2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek lies in output, where the Equinox generates 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the Crosstrek's 152 hp and 145 lb-ft, a 23 hp advantage for Chevrolet. However, the Crosstrek leads in efficiency, achieving a combined 29 MPG versus the Equinox's 27 MPG, and offers superior fuel economy on the highway at 34 MPG versus 28 MPG. Financially, the Crosstrek undercuts the Equinox by $2,040, starting at an MSRP of $26,560 versus $28,600. Dimensionally, the Equinox is substantially larger, providing 29.8 cu ft of cargo space, exceeding the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft. Both vehicles utilize a CVT, but the Subaru maintains standard All-Wheel Drive while the base Equinox uses Front Wheel Drive.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is better for families as it offers significantly more cargo capacity at 29.8 cu ft compared to 19.9 cu ft.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Enthusiasts will prefer the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox due to its higher output of 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek presents better measurable value with a lower starting MSRP of $26,560.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- Maximum fuel efficiency is a priority, as the Crosstrek achieves 34 MPG on the highway.
- Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is required for the lower $26,560 MSRP.
- A more compact footprint is needed, with the Crosstrek measuring 176.4 inches in length.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- Maximum passenger and cargo volume is essential, provided by the Equinox's 29.8 cu ft capacity.
- Higher performance is desired, leveraging the Equinox's 175 horsepower engine.
- A larger exterior profile is preferred, with the Equinox measuring 183.2 inches in length and 74.9 inches in width.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Crosstrek | Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.4" | 183.2" |
| Width | 70.9" | 74.9" |
| Height | 62.8" | 65.6" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 107.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 448.2/564.4 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 11.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 54.2 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 | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.3 in. | 55.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/60R17 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.
How does the standard drivetrain differ between the 2025 Crosstrek and the 2026 Equinox?
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which is a core feature. Conversely, the base 2026 Chevrolet Equinox utilizes a Front Wheel Drive configuration.
What is the exact difference in starting price between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek has a lower starting MSRP of $26,560. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox begins at $28,600, resulting in a $2,040 price premium for the Chevy.
Which vehicle offers better long-distance efficiency based on EPA estimates?
The Crosstrek holds a distinct advantage in highway fuel economy, rated at 34 MPG compared to the Equinox’s 28 MPG highway rating, contributing to its 29 MPG combined versus 27 MPG combined.
Is the power deficit in the Crosstrek noticeable compared to the Equinox?
Yes, the Equinox delivers 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, which is 23 horsepower and 39 lb-ft of torque more than the Crosstrek’s output.
How much more interior storage space does the larger Equinox provide?
The 2026 Equinox offers 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity. This is substantially more than the 19.9 cu ft available in the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek.
Are the transmissions different between these two compact crossovers?
No, both the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) as their specified gearbox.
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