The Ultimate Showdown: Subaru Forester vs. Chevrolet Equinox

The Subaru Forester Limited has an MSRP of $45,863 and was built at the Ota, JPN plant. In contrast, the Chevrolet Equinox RS has an MSRP of $47,274 and was built at the San Luis Potosi, MEX plant.

A Fresh Look for the Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevrolet Equinox had long been considered uninspiring, with its rounded, bland shape. It was overdue for a serious update, which finally came in 2024 for the 2025 model year. The compact SUV was completely reimagined. Its length remains the same, but it's now wider and taller, giving it a more commanding presence.

The transformation is striking. Up front, the Equinox features a bold new grille with sharp lines converging toward the blacked-out bowtie emblem. Lighting elements have been pushed to the edges, and the LED running lights and turn signals are seamlessly integrated. The side profile has been dramatically revised. The previous generation's soft, rounded look is gone, replaced by a squared-off, rugged aesthetic. Prominent body cladding adds an adventurous feel, complemented by stylish 19-inch wheels.

At the rear, the Equinox borrows design cues from the larger Chevy Traverse, including redesigned LED taillights and extra bumper cladding. The Radiant Red paint further enhances its tough, outdoorsy vibe. Compared to its predecessor, the new Equinox sheds its rental-fleet image and embraces a bolder personality.

Subaru Forester: A More Conservative Approach

Subaru, meanwhile, took a more conservative approach with the sixth-generation Forester, introduced in 2023 for the 2024 model year. Subaru aimed to make it look tough, but instead, they softened the Forester's look. The front features a wider grille with a silver bar connecting the headlight housings and framing the brand's logo.

The black plastic cladding is more subdued, and the overall design feels more mature, though a bit underwhelming when seen up close. The side profile moves away from the boxier style of the previous generation, opting for smoother lines while maintaining interior space. The 18-inch wheels align with the toned-down aesthetic. At the rear, a black bar with the model's name beneath it serves as the focal point. While many automakers are experimenting with bold taillight designs, Subaru has chosen a more subtle approach this time around.

Interior Comparison: Comfort and Technology

The Chevrolet Equinox's interior has been comprehensively redesigned, sharing its new cabin with models like the Colorado and Silverado EV. A steering column-mounted shifter frees up significant center console space. For the driver, an 11-inch digital gauge cluster, highly customizable with options like a full-screen map, is paired with an 11.3-inch touchscreen. This latest Google-based infotainment system is quick and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The interior of the Subaru Forester remains familiar, as its design is essentially unchanged from the prior model. It stands out for keeping an analog gauge cluster in a segment that has switched mainly to digital screens. The cabin includes modern essentials like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on its central screen. However, a significant downside is the reliance on that screen for climate functions instead of physical buttons.

While the Forester's interior is defined by its functional, no-nonsense approach, the Equinox RS actively cultivates a sportier and more modern ambiance with its red stitching and accents. This difference in character extends beyond aesthetics. Both SUVs are champions of practicality, offering exceptionally comfortable seating and generous space for passengers in both rows.

Cargo Space and Family-Friendly Features

Their cargo capacities are also highly competitive. The Equinox holds a minor advantage with the seats up (844L vs. 779L). However, the Forester retakes the lead when the seats are folded flat (1,957L vs. 1,798L). Family-friendly features like ISOFIX ports are present in both, though the Equinox's are more conveniently marked. The points go to the Equinox on this aspect.

Performance and Efficiency

Under the hood, the Subaru Forester Limited relies on a naturally aspirated 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder engine. It generates 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This configuration, combined with Subaru's legendary Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive system (standard on all trims in Canada), prioritizes predictable power delivery and renowned traction in all weather conditions.

In contrast, the Chevrolet Equinox RS employs a downsized, turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine. Unfortunately, the former 2.0L turbo available in the previous generation was not carried over. While its horsepower figure is slightly lower at 175 hp, it produces a more robust 203 lb-ft of torque. This engine is coupled with a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission, and AWD is also standard across the model range.

Acceleration and Fuel Efficiency

On paper, the Forester holds a slight acceleration advantage, reaching 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds compared to the Equinox's 8.7 seconds. However, real-world driving experience tells a different story. The Equinox's turbocharged engine delivers its torque lower in the rev range, resulting in a more immediate and satisfying sensation of thrust when accelerating.

Furthermore, the Equinox's 8-speed automatic transmission provides discernible, crisp shifts that many drivers will find more engaging and natural than the steady, drone-free but often less responsive operation of the Forester's CVT. In terms of fuel efficiency, our observed data present a nuanced picture. The Forester demonstrated an advantage in city driving, averaging 11.4 L/100km, and on the highway, where it achieved approximately 7.3 L/100km.

The Equinox, in our testing, posted a higher combined average of 12.5 L/100km, with highway results around 8.7 L/100km.

Handling and Refinement

The driving experience diverges further when evaluating handling and refinement. Both vehicles exhibit the expected body roll of family-focused SUVs when cornering. The Forester gains a slight edge due to its lower center of gravity, a benefit of the Boxer engine layout, and marginally better composure, resulting in less understeer.

However, the Equinox strikes back with a significant advantage in cabin quietness. Its interior is better insulated from road and wind noise, contributing to a more relaxed and premium-feeling highway cruising experience.

Conclusion: Which SUV Reigns Supreme?

To recap, the Subaru Forester and Chevrolet Equinox are evenly matched. The Forester offers a larger cabin, better fuel economy, and excellent all-wheel drive. On the other hand, the Equinox has better styling, a more advanced tech package, and smoother acceleration (even if it's not the fastest).

Both are great choices, but my personal pick would be the Chevrolet Equinox. I wish it had a hybrid option for those not ready to go fully electric. I also really like the red accents in the RS trim that brighten up the interior. This isn't to say the Forester isn't an excellent vehicle; I had to think carefully to choose between them!

Disclaimer: Chevrolet and Subaru have lent us these vehicles as a press loan. We have no affiliation with Chevrolet and Subaru Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.