DecodedCarsChevrolet Trax vs Nissan Leaf
2026 Chevrolet Trax vs 2026 Nissan Leaf — two small station wagons compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
That works out to about $1,600 a year less in fuel for the Nissan Leaf (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Chevrolet Trax is the bigger car, about 5 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Chevrolet Trax has had fewer recall campaigns (11 vs 20).
The two cars
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax is a small station wagon offered with a 1.2L 3-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive. It measures about 179 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,069 lb.
The 2026 Nissan Leaf is a small station wagon powered by electricity and front-wheel drive. It measures about 174 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,213 lb.
Buying used? The 2022 Trax and the 2024 Leaf have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2024 Trax and the 2019 Leaf.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Chevrolet Trax if…
- You want more room (5 in longer)
- You put reliability history first (11 vs 20 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Nissan Leaf if…
- You want an EV with more range (303 miles)
- You want something easier to park (5 in shorter)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
Pros & cons of each
2026 Chevrolet Trax
2026 Nissan Leaf
- Long EV rangeUp to 303 miles on a charge (EPA).
- Strong performanceUp to 214 hp, versus about 158 hp for similar 2026 models.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Full 2026 Chevrolet Trax specs →Full 2026 Nissan Leaf specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →