2025 Subaru Forester vs. 2025 Chevrolet Equinox: The Numbers

Compact SUVs have the largest market share in Canada, and two of them are completely redesigned for the 2025 model year. We’re talking about the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Forester.

The former is facing internal competition from a model that shares its name but is a totally different vehicle—the freshly launched, all-electric Equinox EV. Meanwhile, the latter is trying to get out of the shadow cast by Subaru’s hugely popular Crosstrek, not to mention the Outback. If you’re considering either one or hesitating between the two, keep reading to make a more informed purchase decision.

• Also: 2025 Subaru Forester: Buy Now or Wait for the Hybrid
• Also: 2025 Subaru Forester is More Expensive But Better Equipped, Too

Powertrain: Tie

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox carries over the turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers a modest 175 horsepower and either 184 lb-ft (FWD) or 203 lb-ft (AWD) of torque. The old six-speed autobox is gone. Chevrolet has replaced it with a CVT on front-wheel-drive models and an eight-speed automatic on all-wheel-drive models (optional on LT, standard on RS and ACTIV).

The 2025 Subaru Forester keeps the same the 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine, although output is down to 180 horsepower (-2) and torque is increased to 178 lb-ft (+2). Standard on all models is a Lineartronic CVT. A manual mode (eight preset ratios) with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters is available on every Forester except the base model.

Both vehicles are fairly equal in the powertrain department. The Chevy’s slightly higher torque is offset by the Subaru’s more competent (and standard) AWD system.

Fuel Consumption: Advantage Forester

In FWD configuration, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox achieves a combined 8.8 L/100 km according to Natural Resources Canada. When equipped with AWD, the rating goes up to 9.2 L/100 km, which is far from segment-leading.

Want a fuel-efficient compact SUV? The 2025 Subaru Forester is definitely a better option with a combined score of 8.1 L/100 km. That’s with AWD, remember, so the difference here is 1.1 L/100 km under normal conditions.

Cargo and Towing: Advantage Forester

The Chevrolet Equinox offers 845 litres of cargo capacity in the trunk and up to 1,798 litres when the rear seats are folded down. More stuff to haul? FWD models will tow no more than 800 lbs, while AWD models can manage 1,500 lbs.  

The cargo area in the Subaru Forester is smaller at 779 litres, but it expands to 1,957 litres with the rear seatbacks out of the way. In base trim, the numbers are 838 litres and 2,107 litres, respectively. Towing is possible up to 1,500 lbs no matter which model you select. The Forester also boasts slightly taller ground clearance—220 mm vs. 210 mm.

Safety: Tie

In terms of standard content, the Chevrolet Equinox is more generously equipped and even includes Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking. The entry-level Subaru Forester lacks blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert with automatic braking.

However, other Forester models make up for that and also add Automatic Emergency Steering along with available DriverFocus distraction mitigation.

As we write these lines, neither the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox nor the 2025 Subaru Forester has been crash-tested by the IIHS in the U.S. Unlike the Equinox, the Forester has been a regular Top Safety Pick award winner, mind you. Furthermore, it’s the only compact SUV that has earned a “Good” rating in the organization’s new front collision avoidance test.

Price: Advantage Equinox

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is unsurprisingly more expensive than its predecessor, but not as much as its Japanese rival. The lineup starts at $35,470 with FWD or $37,770 with AWD—freight and PDI included. The top-line model costs $42,570.

You can purchase a 2025 Subaru Forester from $36,161, but only the base model carries an all-inclusive price that starts with a “3.” An extra $5,000 is required to move up a notch. A fully loaded Premier model will be yours for $47,661.

Chevrolet also has lower interest rates including 3.99-4.49 percent (finance) or 5.9-6.9 percent (lease). Subaru’s rates are pretty much at 7.49 percent in every scenario.

Warranty: Advantage Equinox

Both Chevrolet and Subaru offer a limited vehicle warranty of 3 years/60,000 km and powertrain warranty of 5 years/100,000 km.

Rust perforation coverage is 6 years/160,000 km at Chevrolet and 5 years/unlimited km at Subaru. Equinox drivers enjoy superior roadside assistance, too, with 5 years/100,000 km instead of 3 years/unlimited km for Forester drivers.