Chevrolet Trax vs Kia Soul vs Honda HR-V vs Hyundai Venue: Which Small SUV Wins?
Most "Trax vs. competitors" articles online throw four small SUVs on a chart and call it a day, without asking whether those four vehicles are actually competing for the same buyer. They're not, entirely. Here's the honest version: two of these four are direct rivals on price, one plays in a different tier altogether, and one isn't really for sale as a new car anymore.
Our take, plainly: if you're cross-shopping Trax against HR-V because a comparison site put them side by side, you're probably comparing the wrong pair. Trax's real rival is the Venue. HR-V belongs in a conversation with vehicles $5,000–$7,000 higher, not this one.
The Lineup, Honestly
Chevrolet Trax ($21,700–$25,400) runs a 1.2L turbo 3-cylinder making 137 hp and 162 lb-ft, a 6-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive only — no AWD offered at any trim. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 29 MPG combined (28 city / 31 highway) across the lineup. Chevy Safety Assist (forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking) is standard from the base LS trim up.
Hyundai Venue ($22,150–$24,200) is Trax's closest price match. It's smaller inside and uses a less powerful 1.6L 4-cylinder (121 hp) paired with a CVT, also front-wheel drive only. EPA combined is 31 MPG. The SEL trim adds a sunroof and heated front seats — two features Trax doesn't offer at any trim, at any price.
Honda HR-V ($27,595–$32,945) costs $5,900 more than Trax at the base trim and tops out nearly $7,600 above Trax's most expensive trim. In exchange you get more power (158 hp from a 2.0L 4-cylinder), a CVT, and the only real all-wheel-drive option in this group (Real Time AWD, a $1,500 upcharge on every trim). EPA combined is 28 MPG FWD / 27 MPG AWD.
Kia Soul (2025, discontinued) isn't a current competitor, but it's worth knowing what you'd be buying if a dealer still has one on the lot. The last-year Soul ranged $21,935–$26,235, with a 2.0L 4-cylinder (147 hp, 132 lb-ft), a CVT, and no AWD offered. EPA combined ran 30–31 MPG depending on trim. Any Soul available now is dealer inventory of a model no longer in production — no more model years, no more updates, and resale value on a discontinued nameplate tends to soften faster than on a model still being built.
Full Comparison Table
| Vehicle | Price Range* | Engine | Transmission | AWD Available? | EPA Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Trax | $21,700–$25,400 | 1.2L turbo 3-cyl, 137 hp | 6-speed automatic | No | 29 MPG |
| Hyundai Venue | $22,150–$24,200 | 1.6L 4-cyl, 121 hp | CVT | No | 31 MPG |
| Honda HR-V | $27,595–$32,945 | 2.0L 4-cyl, 158 hp | CVT | Yes (+$1,500) | 28 MPG FWD / 27 MPG AWD |
| Kia Soul (2025, last year) | $21,935–$26,235 | 2.0L 4-cyl, 147 hp | CVT | No | 30–31 MPG |
*MSRP, before destination, tax, title, license, dealer fees and options. Kia Soul figures are 2025 model year; Kia discontinued the Soul after 2025.
Which One We'd Point You To
If you don't need AWD, we recommend the Trax over the Venue for most buyers — specifically LT trim. Trax's engine makes 16 more horsepower than Venue's, and at $23,200 the LT trim brings an 11-inch touchscreen and automatic climate control that beats what Venue offers at the same $23-24K range. Venue's edge is real, though: if a sunroof or heated seats matter to you and Trax's lack of either is a dealbreaker, Venue SEL is a legitimate pick at a similar price.
If you need all-wheel drive — genuinely need it, for snow, gravel, or towing confidence — HR-V is the only vehicle in this comparison that offers it, and no amount of Trax value closes that gap. That's the one scenario where we'd tell a Trax shopper to look at HR-V instead.
We wouldn't recommend buying a leftover Soul at this point. It's a fine vehicle, but you'd be buying the last model year of a discontinued nameplate at a price close to or above a new Trax, without Chevrolet's continuing model support.
Which Small SUV Fits You? Quick Checklist
- Budget under $22,000? → Trax LS or Venue SE
- Want the most horsepower for the money? → Trax (137 hp beats Venue's 121 hp at a similar price)
- Must have a sunroof or heated seats? → Venue SEL (Trax offers neither at any trim)
- Genuinely need all-wheel drive? → HR-V is the only option here, starting around $29,095 with AWD
- Considering a Kia Soul? → Confirm it's dealer leftover stock, not a current model, before you compare pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chevrolet Trax bigger than the Hyundai Venue?
Yes, the Trax has a larger footprint and more interior room than the Venue, which is one of the smallest vehicles in its class. Both are front-wheel-drive only.
Does the Chevrolet Trax come in all-wheel drive?
No. Every 2026 Trax trim, LS through ACTIV, is front-wheel drive only. If you need AWD in this comparison group, the Honda HR-V is the only vehicle that offers it.
Is the Kia Soul still being made?
No. Kia discontinued the Soul after the 2025 model year. Any Soul for sale now is remaining dealer inventory of a model no longer in production, not a current-year vehicle.
Why is the Honda HR-V so much more expensive than the Trax?
The HR-V starts at $27,595, about $5,900 above Trax's base price, and offers more horsepower (158 hp vs. 137 hp) and an available all-wheel-drive option that Trax doesn't have. You're paying for that extra capability and power, not just badge value.
Which is more fuel-efficient, Trax or Venue?
The Venue edges out Trax on paper, 31 MPG combined versus 29 MPG, though the difference is small in real-world driving. Trax makes up for it with more horsepower at a comparable price.
Common Questions
Sources
- 2026 Chevrolet Trax pricing, specs and fuel economy — Chevrolet.com, Edmunds.com
- 2026 Honda HR-V pricing, specs and fuel economy — Honda.com, Edmunds.com
- 2026 Hyundai Venue pricing, specs and fuel economy — HyundaiUSA.com, Edmunds.com
- 2025 Kia Soul pricing and specs (final model year) — Edmunds.com, TrueCar.com
- Kia Soul discontinuation confirmation — Edmunds.com, autoevolution.com, MotorWeek.org