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Starting at
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| 203 lb-ft | Torque | 178 lb-ft |
| CVT, 8 A | Transmission Options | CVT |
| Yes | Google built-in | No |
The assortment of compact SUVs is as diverse as drivers are these days. You have stylish options, like the Chevy Equinox, which sports a beautifully designed interior and a show-stopping exterior, perfect for those who desire a bit more pizzazz in their ride. Then, you’ve got the Subaru Forester, which exhibits a more practical yet rugged feel that jives with many adventurous drivers. Despite the Forester having the jump on the Equinox by almost a decade, the Equinox has proven to be a fan favorite, recognized as one of the bowtie brand’s bestsellers. So, when it comes to the 2025 Chevy Equinox vs 2025 Subaru Forester, which compact SUV is right for you?
For its latest year on the highway, the Equinox shows off a brand-new look, entering its fourth generation this year. It’s a bit bolder than before, with more rugged styling elements that place it much in line with many of its Chevy siblings. Its interior has been revitalized with eye-catching appointments, as well as intuitive tech features that make this SUV even more appealing to the everyday driver. The Subaru Forester showcases a revamped design this year as well, with more modern styling elements coupled with the same great rugged flair that we’ve come to expect from the Subaru brand. When it comes to design, performance, and technology, you’ll find that both SUVs offer much to the ride, and here at DePaula Chevrolet, we’re here to get to the bottom of which model actually delivers the all-around better experience.
You can’t get more different than the 2025 Chevy Equinox and the 2025 Subaru Forester, especially at first glance. The Equinox is all new this year and features a more grown-up appearance, with an assertive and commanding stance. From a new grille and front fascia to an available two-tone roof, the Equinox stands out wherever it roams. Chiseled bodywork and curves in all the right places instantly appeal to today’s drivers seeking out a stylish vehicle, while sporty touches throughout intensify the Equinox’s confident presence. Opting for the RS model allows you to enjoy an enhanced style, with access to 20-inch machined wheels, black mirrors, and specialized badging to really turn heads as you make your way to all your destinations.
The Forester is a bit more on the rugged end of the spectrum, so if this isn’t your style, you may not be drawn to this particular SUV as much as others. However, this is what sets the Subaru brand apart from the rest—its outdoorsy appeal and the Forester has plenty of that. Its latest models feature a redesigned grille, a more athletic appearance, and 19-inch machine-finish alloy wheels, especially when you opt for the top-tier Touring model. Like we mentioned before, Subarus showcase a very distinct design which isn’t for everybody; however, its ruggedness and adventure-ready features don’t go unnoticed and may appeal to those who seek to get out and explore the great outdoors. If you’d rather stick to the highway in a vehicle that’s equally stylish and rugged, we recommend the Equinox.
The Equinox gets a bit more refined for 2025, featuring a cabin ambiance that’s ultimately premium. From sueded microfiber seating surfaces to a flat-bottom steering wheel, heated front seats to a heated steering wheel, and more comfort elements, it’ll be easy to relax on board the Equinox. With loads of legroom for you and your passengers, plus a large center console and a spacious cargo hold, having room for everyone and everything joining you on the ride is effortless when the Equinox is in charge of your journey. The Forester is more on the practical end of the spectrum, focusing its cabin on versatility and comfort, with select models offering leather-trimmed upholstery and a power driver’s seat to enhance its cozy appeal. All in all, if you want a bit more style in your ride, the Equinox delivers this better than the Forester, which offers more of a plainer feel than many of its rivals.
Both the 2025 Chevy Equinox and the 2025 Subaru Forester offer plenty of power and efficiency to your ride, making them both outstanding daily drivers. The Equinox is armed with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which makes 175 hp and up to 203 lb-ft of torque delivering a dramatic ride, making any commute a more enjoyable experience. It’s also able to tow up to 1,500 lbs, which makes it easy to cart a small trailer full of materials for a project home with you. Perhaps most appreciated is the fact that you have your choice of transmission options, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in the mix, as well as an eight-speed automatic transmission; the latter provides you with a more compelling ride quality.
The Forester is equipped with a 2.5L BOXER four-cylinder, which makes 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. It, too, can tow up to 1,500 lbs, but where the Forester disappoints is with its transmission. It only offers a CVT, which isn’t the most exciting option in the bunch. CVTs are notorious for their boring ride qualities and lackluster performance. If you want a vehicle that offers a little more excitement when you press down on the gas pedal, the Equinox is it.
In addition to a bit more excitement in your journey, the Equinox is agile and easy to drive, offering a comfortable ride with accurate steering and braking and exceptional handling along the twists and turns of the road. Choosing to arm the Equinox with all-wheel drive capabilities allows you to take on tricky terrain and inclement weather situations with more confidence, making the Equinox a great everyday travel companion.
Although the Forester has a few more horses under its hood than the Equinox, it’s reported to be a bit boring on the road—most likely due to its CVT. Its engine is also said to be a bit loud, so if you are looking forward to a quiet, peaceful ride home after a particularly stressful day at work, the Forester may take away from that. On the plus side, it showcases standard all-wheel drive features, which come in handy; however, not everyone needs all-wheel drive. You’re able to choose more performance elements in the Equinox to make it your own, which is what makes this model more appealing than many of its rivals when it comes to making the most out of your journey.
When it comes to keeping you happy on the road, the 2025 Chevy Equinox does this seamlessly. Drivers love the fact that it comes standard with a large 11.3-inch touchscreen display, which is oriented toward the driver for maximum convenience. Plus, with an 11-inch Driver Information Center right behind the steering wheel, you’ll have all the details about your ride in front of you at all times. The 2025 Equinox provides you with all the connectivity features you need through its Google-based software interface. From wireless smartphone capabilities to an available wireless charger, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more, you’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips to help you enjoy the ride.
You’ll also have access to standard safety equipment through Chevy Safety Assist, which provides you with everything from lane-keeping help to advanced cruise control options to blind spot monitoring and more. Standard Rear Park Assist helps you navigate your way into challenging parking spots with ease, while available features, like HD Surround Vision, provides you with a view all around your vehicle to help you have ultimate assurance, no matter where you’re traveling.
Technology is a bit different inside the 2025 Subaru Forester. Base models are armed with only a seven-inch touchscreen display; however, upgrading to a more expensive trim will unlock access to the 11.6-inch option. On the plus side, the Forester offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as wireless charging capabilities. Top-level models will also offer premium tech features, including helpful camera views like the 360-Degree Surround View Monitor. Of course, you can expect an excellent selection of safety features through the EyeSight suite. Despite the fact that the Forester has plenty of the features drivers are looking for in their vehicles, the fact that its touchscreen is so small in base models is disappointing to those who don’t want to spring for a higher-priced model.
DePaula Chevrolet is happy to help you get behind the wheel of a vehicle that meets your requirements on the road and fits effortlessly into your budget. We are proud to offer a selection of only the best new and used models from the legendary Chevy brand, and if the 2025 Chevy Equinox has piqued your interest, you’ve come to the right place. Our team is dedicated to finding you the model that suits your needs, and with competitive financing options, you’ll be sure to get a great rate and payment plan for your new vehicle. So, stop by and discover all the features that make Chevy vehicles so outstanding, take a few models you like for a test drive to experience them for yourself and chat with our team about all your options. Rest assured that when you’re driving a Chevy, you will be able to enjoy ultimate satisfaction, comfort, and performance during every mile you’re on the road.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.