VS
At a Glance
Power
175hp @ 5600
180hp @ 5800
Torque
203lb-ft @ 2000-4000
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
27 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
—
3500lbs
Engine
—
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Chevrolet Equinox and the Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Chevrolet Equinox delivers 175hp @ 5600 while the Subaru Crosstrek produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Equinox returns 27 mpg est. while the Crosstrek uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $35,600 for the Equinox and $33,795 for the Crosstrek. 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.
Specification
Chevrolet EquinoxAWD 4dr RS w/2RS 2026 - From $35,600
Subaru CrosstrekWilderness AWD 2026 - From $33,795
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/152ci
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 (Combined, est.)
27 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
25mpg
24mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
29mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.6gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.2in
176.4in
Width (in)
74.9in
71.7in
Height (in)
65.6in
63.6in
Wheelbase (in)
107.5in
104.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3629lbs
3369lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
3500lbs
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
Subaru Crosstrek
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Crosstrek
Fuel Economy
Equinox
Value
Crosstrek
Practicality
Crosstrek
Pros & Cons
Chevrolet Equinox
Better fuel economy (27 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Crosstrek
Lower starting price ($33,795)
Higher fuel consumption (26 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Equinox or Crosstrek?
The Equinox gets 27 mpg est. and the Crosstrek gets 26 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Equinox is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Equinox or Crosstrek?
The Equinox produces 175hp @ 5600 and 203lb-ft @ 2000-4000 of torque while the Crosstrek delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Equinox and Crosstrek?
The Equinox starts from $35,600 and the Crosstrek from $33,795. The Crosstrek is cheaper by $1,805 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Equinox or Crosstrek?
The Equinox has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Crosstrek can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Equinox or the Crosstrek?
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.