What To Know
- The Outback also offers a spacious and well-appointed interior, but it features higher-quality materials and a more intuitive infotainment system.
- Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options, with the top-of-the-line Equinox Premier coming in at $37,600 and the Outback Touring XT at $43,345.
- The Subaru Outback, on the other hand, is a better choice for drivers who value all-wheel drive capability, superior interior quality, and proven reliability.
The midsize crossover SUV segment is a fiercely competitive one, with automakers vying for the attention of discerning drivers. Two notable contenders in this arena are the Chevrolet Equinox and the Subaru Outback. Both offer a blend of practicality, comfort, and capability, but which one emerges victorious? In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of these two vehicles to determine which offers the best overall package.
Performance and Efficiency:
Under the hood, the Equinox offers a choice of two powertrains: a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The Outback, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While the Equinox offers more power, the Outback’s engine is renowned for its reliability and longevity.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Equinox with the 1.5-liter engine returns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter engine drops those numbers to 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Outback, with its standard 2.5-liter engine, achieves 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Handling and Capability:
Both the Equinox and Outback provide a comfortable and composed ride on paved roads. However, the Outback’s standard all-wheel drive system gives it a noticeable advantage in inclement weather or off-road conditions. The Equinox, while available with all-wheel drive, does not offer the same level of off-road prowess as the Outback.
Interior and Technology:
Inside, the Equinox boasts a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for five passengers. The materials used are of good quality, and the infotainment system is user-friendly. The Outback also offers a spacious and well-appointed interior, but it features higher-quality materials and a more intuitive infotainment system.
Cargo Capacity and Versatility:
The Equinox offers 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Outback, on the other hand, offers 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 75.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Both vehicles feature versatile seating configurations and ample storage compartments.
Safety and Reliability:
The Equinox and Outback have both received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles come standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
In terms of reliability, the Outback has a slight edge over the Equinox. Subaru is generally known for producing vehicles with high reliability ratings, while Chevrolet has had some issues with its Equinox model in recent years.
Price and Value:
The Chevrolet Equinox has a starting price of $26,700, while the Subaru Outback starts at $27,845. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options, with the top-of-the-line Equinox Premier coming in at $37,600 and the Outback Touring XT at $43,345.
Which Vehicle is Right for You?
The Chevrolet Equinox is a solid choice for drivers who prioritize power and affordability. It offers a spacious cabin, good fuel economy, and a range of powertrain options. The Subaru Outback, on the other hand, is a better choice for drivers who value all-wheel drive capability, superior interior quality, and proven reliability. It also offers more cargo space and a more intuitive infotainment system.
Ultimately, the best choice between the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize power and affordability, the Equinox is a great option. If you value all-wheel drive capability, superior interior quality, and proven reliability, the Outback is the clear choice.
Decisive Verdict:
In this head-to-head comparison, the Subaru Outback emerges as the more well-rounded and capable vehicle. Its superior all-wheel drive system, higher-quality interior, and proven reliability make it the better choice for drivers who value versatility and peace of mind. While the Chevrolet Equinox offers more power and affordability, it falls short in other key areas.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Outback with its 2.5-liter engine has a better fuel economy than the Chevrolet Equinox with its 1.5-liter engine.
Q: Which vehicle has more cargo space?
A: The Subaru Outback has more cargo space than the Chevrolet Equinox, both behind the rear seats and with the seats folded down.
Q: Which vehicle is more reliable?
A: The Subaru Outback is generally considered to be more reliable than the Chevrolet Equinox, based on industry ratings and consumer reports.