What To Know
- Choosing the perfect compact SUV can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two popular contenders like the Chevy Equinox and the Subaru Crosstrek.
- The Chevy Equinox boasts a modern and sleek design, with sharp lines and a commanding presence.
- Inside, the Equinox offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with a driver-focused cockpit and intuitive controls.
Choosing the perfect compact SUV can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two popular contenders like the Chevy Equinox and the Subaru Crosstrek. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and stylish design, but their strengths lie in different areas. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, performance, and overall value of each vehicle to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Styling: A Tale of Two Aesthetics
The Chevy Equinox boasts a modern and sleek design, with sharp lines and a commanding presence. Its signature grille and swept-back headlights give it a sporty appeal, while its sculpted bodywork conveys a sense of dynamism. Inside, the Equinox offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with a driver-focused cockpit and intuitive controls.
The Subaru Crosstrek, on the other hand, embraces a more rugged and adventurous aesthetic. Its boxy shape and high ground clearance evoke a sense of capability, while its bold front fascia and distinctive headlights project a confident demeanor. The Crosstrek’s interior is functional and well-designed, with a focus on durability and practicality.
Performance and Handling: Power and Agility
Under the hood, the Chevy Equinox offers a range of powertrain options, including a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. The Equinox delivers responsive acceleration and smooth handling, making it a capable performer on both city streets and highways.
The Subaru Crosstrek, known for its all-wheel-drive prowess, is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that provides ample power for everyday driving. Its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and ground clearance make it a formidable choice for tackling challenging terrains and inclement weather conditions.
Fuel Efficiency: Saving Money at the Pump
Both the Chevy Equinox and the Subaru Crosstrek offer impressive fuel economy figures. The Equinox achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. The Crosstrek, with its smaller engine and all-wheel-drive system, returns an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined.
Interior Space and Cargo Capacity: Room for Your Needs
The Chevy Equinox provides generous interior space for passengers and cargo. Its spacious cabin offers comfortable seating for five adults, while its rear cargo area provides ample room for luggage and other gear. The Equinox’s versatile cargo space can be further expanded by folding down the rear seats.
The Subaru Crosstrek, despite its compact size, offers a surprisingly spacious cabin and a decent cargo area. Its rear seats fold down to accommodate larger items, and its high roofline provides ample headroom for passengers.
Safety Features: Keeping You Secure
Both the Chevy Equinox and the Subaru Crosstrek are packed with advanced safety features to protect you and your passengers. The Equinox comes standard with a suite of driver-assist technologies, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera.
The Subaru Crosstrek also boasts a comprehensive safety suite, including EyeSight driver-assist technology, which encompasses features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring.
Price and Value: Finding the Best Deal
The Chevy Equinox starts at a slightly lower price point than the Subaru Crosstrek. However, the Crosstrek’s standard all-wheel-drive system and advanced safety features may offset the price difference for some buyers. Ultimately, the best value for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right SUV for You
The Chevy Equinox and the Subaru Crosstrek are both excellent compact SUVs with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Equinox offers a stylish design, spacious interior, and a range of powerful engines. The Crosstrek, on the other hand, excels in its rugged capability, all-wheel-drive prowess, and fuel efficiency.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize style, performance, and interior space, the Chevy Equinox is a compelling option. If you value ruggedness, all-wheel-drive capability, and fuel economy, the Subaru Crosstrek is a worthy contender.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek‘s standard all-wheel-drive system and higher ground clearance make it a better choice for off-roading.
Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The Chevy Equinox offers more cargo space than the Subaru Crosstrek.
Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Chevy Equinox.
Q: Which SUV is safer?
A: Both SUVs offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, but the Subaru Crosstrek’s EyeSight system provides an extra layer of protection.
Q: Which SUV is better for families?
A: The Chevy Equinox’s larger interior, spacious cargo area, and optional third-row seating make it a better choice for families.
