Battle of the beasts: chevrolet equinox vs subaru outback: who will conquer off-road?
What To Know
- The Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback are two of the most popular compact SUVs on the market, offering a blend of practicality, versatility, and affordability.
- The front-wheel-drive Equinox achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive model gets 25 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
- Both the Chevrolet Equinox and the Subaru Outback have received high safety ratings and come standard with a suite of advanced safety features.
The Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback are two of the most popular compact SUVs on the market, offering a blend of practicality, versatility, and affordability. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between these two formidable contenders, helping you make an informed decision for your next automotive purchase.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Equinox boasts a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. The Outback, on the other hand, offers a more robust 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, generating 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
Regarding fuel economy, the Equinox slightly edges out the Outback. The front-wheel-drive Equinox achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive model gets 25 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Outback, meanwhile, delivers 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway for both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Equinox and Outback offer comparable interior dimensions. Both vehicles provide ample headroom and legroom for passengers in both rows. The Equinox’s cabin is slightly narrower, but it makes up for it with a larger cargo capacity. With the rear seats folded down, the Equinox offers 63.9 cubic feet of storage space, compared to the Outback’s 54.4 cubic feet.
In terms of comfort, both SUVs feature supportive seats and a variety of amenities. The Equinox offers cloth upholstery as standard, while leather seats are available in higher trims. The Outback comes standard with cloth seats, with leather and heated seats available in higher trims.
Technology and Safety Features
The Equinox and Outback come well-equipped with the latest technology features. The Equinox’s infotainment system features a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a Bose premium audio system. The Outback’s infotainment system boasts an 11.6-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
Regarding safety, both SUVs have received high ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Equinox and Outback come standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Subaru Outback has a slight edge over the Chevrolet Equinox when it comes to off-road capabilities. The Outback features standard all-wheel drive, which provides better traction on slippery or uneven surfaces. It also has a higher ground clearance of 8.7 inches, compared to the Equinox’s 8.2 inches.
Price and Availability
The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox has a starting price of $26,400 for the base LS trim. The top-of-the-line Premier trim starts at $34,500. The 2023 Subaru Outback has a slightly higher starting price of $27,845 for the base trim. The top-of-the-line Touring XT trim starts at $40,995.
Both vehicles are widely available at Chevrolet and Subaru dealerships across the United States.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between the Chevrolet Equinox and the Subaru Outback depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you prioritize fuel economy and interior space, the Equinox is a solid choice. If you prefer better off-road capabilities and a more advanced infotainment system, the Outback is worth considering.
Final Thoughts
The Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a compelling blend of practicality, versatility, and value. Whether you’re looking for a daily commuter or an adventure-ready vehicle, these two contenders are sure to meet your needs.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy, the Equinox or the Outback?
A: The Chevrolet Equinox has slightly better fuel economy than the Subaru Outback.
Q: Which SUV has more interior space, the Equinox or the Outback?
A: The Chevrolet Equinox has a slightly larger cargo capacity than the Subaru Outback.
Q: Which SUV has more advanced safety features, the Equinox or the Outback?
A: Both the Chevrolet Equinox and the Subaru Outback have received high safety ratings and come standard with a suite of advanced safety features.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading, the Equinox or the Outback?
A: The Subaru Outback is better for off-roading thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and higher ground clearance.
Q: Which SUV has a lower starting price, the Equinox or the Outback?
A: The Chevrolet Equinox has a lower starting price than the Subaru Outback.