2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2025 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the slightly larger, newer crossover and the value-focused, standard AWD wagon often comes down to budget versus bulk. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox starts at a higher MSRP of $28,600, while the 2025 Subaru Impreza undercuts it significantly at $24,360, a difference of $4,240. While the Equinox offers more grunt with 175 hp compared to the Impreza’s 152 hp, the smaller Subaru wins on efficiency, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the Equinox’s 27 MPG combined. Size-wise, the Equinox is notably bigger at 183.2 inches long and boasts 29.8 cu ft of cargo space against the Impreza’s 20.4 cu ft. Buyers must weigh the Equinox's superior cargo volume against the Impreza's inherent value and standard All-Wheel Drive capability for foul weather driving.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG versus the Equinox's 27 MPG.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox offers more usable space for families with a larger cargo capacity of 29.8 cu ft compared to the Impreza’s 20.4 cu ft.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox appeals slightly more to enthusiasts with higher output, delivering 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza is the clear value winner, saving buyers $4,240 upfront while still including standard All-Wheel Drive.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- You need the maximum available cargo volume, topping out at 29.8 cubic feet.
- You prefer the slightly higher power output of 175 horsepower for highway merging.
- You prefer the elevated ride height and presence of a true crossover body style.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- Sticking to a strict budget is paramount, given the $4,240 lower starting MSRP of $24,360.
- You frequently drive in snow or slippery conditions and want standard All-Wheel Drive.
- Prioritizing highway efficiency is key, as the Impreza achieves 34 MPG on the highway versus 28 MPG for the Equinox.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Equinox | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.2" | 176.2" |
| Width | 74.9" | 70.1" |
| Height | 65.6" | 58.3" |
| 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 | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | 27/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 384.8/414.4 mi. | 448.2/564.4 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 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.2 in. | 55.1 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. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.9 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.8 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.7 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 205/55R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Size | — | 16 x 6.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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 Impreza.
Which car is better for bad weather conditions?
The 2025 Subaru Impreza is generally better equipped for inclement weather because it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the Chevrolet Equinox is listed with Front Wheel Drive in this base comparison. This means the Impreza offers better traction in snow or rain right out of the gate.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Impreza compared to the Equinox?
The Impreza holds a slight advantage in fuel economy, posting a combined 30 MPG versus the Equinox’s 27 MPG combined. This efficiency difference translates to roughly 10% fewer stops at the pump over time, based on regular unleaded fuel requirements for both vehicles.
Is the Equinox significantly bigger than the Impreza wagon?
Yes, the Equinox crossover is substantially larger overall; it is 7 inches longer (183.2 inches vs. 176.2 inches) and nearly 5 inches wider. This results in a much more accommodating cabin and 9.4 cubic feet more cargo space behind the rear seats (29.8 cu ft vs. 20.4 cu ft).
Does the extra cost of the Equinox translate to a lot more power?
The Equinox does cost $4,240 more than the Impreza, but it only offers 23 more horsepower (175 hp vs. 152 hp). While the Equinox is peppier, the Impreza’s power is adequate, especially when considering its efficiency gains.
Are the transmissions similar between these two models?
Both the 2025 Equinox and the 2025 Impreza utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT). This technology prioritizes smooth operation and efficiency over aggressive gear shifts in both vehicles.
Which vehicle is likely to be easier to park in tight city spots?
Given its smaller footprint, the Subaru Impreza (which is shorter and narrower) should generally be easier to maneuver and fit into tight parallel parking spaces found downtown. The Equinox's larger dimensions, including its 65.6-inch height, make it less compact overall.
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