2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference lies in exterior dimensions, with the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox measuring 183.2 inches long compared to the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek's 176.4 inches, providing a substantial advantage in passenger/cargo space. The Equinox offers 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity, overshadowing the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft. However, the Crosstrek asserts dominance in fuel efficiency, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the Equinox's 27 MPG, supported by a superior 33 MPG highway rating compared to the Equinox’s 28 MPG highway. Performance metrics are tightly contested: the Equinox produces slightly more torque at 184 lb-ft against the Crosstrek's 178 lb-ft, despite the Crosstrek generating marginally higher horsepower (180 hp vs. 175 hp). Price differentiation is also notable, with the Crosstrek holding a lower entry MSRP of $26,995 compared to the Equinox's $28,600, a variance of $1,605.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is preferred for commuting due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 29 MPG.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is the clear choice for families, boasting significantly more storage capacity at 29.8 cu ft versus 19.9 cu ft.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek’s standard All-Wheel Drive configuration offers superior capability over the Equinox's standard Front Wheel Drive platform.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek offers better overall utility metrics, including lower MSRP ($26,995) and better fuel economy, for less initial outlay.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- Maximum cargo space is critical, as the Equinox offers 29.8 cubic feet.
- A slightly higher torque output of 184 lb-ft is prioritized over horsepower.
- The buyer prefers the increased overall cabin space derived from a larger exterior length (183.2 inches).
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- All-Wheel Drive capability is mandatory for traction requirements.
- Achieving the highest highway efficiency (33 MPG) is a primary concern.
- The lower starting MSRP of $26,995 fits a tighter budget constraint.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Equinox | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.2" | 176.4" |
| Width | 74.9" | 70.9" |
| Height | 65.6" | 62.8" |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
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 |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
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 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
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 | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | P225/60R17 |
| 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 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
How does the drivetrain difference affect ownership costs between the two crossovers?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which generally incurs higher maintenance costs than the Front Wheel Drive setup standard on the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. However, the Crosstrek's superior fuel economy (29 MPG combined vs. 27 MPG) helps offset some operational expenses.
Which vehicle provides better efficiency for highway driving?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek holds a distinct advantage on the highway, achieving 33 MPG compared to the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox's rating of 28 MPG. This 5 MPG difference could result in substantial annual fuel savings for frequent highway travelers.
Is the power difference between 175 hp (Equinox) and 180 hp (Crosstrek) noticeable?
While the Crosstrek has 5 more horsepower, the Equinox counters with 6 lb-ft more torque (184 vs. 178), which is often more relevant for low-speed responsiveness. Both utilize CVTs, potentially masking significant differences during typical driving scenarios.
What is the practical cargo difference when considering the listed capacities?
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offers nearly 10 cubic feet more storage at 29.8 cu ft, providing a major benefit over the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft. This nearly 50% difference in capacity impacts suitability for large grocery runs or extended trips.
Comparing the MSRPs, how significant is the initial price gap?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek starts at $26,995, making it $1,605 cheaper than the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox base price of $28,600. This upfront savings provides immediate financial flexibility.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel?
Both the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek are specified to use regular unleaded fuel, preventing the need to pay extra for premium octane gasoline.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool