2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between a practical crossover and a versatile wagon often comes down to balancing space against efficiency and traction. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox starts at a slightly higher MSRP of $28,600 compared to the 2026 Subaru Impreza's $26,595, making the Impreza the immediate value leader. However, the Equinox offers a more robust powertrain, boasting 175 hp versus the Impreza's 152 hp, which is a significant 23 hp advantage. While the Equinox is larger at 183.2 inches long and offers considerably more storage with 29.8 cu ft of cargo room (versus 20.4 cu ft in the Impreza), it sacrifices efficiency. The Impreza wins on fuel economy, achieving a combined 29 MPG to the Equinox's 27 MPG, plus its standard All-Wheel Drive offers superior grip over the Equinox's FWD setup. Ultimately, shoppers must weigh the Equinox's extra size and power against the Impreza's lower cost and better MPG.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Impreza
The 2026 Subaru Impreza is better for commuters due to its higher combined fuel economy of 29 MPG and standard AWD for slippery road conditions.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox provides substantially more room for families with its larger 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
Enthusiasts will favor the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox for its extra 23 horsepower and higher torque output of 184 lb-ft.
2026 Subaru Impreza
The 2026 Subaru Impreza wins on value starting at a lower MSRP of $26,595 and offering standard AWD.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- You prioritize interior space, as the Equinox offers 29.8 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more than the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.
- You want more immediate power, benefiting from the Equinox's 175 hp output compared to the Impreza's 152 hp.
- You prefer the slightly taller ride height and overall bulk of a standard crossover body style (65.6 inches high).
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- All-weather driving confidence is crucial, as the Impreza comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is a top concern, given the Impreza's superior combined MPG rating of 29.
- You are seeking the lowest entry price, as the Impreza starts at $26,595 versus the Equinox's $28,600.
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 | โ | โ |
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Headlights | โ | โ |
| Front Fog Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
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 | โ | โ |
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 | โ | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/28 MPG | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 384.8/414.4 mi. | 448.2/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.3 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | โ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | โ | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
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 | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | โ |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | โ |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | โ | โ |
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 | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | โ |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | โ |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 225/40R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | โ | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | โ | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
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. | โ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and 2026 Subaru Impreza.
How much longer is the 2025 Equinox than the 2026 Impreza?
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox has a length of 183.2 inches, making it 7.0 inches longer than the 2026 Subaru Impreza, which measures 176.2 inches from end to end.
Is the Subaru Impreza significantly more fuel-efficient than the Chevy Equinox?
Yes, the Impreza offers better efficiency, achieving 29 MPG combined, while the Equinox is rated at 27 MPG combined. The Impreza also boasts a better highway rating of 33 MPG.
Which vehicle is better equipped for towing or heavy hauling?
While neither vehicle is optimized for heavy tasks, the Equinox has higher horsepower (175 hp vs 152 hp) and torque (184 lb-ft vs 145 lb-ft), suggesting a slight edge in capability, though cargo capacity is the main metric provided.
Do these vehicles use the same type of fuel?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2026 Subaru Impreza are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying fuel stops.
If I need maximum highway efficiency, which one should I pick?
You should choose the 2026 Subaru Impreza, as its highway MPG is rated at 33 MPG, easily beating the Equinox's highway rating of 28 MPG.
What is the main difference in standard drivetrain configuration?
The 2025 Equinox comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, whereas the 2026 Impreza comes standard with Subaru's renowned All-Wheel Drive system.
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