VS
At a Glance
Power
175hp @ 5600
180hp @ 5800
Torque
203lb-ft @ 2000-4000
178lb-ft @ 3700
Towing
—
1500lbs
Engine
—
2.5 L/152cc
Choosing between the Chevrolet Equinox and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Chevrolet Equinox delivers 175hp @ 5600 while the Subaru Forester produces 180hp @ 5800. Pricing starts at $35,600 for the Equinox and $41,595 for the Forester. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
175hp @ 5600
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
203lb-ft @ 2000-4000
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
—
2.5 L/152cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
25mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
32mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.6gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.2in
183.3in
Width (in)
74.9in
72in
Height (in)
65.6in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
107.5in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3607lbs
3664lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
1500lbs
Safety
ABS
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Equinox
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
Chevrolet Equinox
Lower starting price ($35,600)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru Forester
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Equinox or Forester?
The Equinox produces 175hp @ 5600 and 203lb-ft @ 2000-4000 of torque while the Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Equinox and Forester?
The Equinox starts from $35,600 and the Forester from $41,595. The Equinox is cheaper by $5,995 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Equinox or Forester?
The Equinox has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Forester can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Equinox or the Forester?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.