2025 Subaru Impreza vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Comparison Overview
Choosing between a practical wagon and a commanding crossover often boils down to balancing budget against bulk. If you're weighing the practical, value-focused 2025 Subaru Impreza against the slightly larger 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, the data shows distinct trade-offs. The Impreza starts appealingly at $24,360, undercutting the Equinox's $28,600 MSRP by $4,240. For commuters prioritizing efficiency, the Impreza delivers 30 MPG combined versus the Equinox's 27 MPG combined, though the Equinox offers more power with 175 hp compared to the Impreza's 152 hp. While the Equinox wins on sheer utility with 29.8 cu ft of cargo space versus the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft, the Impreza's standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) provides better traction security than the Equinox's standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). Ultimately, these dimensions—especially the 5.1-inch difference in width—dictate which vehicle better suits your garage and driving style.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza is the winner for daily commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG and lower entry price.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox is better for families needing more space, offering significantly more cargo capacity at 29.8 cu ft compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Enthusiasts will prefer the Equinox, as it provides 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, besting the Impreza's 152 hp and 145 lb-ft.
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza provides better fundamental value with a $4,240 lower MSRP and standard AWD across its trim line.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- You want to save money upfront, as the Impreza starts at $24,360, which is $4,240 less than the Equinox.
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, with the Impreza achieving 30 MPG combined versus 27 MPG for the Equinox.
- You need the security of standard All-Wheel Drive for slippery conditions.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- You require maximum storage, given the Equinox's class-leading 29.8 cu ft of cargo volume.
- You desire more immediate performance from the engine, which offers 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
- A slightly taller ride height is preferable, as the Equinox stands 65.6 inches high compared to the Impreza's 58.3 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Impreza | Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.2" | 183.2" |
| Width | 70.1" | 74.9" |
| Height | 58.3" | 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Front 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 | — |
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) | 30 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 2 | 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 Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 205/55R16 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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 Impreza and 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.
Which car is generally easier to park in tight city spots?
The 2025 Subaru Impreza is generally easier to maneuver and park. At 176.2 inches long and 70.1 inches wide, it is notably smaller than the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, which measures 183.2 inches long and 74.9 inches wide.
Is the Equinox's extra power worth the lower fuel economy?
That depends on your driving. The Equinox has 23 more horsepower (175 hp vs. 152 hp), which helps accelerate its larger body, but it sacrifices fuel economy, dropping from 30 MPG combined (Impreza) to 27 MPG combined.
Does the Impreza offer better highway cruising comfort or stability?
While the Impreza has superior highway MPG (34 MPG vs. 28 MPG for the Equinox), the Equinox's wider stance (74.9 inches vs. 70.1 inches) might translate to a feeling of greater stability on straight, high-speed roads.
Why is the Impreza cheaper if both use CVTs?
The price difference of $4,240 reflects market positioning and body style; the Impreza is a compact wagon while the Equinox is a slightly larger crossover, often commanding a higher starting price even though both utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Which vehicle is better for occasional light off-roading or snow?
The Impreza is better equipped for mixed-condition driving because it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the standard Equinox comes with Front-Wheel Drive.
How much taller is the Equinox's seating position compared to the Impreza?
The Equinox offers a substantially taller seating position, standing 65.6 inches high versus the Impreza's 58.3 inches in height, which is great for visibility.
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