The Subaru Crosstrek is undeniably a good small SUV. J.D. Power announced it as the winner of “The Most Dependable Small SUV in America” in its 2026 US Vehicle Dependability Study. It’s not a flashy award, but it’s definitely the kind of award you want your dependable 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 around $28,000, the Crosstrek is a relatively good deal (although we miss the days when we could say there were new vehicles available for under $20,000). But $28,000? Pretty good. However, here’s the thing: The Subaru Crosstrek is good, but not so amazing that you should forget about other small SUVs in its class. For $5,000 less, there’s an unassuming competitor that is just as reliable and still offers a bit more.
Subaru Crosstrek vs. Chevrolet Trax: Reliability and comfort
The Subaru Crosstrek was named the “Most Dependable Small SUV” by J.D. Power, earning a score of 86/100. However, the Chevrolet Trax was right behind it with a score of 84/100. Chevrolet Trax owners have often come to the small SUV’s defense whenever its reliability is questioned. There are plenty of forums filled with Trax owners that boast no issues or complaints.
J.D. Power’s dependability study is in its 37th year and considers 184 problem areas. This includes driving experience, driving assistance, features, displays, and infotainment, powertrain, seats, and exterior. It’s basically about how well the vehicle will hold up over the years. 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 reason, J.D. Power’s reviews are more focused on a vehicle’s comfort, safety, and reliability. It notes the Crosstrek’s outdated but easy-to-read analog gauges, and the infotainment is “similar to a Jitterbug mobile device” in its easy-to-navigate menus. Getting in and out of the front seat is easy. The cargo space is a bit lacking. I mean, it sounds good for a retiree with bifocal glasses, which is nothing to scoff at. But the Chevrolet Trax is almost just as reliable without being super lame.
Said J.D. Power of its cabin comfort: “Overall, the interior design is cheerful, modern, and more upscale-looking than you’d expect in Chevrolet’s least-expensive offering.” There’s plenty of leg room, impressive cargo space, and supportive front seats. So the Trax is also reliable and comfortable without being as, well, lame. And if I’m going to pay $5,000 more, I don’t want to downgrade my interior to what feels like a sad nursing home.
Subaru Crosstrek vs. Chevrolet Trax: Driving experience
The Subaru Crosstrek makes up for a bit of its expired-hard-candy interior by offering more off-road capability than other small SUVs. With 9.3 inches of ground clearance and all-wheel drive, the Crosstrek is ready to take on some fun trails. The plastic cladding around the wheels and bumpers is not just for show (which is lucky, because it’s sort of ugly) — the Crosstrek is decently rugged considering its size. However, you’ll need to pay extra for all-terrain tires, added towing capacity, and a front skid plate, which isn’t too appealing when you’re already at $28,000 for a small SUV.
The Chevrolet Trax is not made for driving over a pile of rocks, but it’s got the edge over the Crosstrek when it comes to everyday driving. And you probably commute to work more often 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 feel zippy around town, and its handling is often described as carlike, giving it a more agile feel than other small SUVs. (The Crosstrek has more hp, but it’s also heavier, giving them a pretty similar 0-60 stat and mileage.) Car & Driver even noted that the Trax’s transmission shifts more smoothly than that of the Subaru Crosstrek. J.D. Power notes its “perky low- and mid-range torque” and “around-town responsiveness” in its driving review.
I guess the Crosstrek gets a cookie for being a bit more capable on the rare weekend you decide to go rock crawling with a small SUV. But for the rest of the month, the Trax is going to be a more enjoyable ride, with better interior comfort and style, as well as a livelier performance. And it doesn’t have those ugly plastic claddings.
In the end, I feel it’s a bit like comparing apples to oranges. But if you just want a reliable, comfortable, and enjoyable small SUV, I do think the Chevrolet Trax is a better all-around option for the price. It saves you $5,000 while still giving you a more modern, roomier interior, a more responsive, agile commute, and a similar reliability rating. There’s a reason that the Chevrolet Trax sold more units in 2025.
