2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Subaru Forester

$28,600 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the brand-new 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the redesigned 2026 Subaru Forester boils down to prioritizing efficiency or standard capability. If your biggest concern is the initial outlay, the Equinox starts lower at $28,600 compared to the Forester's $29,995 MSRP. However, the Forester offers better long-term running costs, achieving a combined 29 MPG versus the Equinox's 27 MPG, especially noticeable on the highway where the Forester hits 33 MPG. Power is very close, with the Forester boasting 180 hp to the Equinox's 175 hp. Size-wise, they are nearly identical in length (183.3 in vs 183.2 in), but the Forester is slightly taller at 68.1 inches, offering a higher seating position. For those seeking standard AWD capability, the Forester pulls ahead immediately, as the base Equinox comes standard with FWD.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Forester

The 2026 Forester wins for commuters due to its superior 33 MPG highway rating, which means fewer stops at the pump.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The Equinox offers a slightly lower starting MSRP of $28,600, making budget-conscious family buying easier upfront.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Forester

Enthusiasts will prefer the Forester because it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versus the Equinox's standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD).

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Forester

While pricier, the Forester’s standard AWD and 2 MPG better combined efficiency offer greater foundational utility for the price.

Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...

You prioritize the lowest starting price, as the Equinox begins at $28,600.
You want marginally more torque right off the line, clocking in at 184 lb-ft versus the Forester's 178 lb-ft.
You are satisfied with standard FWD and prefer to save money over opting for AWD.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

You need the confidence of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for adverse weather conditions.
Highway fuel economy is crucial, as the Forester delivers 33 MPG compared to the Equinox's 28 MPG.
You prefer a slightly taller driving position, as the Forester stands 68.1 inches high.

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 2026 Subaru Forester.

Which vehicle is generally better for fuel efficiency during my daily drive?

The 2026 Subaru Forester is the clear winner here, posting a combined 29 MPG rating versus the 2025 Equinox’s 27 MPG. This difference translates to better long-term operating costs for the Forester.

How do the horsepower and torque compare between the two crossovers?

The power levels are extremely similar; the Forester offers 180 hp, slightly edging out the Equinox's 175 hp. However, the Equinox provides more low-end grunt with 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the Forester's 178 lb-ft.

Does one car offer a noticeable advantage in standard drivetrain capability?

Yes, the 2026 Subaru Forester includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which is a huge advantage over the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, which comes standard with only Front Wheel Drive (FWD).

Is there a significant size difference affecting cargo space?

The external dimensions are almost identical in length (183.3 in vs 183.2 in), but cargo space is virtually a tie, with the Equinox offering 29.8 cu ft and the Forester offering 29.6 cu ft.

If budget is my main concern, which crossover should I look at first?

You should start with the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, as its base MSRP of $28,600 undercuts the Forester’s $29,995 price tag.

How does the transmission type affect performance in these two models?

Both vehicles utilize a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic transmission, so there is no difference in the fundamental type of transmission technology used to manage power delivery.