2026 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Subaru Forester

$28,600 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The battle between the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2026 Subaru Forester pits efficiency and accessibility against rugged capability. The Equinox ignites interest with a slightly lower entry price point of $28,600 and boasts marginally superior torque at 184 lb-ft, hinting at snappy response around town, though its 175 hp output is modest. Conversely, the Forester immediately captivates the adventurous spirit with its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, a massive advantage when facing inclement weather or light trails. While the Equinox offers 29.8 cu ft of cargo space, the Forester achieves a superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG versus the Chevy's 27 MPG, pulling ahead on long hauls. Though slightly taller at 68.1 inches, the Forester maintains a nearly identical length to the Equinox at 183.3 inches, suggesting similar maneuverability despite its off-road bias.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester wins for commuters due to its segment-leading 33 MPG highway rating, offering better fuel savings over long daily drives.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevrolet Equinox secures the family win by offering slightly more standard cargo volume at 29.8 cu ft compared to the Forester's 29.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Forester

The standard All-Wheel Drive configuration of the Forester provides superior handling predictability and grip for enthusiasts pushing limits in varied conditions.

💰 Best Value

2026 Chevrolet Equinox

The Equinox undercuts the competition with a lower starting MSRP of $28,600, presenting a lower barrier to entry.

Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...

You prioritize the absolute lowest initial purchase price, starting at just $28,600.
You prefer the marginally higher torque figure of 184 lb-ft for slightly punchier acceleration off the line.
You need the absolute maximum measurable cargo space, netting 29.8 cu ft.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

All-weather confidence is paramount, thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
Maximizing highway fuel efficiency is key, with an impressive 33 MPG highway rating.
You want superior ground clearance and a commanding driving position, reflected in its 68.1-inch height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Equinox	Subaru Forester
Length	183.2"	183.3"
Width	74.9"	72.0"
Height	65.6"	68.1"
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	✓	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

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

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	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

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	1
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	43.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.2 in.	54.7 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.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.9 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.8 in.	56.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.7 in.	53.7 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	225/60R H
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 Forester.

Which crossover offers better long-distance fuel economy for highway travel?

The 2026 Subaru Forester clearly pulls ahead here, delivering an excellent 33 MPG on the highway. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox achieves 28 MPG highway, making the Forester the more frugal choice for frequent road trips.

How significant is the difference in horsepower and torque between the two models?

The power difference is minimal; the Forester has a slight edge with 180 hp versus the Equinox's 175 hp. However, the Equinox compensates with marginally more torque at 184 lb-ft compared to the Forester’s 178 lb-ft.

Is the Forester’s standard AWD worth the higher initial cost over the Equinox?

For buyers frequently encountering snow, rain, or unpaved roads, the Forester’s standard All-Wheel Drive provides crucial stability that the front-wheel-drive Equinox cannot match, justifying the $1,395 MSRP difference.

Which crossover is physically larger or more spacious inside?

Despite being almost identical in length (183.3 inches vs 183.2 inches), the Forester is significantly taller at 68.1 inches versus 65.6 inches. However, the Equinox technically lists slightly more cargo capacity at 29.8 cu ft.

Do either of these models require premium fuel?

No, both the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2026 Subaru Forester are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs lower for both.