How the 2025 Chevy Equinox Outshines Its Subaru Forester Rival
SUVs are one of the most popular vehicles across the country. Buyers love their versatility, spacious seating, and ample cargo space. While larger SUVs have been highly sought after for decades, a newer style of sport utility vehicle has become increasingly appealing. Compact SUVs offer an incredible combination of maneuverability, practicality, and affordability, making them ideal for buyers wanting the perks of an SUV on a smaller scale. The high seating position offers a better view while driving, but its smaller stature allows for much more car-like handling, creating a perfect blend.
With a boom in popularity, many automakers are creating compact SUVs to compete in this highly sought-after market. However, two contenders tend to stand out from the crowd. The 2025 Chevy Equinox vs 2025 Subaru Forester is a battle between two impressive compact SUVs with much to offer buyers. If you are considering one of these options but are torn between the two, let this breakdown help you see where these models differ so you can better decide which is right for you.
A Look at the Overall Design
Both the Equinox and the Forester are compact SUVs with stylish bodies and spacious interiors. Each vehicle comfortably seats up to five people, with plenty of legroom to spare. Both models have ample cargo room, ensuring you can bring all your belongings along for the ride. A key difference in the design of these two SUVs is their body style. The Forester is known for its boxy, wagon-style design, whereas the Equinox has a more modern, sleek body style. The Equinox has a broader grille than the Forester, offering a more aerodynamic design.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Many buyers prioritize pricing when shopping for a new vehicle. In fact, it is often ranked as one of the most important factors they consider. These two SUVs are close in price range, but the Chevy Equinox just slightly nudges out the Subaru Forester. The Forester starts at $29,995, whereas the Equinox begins at $28,600.[a] Although they have less than two thousand dollars between them, Equinox is the cheaper option for those who are greatly prioritizing cost. Both SUVs also come with multiple trim packages, so buyers can choose a model that comes with all the features they are looking for. The 2025 Chevy Equinox comes in three different trim packages.
- The LT: The base model starts at $28,600 and includes a 1.5L turbo engine, heated steering wheel, heated seats, an 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen, and an 11-inch diagonal driver information center.[a] Keyless open and start, Rear Park Assist, and Bluetooth are also standard on the Equinox.
- The RS: The sportier second option starts at $33,000 and includes a flat-bottom steering wheel, 19-inch machined wheels, and black mirrors, moldings, emblems, and badging.[a]
- The ACTIV: Equinox’s adventurous trim package, which starts at $33,000, includes 17-inch machined wheels, all-terrain tires, and stain-resistant microfiber seating surfaces.[a]
In comparison, the 2025 Subaru Forester comes in six different trim options.
- The Base: Forester’s base trim package starts at $29,995 and includes LED steering-responsive headlights, Subaru Starlink Multimedia complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and EyeSight driver assist technology.
- The Premium: The Premium trim package starts at $32,310 and includes Subaru Starlink safety and security, keyless access with push-button start, and a panoramic power moonroof.
- The Sport: This sportier trim starts at $34,810 and includes 19-inch bronze-finish alloy wheels, bronze-finish exterior accents, water-repellent upholstery, Blind Spot Detection, Hill Descent Control, Rear Cross-Traffic alert, and SI-Drive engine management.
- The Wilderness: This off-road-focused model starts at $34,995 and comes with enhancements such as 9.2 inches of ground clearance, a 180-degree front-view monitor, and 17-inch matte black-finish alloy wheels with all-terrain tires.
- The Limited: The Limited starts at $36,410 and includes leather-trimmed upholstery, 18-inch machine-finished alloy wheels, a power rear gate, and a ten-way power driver seat.
- The Touring: Forester’s most expensive trim starts at $40,295 and includes luxury features like 11.6-inch multimedia navigation, 19-inch machine-finished alloy wheels, an All-Weather Package, heated front and rear seats, and a 360-degree surround-view monitor.
Both vehicles pack an abundance of features into one impressive price tag in each of their trim levels. While the Forester might offer more trims, the Equinox offers more standard features for a more affordable price, making it the perfect choice for someone looking for more convenience in their vehicle at a lower cost.
Eco-Friendly Options and Fuel Efficiency
Many car shoppers now consider more than just vehicle cost when making their next purchase. Eco-friendly models have been sweeping the car market, with options ranging from hybrids to fully electric motors. So, how do the 2025 Equinox and the 2025 Forester compare in terms of their environmentally friendly options? Let’s find out.
The 2025 Forester comes in a hybrid option that starts at $34,995. Hybrid engines combine an internal combustion engine and an electric motor to power the vehicle. When the SUV travels quickly, the internal combustion engine operates, and the electric motor works at low speeds. Subaru created an incredible hybrid powertrain that can give its drivers an impressive 581-mile range. With a hybrid, the internal combustion or gas engine will also charge the electric motor, meaning you’ll never have to slow down and stop to charge.
The 2025 Equinox does not offer a hybrid option. Instead, it offers the Equinox EV, a fully electric model that starts at $41,900.[a] For those who want an even more significant environmental impact, an EV may be preferable since they produce no emissions. The Equinox EV boasts an incredible 319 miles on a single charge, so while you will need to stop to charge, this model has a great range to ensure you can go farther than ever before.
Both vehicles offer an eco-friendly model, but for those looking to really make an impact on the environment, the fully electric Equinox will be an excellent choice. With an EV, you can enjoy zero tailpipe emissions, lower maintenance costs, and lower overall fuel costs, allowing you to make a positive environmental impact all while keeping more money in your pocket.
The 2025 Chevy Equinox Is an Affordable Compact SUV With a Lot to Offer
Searching for a compact SUV can be a daunting task. There are so many choices in this ever-growing market, so it can be challenging to know which is best. However, two stand-out contenders have consistently remained: the Chevy Equinox and the Subaru Forester. With their latest 2025 models releasing, there’s never been a better time to compare these two impressive SUVs to see which is your best option.
While the 2025 Subaru Forester has much to offer, it is outshined in many categories by the Equinox. The 2025 Chevy Equinox is an excellent SUV that is eco-friendly, incredibly affordable, and has a stunning aerodynamic design. This model also boasts a spacious interior and plenty of included features that will leave you feeling as though you should have paid much more. With this vehicle, Chevy has created a compact SUV that feels larger than life.
If you’re torn between these two impressive compact SUVs, let this guide help you make your final choice. Although both options are impressive, those looking for an affordable, fully-loaded compact SUV should look no further than the 2025 Chevy Equinox.
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