn’t just for present (which is fortunate, as a result of it’s kind of ugly) — the Crosstrek is decently rugged contemplating its dimension. However, you’ll have to pay further for all-terrain tires, added towing capability, and a entrance skid plate, which isn’t too interesting once you’re already at $28,000 for a small SUV.

The Chevrolet Trax just isn’t made for driving over a pile of rocks, however it’s received the sting over the Crosstrek relating to on a regular basis driving. And you in all probability commute to work extra usually than you drive your SUV on a steep, muddy incline. The Trax has a 137-horsepower turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three engine that manages to really feel zippy round city, and its dealing with is commonly described as carlike, giving it a extra agile really feel than different small SUVs. (The Crosstrek has extra hp, however it’s additionally heavier, giving them a reasonably related 0-60 stat and mileage.) Car & Driver even famous that the Trax’s transmission shifts extra easily than that of the Subaru Crosstrek. J.D. Power notes its “perky low- and mid-range torque” and “around-town responsiveness” in its driving evaluate.

I assume the Crosstrek will get a cookie for being a bit extra succesful on the uncommon weekend you determine to go rock crawling with a small SUV. But for the remainder of the month, the Trax goes to be a extra gratifying experience, with higher inside consolation and magnificence, in addition to a livelier efficiency. And it doesn’t have these ugly plastic claddings.

In the top, I really feel it’s a bit like evaluating apples to oranges. But should you simply desire a dependable, snug, and gratifying small SUV, I do suppose the Chevrolet Trax is a greater all-around possibility for the worth. It saves you $5,000 whereas nonetheless providing you with a extra fashionable, roomier inside, a extra responsive, agile commute, and an analogous reliability score. There’s a purpose that the Chevrolet Trax bought extra items in 2025.