2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2025 Subaru Outback

$28,600 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox enters the ring with an enticing starting MSRP of $28,600, promising accessible modern style for the masses. It’s a nimble contender, though its 175 horsepower might leave performance seekers wanting more pep on the highway. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru Outback, priced at $29,995, immediately separates itself with standard All-Wheel Drive, providing superior traction right out of the box. While both utilize CVTs, the Outback nudges ahead in efficiency, netting an impressive 32 MPG highway compared to the Equinox's 28 MPG highway, though the Equinox boasts slightly more torque at 184 lb-ft versus the Outback's 176 lb-ft. For sheer utility, the Outback’s longer body (191.1 inches) results in a greater 32.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, easily eclipsing the Equinox's 29.8 cubic feet. The choice boils down to prioritizing affordability and adequate power (Equinox) versus standard AWD capability and highway mileage superiority (Outback).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is the winner for commuters due to its superior 32 MPG highway rating and standard AWD for all-weather reliability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Outback

The Outback offers significantly more utility with 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, making it better suited for family hauling than the Equinox's 29.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Outback

Despite having slightly less torque (176 lb-ft vs. 184 lb-ft), the Outback's standard AWD system generally provides a more engaging and capable driving dynamic than the FWD-only Equinox.

💰 Best Value

2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevrolet Equinox secures the value victory by offering a lower entry price point at $28,600 compared to the Outback's $29,995.

Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...

You must keep the initial purchase price under $29,000, as the Equinox starts at $28,600.
You prefer the slightly higher low-end grunt provided by its 184 lb-ft of torque.
You value a slightly smaller exterior footprint for easier urban parking maneuvers.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

All-weather performance is mandatory, as the Outback includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
Maximizing highway fuel economy is critical, given its 32 MPG highway rating.
You need maximum hauling capability, as 32.6 cu ft of cargo space is noticeably larger than Car 1.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Equinox	Subaru Outback
Length	183.2"	191.1"
Width	74.9"	73.0"
Height	65.6"	66.1"
Wheelbase	107.5"	108.1"

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	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
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	182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	176 lb-ft @ 4400 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
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/28 MPG	26/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.8/414.4 mi.	481.0/592.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	18.5 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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

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.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	42.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	54.2 in.	55.5 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	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.2 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.9 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.8 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.7 in.	54.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

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	225/65R 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 Outback.

Which vehicle is better for highway driving economy?

The 2025 Subaru Outback is the clear winner for highway mileage, achieving 32 MPG on the highway compared to the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox’s 28 MPG highway rating. This efficiency gap stems from the Outback's overall engineering focus.

What is the primary performance difference between the two crossovers?

While both use a CVT, the Equinox offers slightly higher torque output at 184 lb-ft versus the Outback’s 176 lb-ft. However, the Outback’s standard AWD system often translates to better real-world traction and delivery of its 182 horsepower.

How much more interior space does the Outback offer?

The Outback provides superior cargo utility, boasting 32.6 cubic feet of capacity behind the rear seats. This is a distinct advantage over the Equinox, which provides 29.8 cubic feet in the same configuration.

Is the base Equinox significantly cheaper than the base Outback?

Yes, the Equinox has a lower MSRP, starting at $28,600, offering a price advantage of $1,395 over the Subaru Outback’s $29,995 starting price.

Do these vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive?

No, only the 2025 Subaru Outback includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with Front Wheel Drive.

How do the physical dimensions compare between the two models?

The Outback is noticeably longer at 191.1 inches versus the Equinox’s 183.2 inches, while the Equinox is slightly wider (74.9 inches vs. 73.0 inches).