2026 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the slightly larger 2026 Chevrolet Equinox and the more agile 2026 Subaru Crosstrek can be tough when balancing price against size. If saving money upfront is key, the Crosstrek leads with an MSRP of $26,995 versus the Equinox's $28,600. However, the Equinox offers significantly more utility, boasting 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet. Performance is close, with the Equinox delivering slightly more torque at 184 lb-ft against the Crosstrek's 180 lb-ft, though the Crosstrek wins on efficiency, achieving a combined 29 MPG compared to the Equinox's 27 MPG. While both use CVTs and regular unleaded fuel, buyers must weigh the Equinox's extra interior volume against the Crosstrek's superior fuel economy and standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied driving needs.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the better commuter choice due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox provides substantially more room for gear, offering 29.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus 19.9 cu ft.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox edges out slightly in power metrics, achieving 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the Crosstrek's 178 lb-ft.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek offers better inherent value by including standard All-Wheel Drive at a lower initial cost of $26,995.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- You frequently haul large items and prioritize maximum storage space (29.8 cu ft).
- You prefer the marginally higher torque figure of 184 lb-ft for easier merging.
- You need the larger exterior dimensions (183.2 inches long) for a more substantial road presence.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- Saving money upfront is crucial, as its MSRP is $26,995.
- You deal with varied weather conditions and want standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is a priority, highlighted by its 33 MPG highway rating.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Equinox | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.2" | 176.4" |
| Width | 74.9" | 70.9" |
| Height | 65.6" | 62.8" |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
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 |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
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 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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. | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | P225/60R17 |
| 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 2026 Chevrolet Equinox and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
Which vehicle is better for long road trips regarding fuel consumption?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is better for long trips since it achieves 33 MPG on the highway compared to the Equinox's 28 MPG highway rating. This means fewer stops at the pump over hundreds of miles.
Is the size difference between these crossovers significant for city parking?
Yes, the Crosstrek is noticeably smaller and easier to maneuver; it is shorter by 6.8 inches (176.4 inches vs 183.2 inches) and narrower by 4.0 inches (70.9 inches vs 74.9 inches) than the Equinox.
Do both vehicles require premium gasoline?
No, neither vehicle requires premium fuel; both the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
Why is the Crosstrek cheaper if both offer similar horsepower figures?
The Crosstrek starts at $26,995, undercutting the Equinox's $28,600 starting price. This difference often reflects the Equinox's larger overall size and greater standard cargo volume, despite having nearly identical horsepower (180 hp vs 175 hp).
Which one offers standard AWD capability right out of the box?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which is a major advantage over the front-wheel-drive configuration listed for the base 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.
How much more cargo space does the Equinox really offer?
The Equinox offers 9.9 cubic feet more cargo capacity behind the rear seats than the Crosstrek (29.8 cu ft vs 19.9 cu ft). This extra space is enough for several large suitcases or a substantial grocery haul.
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