2026 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2026 Subaru Impreza often boils down to prioritizing ride height versus fuel efficiency and standard grip. Buyers looking for a taller stance and slightly more available space will gravitate toward the Equinox, which boasts a length of 183.2 inches and offers 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity, beating the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft. However, the Impreza counters with superior economy, achieving 33 MPG highway compared to the Equinox's 28 MPG highway, and it includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). While the Equinox has a notable power edge with 175 hp versus the Impreza's 152 hp, its starting MSRP of $28,600 is higher than the Impreza's $26,595. This comparison pits usable utility and moderate power against better inherent traction and lower running costs for the small wagon.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza wins for commuting due to its excellent 33 MPG highway rating and standard AWD for better weather performance.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2026 Equinox is better for families because it offers significantly more cargo room at 29.8 cu ft versus 20.4 cu ft.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Enthusiasts will favor the Equinox for its 23 extra horsepower (175 hp vs. 152 hp) and higher torque output.
2026 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza provides better value starting at $26,595 and includes the major benefit of standard AWD.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- You need the maximum hauling potential, as the Equinox provides 29.8 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer a slightly more powerful engine delivering 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
- A taller crossover ride height (65.6 inches) is important for visibility and entry/exit.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- Maximizing fuel economy is key, given the Impreza's 33 MPG highway rating.
- You live where winter weather demands it, thanks to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- Keeping the initial purchase price lower is a priority, with an MSRP of $26,595.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Equinox | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.2" | 176.2" |
| Width | 74.9" | 70.1" |
| Height | 65.6" | 58.3" |
| 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 Assist | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 384.8/414.4 mi. | 448.2/547.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.3 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| 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 | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
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 | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 225/40R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 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 Impreza.
Which vehicle is better on gas for long road trips between the 2026 Equinox and Impreza?
The 2026 Subaru Impreza is clearly the more economical choice for highway driving, rating at 33 MPG highway compared to the Equinox's 28 MPG highway. While both use regular unleaded, the Impreza's slightly higher efficiency will save you more money over time.
Does the Equinox really need its extra horsepower compared to the Impreza?
The Equinox has 175 hp, giving it a 23 hp advantage over the Impreza's 152 hp. This extra power might be noticeable when merging onto busy highways or carrying a full load of passengers, even though both use a standard CVT transmission.
How does the cargo space difference between these two vehicles affect practicality?
The difference is substantial; the Equinox offers 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which is nearly 9.4 cubic feet more than the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet. If you frequently carry large gear or need room for bulky shopping trips, the Equinox crossover style is more accommodating.
Since the Impreza has AWD standard, is the FWD Equinox sufficient for light snow?
The Impreza's standard All-Wheel Drive is a significant advantage in slippery conditions, providing better grip automatically. The Equinox is Front-Wheel Drive, meaning you might struggle more in heavy snow unless it is equipped with optional AWD.
What is the difference in size and maneuverability between the wagon and the crossover?
The Equinox is notably larger, measuring 183.2 inches long and 74.9 inches wide, whereas the Impreza wagon is 176.2 inches long and 70.1 inches wide. The smaller dimensions of the Impreza usually translate to easier maneuvering and parking in tight urban settings.
Is the Equinox's higher MSRP justified by its performance or size?
The Equinox starts at $28,600, making it about $2,000 more expensive than the Impreza's $26,595 starting price. This premium buys you the larger footprint and extra power, but the Impreza provides superior baseline AWD value.
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