Chevrolet Equinox vs. Subaru Forester
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Forester contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Chevrolet Equinox and the Subaru Forester.
When comparing the Chevrolet Equinox's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, The Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Equinox's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester is a better car than the Chevrolet Equinox.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Equinox loses 49.6 percent of its value and the Subaru Forester loses 37.2 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Forester retains 12.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Equinox.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Equinox is 7.8 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Equinox being ranked 9 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 3 out of 19. Out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs, the Chevrolet Equinox is ranked 22 and the Subaru Forester is ranked 5.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Equinox is 7.7 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Chevrolet Equinox.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chevrolet Equinox’s base engine makes 175 horsepower, and the Subaru Forester base engine makes 180 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The Chevrolet Equinox has the advantage in the areas of rear leg room cargo space. The Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Forester are comparable in regards to front shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Chevrolet Equinox and the Subaru Forester have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
29089 - 38687
Starting MSRP:
28700
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
29995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
31731
Price Range:
26999 - 37336
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Chevrolet Equinox Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Equinox
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.173
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
14.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.208
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Chevrolet Equinox Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 18Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 54Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 54Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
21 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
39 out of / 66Ranking
41 out of / 66Ranking
46 out of / 66Ranking
47 out of / 66Ranking
50 out of / 66Ranking
50 out of / 66Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 54Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 18Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 54Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
46 out of / 66Summary Review
The Chevrolet equinox is a compact five-person SUV with a comfortable interior and a smooth ride. The current Equinox was redesigned for the 2018 model year, with new models costing an average of $28,912 and 3-year-old models averaging $21,742.
Summary Review
The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.
Pros and Cons
- Intuitive infotainment system
- Comfortable and spacious interior
- High predicted reliability
- Mediocre interior quality
- Only one powertrain
- Low on cargo space
Pros and Cons
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
- Large cargo area
- Engine power could be stronger
- Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Chevrolet Equinox Trim Levels
ACTIV, LT, RS
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring, Wilderness
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
175 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
203 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.8 inches
Cargo Space:
29.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
63.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
134.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Cargo Space:
29.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3428 lbs
Width:
74.9 inches
Height:
65.6 inches
Length:
183.2 inches
Wheelbase:
107.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3510 lbs
Width:
81.2 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
183.3 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Lakeshore Blue Metallic
Gray
Sterling Gray Metallic
Green
Cacti Green
Red
Radiant Red Tintcoat
White
Summit White
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Blue
Daybreak Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Not available
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
White
Crystal White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Artemis Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Gray
