2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV initially appeared similar to its internal combustion engine counterpart, sharing features like rounded wheel wells and a flat beltline. However, upon closer inspection, the EV model showcased more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was more body-colored, and the rear design was more defined, featuring hexagons and a light bar echoing the front. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels were available on the 1LT and 2LT trims, while higher trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," which added a youthful flair. Two-tone paint jobs were available, with options for a white or black roof depending on the trim. Interior color choices expanded with higher trims, offering combinations like black with blue accents or Sky Cool Gray, and sportier options like Adrenaline Red.

The 2025 Subaru Outback stood out as one of the few remaining wagons in the U.S., adopting crossover trends with features like chunky wheel-arch flares and a robust roof rack. Its design clearly communicated its off-road capabilities. The test car's Crimson Red Pearl paint complemented its black leather interior, though earthy shades were deemed more fitting. Subaru focused on buyers needing off-road capabilities, a strategy that paid off with the Outback being one of its best-selling models. The 2025 model saw no major changes, with trims offering various upholstery options and features like a power moonroof and Subaru’s DriverFocus tech. The Touring XT trim featured Nappa leather and ventilated front seats. The Outback's rugged exterior housed a well-executed interior with minimal chrome and glossy black plastic, providing easy-to-read gauges and useful digital displays.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, which some found eerie but not uncommon. It offered one-pedal driving across all trims, managed through a regenerative braking setting or drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The single-motor FWD variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD version boasted 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV could tow up to 1,500 pounds and offered an EPA-estimated range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 for AWD. It featured an 85-kWh battery, capable of DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes.

The 2025 Subaru Outback housed a "Boxer" engine, available in a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, or a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines ran on regular unleaded gas and were paired with a CVT and standard AWD. The turbocharged engine provided better acceleration, making the XT model a recommended choice for those who could afford the upgrade. The Outback offered 8.7 inches of ground clearance, with the Wilderness model increasing it to 9.5 inches and adding a front skid plate. The Outback's ride was smooth and comfortable, with light steering, smooth throttle, and powerful brakes. However, the stop/start technology was intrusive, and the CVT could be slow to respond during throttle transitions.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV's base model was unavailable, meaning features like heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat were standard from the 2LT trim. The 3LT trim added power to the passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. Dual-zone climate control was limited to 3LT and above. The Equinox EV offered 39.15 inches of front headroom and 38.49 in the second row, with 41.65 inches of front legroom. Cargo space was 26.4 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 57.2 with the second row folded. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape provided practicality, with easy entry and exit and a low center of gravity for quick direction changes. It offered 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat up and 75.6 with it folded. The Outback's total passenger volume was 109 cubic feet, larger than its crossover competition. Buyers were advised to test drive different trims, as the Limited or Touring grades and the Wilderness model drove differently. The standard towing capacity was 2,700 pounds, increasing to 3,500 with the turbocharged engine.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a driver-oriented cockpit with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, providing Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, essential for the MyChevrolet app, which offered navigation and route planning.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's technology package included an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with wireless functionality on most trims. The Harman Kardon audio system worked well, though Starlink disturbances limited audio to the rear speakers. The dashboard featured a mix of buttons and knobs, with some functions requiring touchscreen navigation. The Touring trim included a CD player and both USB-A and USB-C ports.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and more. It also featured rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. GM’s Teen Driver Technology was standard, allowing parents to set speed alerts and volume limits. Super Cruise was available from the 2LT trim, along with enhanced automatic parking assist.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured EyeSight driver-assist technology, with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and more. Onyx and higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The DriverFocus system monitored for driver distraction, though it occasionally issued false notifications. The 2024 Outback earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with the 2025 model expected to perform similarly.