2025 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical distinction lies in vehicle length, with the 2025 Subaru Outback extending 7.9 inches longer (191.1 inches) than the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox (183.2 inches). Despite the length difference, the Outback achieves superior fuel economy, delivering 28 MPG combined compared to the Equinox’s 27 MPG. Power output is closely matched, yet the Outback produces 182 hp versus the Equinox's 175 hp, though the Equinox counters with higher torque at 184 lb-ft versus the Outback's 176 lb-ft. Price disparity is minimal, with the Equinox having a lower MSRP of $28,600 versus the Outback's $29,995. Furthermore, the Outback offers substantially more cargo space at 32.6 cubic feet compared to the Equinox's 29.8 cubic feet. The standard All-Wheel Drive on the Outback contrasts directly with the Equinox's standard Front-Wheel Drive configuration, influencing performance expectations.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system providing greater confidence in varied weather conditions.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback is superior for families because it offers greater utility with 32.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to 29.8 cubic feet in the Equinox.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox appeals more to enthusiasts based on its slightly higher torque output of 184 lb-ft versus the Outback's 176 lb-ft.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox presents a slightly better value proposition with a lower base MSRP of $28,600 compared to the Outback's $29,995.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You require the superior traction benefits of standard All-Wheel Drive for adverse driving conditions.
- Maximum cargo utility is a priority, as the Outback provides 32.6 cu ft versus the Equinox's 29.8 cu ft.
- Achieving an EPA-estimated 32 MPG on the highway is preferable to the Equinox's 28 MPG highway rating.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- Minimizing the initial purchase cost is essential, with an MSRP of $28,600.
- You prefer the marginally higher low-end pulling power provided by 184 lb-ft of torque.
- A smaller exterior footprint is desired, as the Equinox is 7.9 inches shorter in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Outback | Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.1" | 183.2" |
| Width | 73.0" | 74.9" |
| Height | 66.1" | 65.6" |
| Wheelbase | 108.1" | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 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) | 26/32 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 481.0/592.0 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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 | 40.1 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.5 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 | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 55.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 225/65R H | 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 Outback and 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.
Which crossover offers better fuel efficiency for daily driving?
The 2025 Subaru Outback leads in efficiency, achieving a combined 28 MPG rating compared to the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox's 27 MPG combined rating. The Outback also boasts better highway mileage at 32 MPG versus the Equinox's 28 MPG.
How significant is the difference in available cargo space between the two models?
The Outback provides substantially more utility for cargo, offering 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Equinox offers 29.8 cubic feet, resulting in a 2.8 cubic foot advantage for the Subaru.
Does the lower price of the Equinox account for drivetrain differences?
Yes, the Chevrolet Equinox has an MSRP of $28,600, making it $1,395 cheaper than the Outback's $29,995 starting price. This difference aligns with the Equinox including standard Front-Wheel Drive while the Outback includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
How do the horsepower and torque figures compare directly?
The 2025 Outback has 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, while the 2026 Equinox produces 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox sacrifices 7 horsepower but gains 8 lb-ft of torque.
Which vehicle has a larger physical presence on the road?
The Subaru Outback is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 191.1 inches long and 73.0 inches wide. Conversely, the Chevrolet Equinox is 183.2 inches long but slightly wider at 74.9 inches.
Are both vehicles capable of using regular unleaded gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox specify that they run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping operational costs similar in terms of fuel grade.
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