2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2025 Subaru Forester

$28,600 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2025 Subaru Forester lies in fuel economy and drivetrain configuration. The Forester achieves a superior combined MPG of 29 versus the Equinox's 27 MPG, aided by a standout highway rating of 33 MPG compared to the Chevy's 28 MPG, while simultaneously offering standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Power output remains relatively close; the Forester delivers 180 hp against the Equinox's 175 hp, though the Equinox compensates with slightly higher torque at 184 lb-ft versus 178 lb-ft. Priced at $28,600, the Equinox undercuts the Forester's $29,995 MSRP by $1,395. In terms of footprint, the vehicles are nearly identical in length (183.2 in vs 183.3 in), but the Forester is notably taller at 68.1 inches compared to the Equinox's 65.6 inches. Cargo capacity is nearly tied at 29.8 cu ft (Equinox) and 29.6 cu ft (Forester).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester wins for commuters due to its higher 29 MPG combined rating and standard AWD capability for varied weather conditions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox slightly edges out the competition due to its marginally larger 29.8 cu ft cargo capacity and lower starting price of $28,600.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Forester

Enthusiasts will prefer the Forester's standard All-Wheel Drive system over the Equinox's front-wheel-drive setup.

💰 Best Value

2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offers better value by starting $1,395 lower, despite having lower fuel economy.

Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...

Budget is a primary concern, as the MSRP starts at $28,600.
Maximum immediate torque (184 lb-ft) is prioritized over peak horsepower.
Your driving predominantly occurs in dry, clear conditions, where the FWD configuration is sufficient.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, given its 33 MPG highway rating.
All-weather traction is necessary, thanks to the standard All-Wheel Drive.
You require more vertical space, indicated by the 68.1-inch height versus the Equinox's 65.6 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Equinox	Subaru Forester
Length	183.2"	183.3"
Width	74.9"	72.0"
Height	65.6"	68.1"
Wheelbase	107.5"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	175 hp @ 5600 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/28 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.8/414.4 mi.	431.6/547.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	16.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Infotainment Display	11.3 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	43.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.2 in.	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.2 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.9 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.8 in.	56.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.7 in.	53.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and 2025 Subaru Forester.

Which vehicle is more powerful between the 2025 Equinox and the 2025 Forester?

The 2025 Subaru Forester produces marginally more horsepower at 180 hp compared to the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox's 175 hp. However, the Equinox generates higher torque, registering 184 lb-ft versus the Forester's 178 lb-ft.

How do the base prices compare for these two crossovers?

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox presents a lower entry point with an MSRP of $28,600. The 2025 Subaru Forester is priced slightly higher at $29,995, resulting in a $1,395 difference.

Is there a significant difference in fuel economy?

Yes, the Forester is more efficient, achieving a combined 29 MPG versus the Equinox's 27 MPG combined. The Forester’s highway rating is notably better at 33 MPG compared to the Equinox’s 28 MPG.

What drives train options are standard on these models?

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with Front Wheel Drive. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru Forester includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment for all trims.

Which car offers more utility based on size metrics?

Both crossovers offer nearly identical cargo volumes, with the Equinox at 29.8 cu ft and the Forester at 29.6 cu ft. The Forester is slightly taller at 68.1 inches, while the Equinox is marginally wider at 74.9 inches.