What To Know
- While this engine doesn’t boast the same punch as the Equinox’s turbocharged options, it delivers smooth and responsive power delivery, making it suitable for both city driving and light off-road adventures.
- Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for many SUV buyers, and both the Chevy Equinox and Subaru Forester deliver impressive fuel economy figures.
- The Subaru Forester, known for its commitment to safety, offers a similar suite of standard and optional features, including EyeSight driver-assist technology, which encompasses features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Choosing the right SUV can be a daunting task, especially when faced with popular options like the Chevy Equinox and Subaru Forester. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and fuel efficiency, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. This comprehensive guide delves into the key areas where these SUVs excel and fall short, helping you determine which one truly aligns with your lifestyle.
Performance and Handling: A Tale of Two Drivetrains
The Chevy Equinox and Subaru Forester offer distinct driving experiences, largely due to their differing powertrain options. The Equinox comes standard with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides adequate power for daily commutes and highway driving, but it can feel a bit sluggish when accelerating from a standstill. A more powerful 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, is available as an optional upgrade, offering a significant boost in performance.
The Subaru Forester, on the other hand, relies on a naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder engine that generates 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While this engine doesn’t boast the same punch as the Equinox’s turbocharged options, it delivers smooth and responsive power delivery, making it suitable for both city driving and light off-road adventures.
Both SUVs offer a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The Forester’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system is renowned for its superior traction and handling, particularly in slippery conditions. The Equinox’s all-wheel drive system, while capable, is not as advanced as the Forester’s.
Interior Comfort and Features: A Focus on Practicality
Both the Chevy Equinox and Subaru Forester prioritize passenger comfort and practicality. The Equinox’s interior is well-appointed with comfortable seats and ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard features a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. The Forester, meanwhile, offers a more spacious interior, particularly in the rear, with a higher roofline providing greater headroom. The Forester’s interior is known for its durable materials and a rugged, utilitarian aesthetic.
Both SUVs boast a generous amount of cargo space, with the Forester edging out the Equinox in terms of overall capacity. Both models offer a variety of storage compartments and thoughtful features designed to enhance practicality, such as multiple cupholders and USB ports.
Fuel Efficiency: A Race for the Best MPG
Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for many SUV buyers, and both the Chevy Equinox and Subaru Forester deliver impressive fuel economy figures. The Equinox’s 1.5L engine achieves an estimated 26 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. The more powerful 2.0L engine, while offering increased performance, sees a slight decrease in fuel efficiency, with an estimated 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.
The Subaru Forester, with its naturally aspirated engine, boasts an estimated 27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. These figures demonstrate that both SUVs are capable of delivering respectable fuel economy, with the Forester edging out the Equinox in this regard.
Safety Features: A Commitment to Protection
Both the Chevy Equinox and Subaru Forester prioritize safety, offering a comprehensive suite of standard and optional safety features. The Equinox comes standard with a rearview camera, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trim levels add features like blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
The Subaru Forester, known for its commitment to safety, offers a similar suite of standard and optional features, including EyeSight driver-assist technology, which encompasses features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Reliability and Resale Value: A Look at Long-Term Ownership
Reliability and resale value are important factors to consider when making a long-term investment in a vehicle. The Chevy Equinox has generally received good ratings for reliability from organizations like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. However, its resale value tends to be lower compared to the Subaru Forester.
The Subaru Forester is renowned for its reliability and durability, consistently ranking high in industry surveys. Its strong reputation for quality translates into excellent resale value, making it a more attractive option for those who plan to sell their vehicle in the future.
The Verdict: Which SUV is Right for You?
The choice between the Chevy Equinox and Subaru Forester ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Choose the Chevy Equinox if:
- You prioritize a sporty driving experience and prefer a more powerful engine.
- You’re looking for a stylish and modern interior design.
- You’re on a tighter budget, as the Equinox is generally more affordable than the Forester.
Choose the Subaru Forester if:
- You value spaciousness and practicality, particularly for rear passengers.
- You prioritize fuel efficiency and want a vehicle that can handle light off-road adventures.
- You’re looking for a vehicle with a proven track record of reliability and strong resale value.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options
While the Chevy Equinox and Subaru Forester are excellent choices, it’s worth exploring other SUVs in the same segment to broaden your options. Some notable alternatives include:
- Honda CR-V: Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior.
- Toyota RAV4: Offers a robust build quality, advanced safety features, and a wide range of powertrain options.
- Mazda CX-5: Impresses with its stylish design, engaging driving dynamics, and premium interior.
Questions You May Have
Q: What is the starting MSRP for the Chevy Equinox and Subaru Forester?
A: The starting MSRP for the 2023 Chevy Equinox is around $26,000, while the starting MSRP for the 2023 Subaru Forester is around $25,000.
Q: Which SUV offers better cargo space?
A: The Subaru Forester offers more cargo space than the Chevy Equinox, with a maximum cargo capacity of 76.1 cubic feet compared to the Equinox’s 63.9 cubic feet.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-road driving?
A: The Subaru Forester, with its symmetrical all-wheel drive system and higher ground clearance, is better suited for light off-road adventures than the Chevy Equinox.
Q: What are the key differences between the two SUVs in terms of technology?
A: Both SUVs offer modern infotainment systems with touchscreen displays and smartphone integration. However, the Forester’s EyeSight driver-assist technology provides a more advanced suite of safety features compared to the Equinox.
Q: Which SUV is better for families?
A: Both the Chevy Equinox and Subaru Forester are family-friendly SUVs, offering spacious interiors and a variety of safety features. However, the Forester’s larger cargo space and higher roofline might be more appealing for families with young children.
