2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained much of its aesthetic appeal from the previous year, with the Wilderness trim receiving a subtle update featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding provided a striking contrast to the Autumn Green Metallic paint of the Touring XT model, which was described as a "green-tinged dark khaki." The Outback's various trims offered different levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Touring trim showcasing the most chrome, which was tastefully executed. Wheel designs varied across trims, with the Wilderness trim featuring matte black 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Onyx Edition and higher trims sported larger 18-inch wheels with a machine finish. Inside, the top-trim Touring XT impressed with its Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, offering a level of luxury not typically associated with Subaru. Other trims featured a mix of leather and synthetic materials, with the base and Premium trims opting for cloth seats.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, adopting a more modern and robust appearance. The flat roof, upright grille, and "shark fin" C-pillar aligned it more closely with larger Chevrolet models like the Traverse and Suburban. Each trim level had distinct styling elements, with the base LT offering chrome or a Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment. The RS trim featured sporty black mirrors, badges, and red RS emblems, while the new ACTIV trim showcased dark chrome accents and all-terrain tires. The interior of the Equinox was equally impressive, with a new sub-texture effect around the vents and a redesigned center console. The RS trim offered a sporty interior with red highlights and contrast stitching, while the ACTIV trim featured a lighter "Maple Sugar and Black" theme. Overall, the Equinox's cabin felt premium, with thoughtful design choices that enhanced its contemporary feel.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with the base model featuring a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This turbo setup increased the towing capacity from 2,700 to 3,500 lbs. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) were standard across the lineup. The turbocharged engine provided a noticeable improvement in performance, managing the vehicle's weight more effectively. The CVT mimicked the feel of an eight-speed transmission, enhancing the driving experience. The Outback's suspension and ground clearance, especially in the Wilderness trim, made it a capable off-road vehicle.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox retained its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied between 184 lb-ft for front-wheel-drive (FWD) models and 203 lb-ft for all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions. The FWD models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The eight-speed transmission was an improvement over the previous six-speed, offering smoother and quieter shifts. The Equinox's accelerator was responsive at low speeds, but the engine's limitations became apparent during highway merges. The AWD-equipped Equinox could tow up to 1,500 pounds, while FWD models were limited to 800 pounds. The introduction of selectable drive modes, including Off-Road mode for AWD models, added versatility to the Equinox's performance.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space despite its sleek design. It provided more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place and 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback's feature availability was noteworthy, with dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat standard on most trims. Higher trims offered additional amenities like heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. The hands-free power liftgate and power moonroof were available on select trims, enhancing convenience.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox featured a flat roof design, providing consistent headroom throughout the cabin. The front seats offered 38.2 inches of headroom with the moonroof, while the rear seats had 37.8 inches. The moonroof extended into the rear seats, adding light to the cabin. The Equinox's cargo space was slightly reduced, with 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded down. The cabin featured Evotex seats, which felt premium despite the absence of genuine leather. The placement of the "dead pedal" was well-executed, enhancing driver comfort.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered a mix of old-school and modern technology features. The top-trim Touring model included a CD player, while most trims featured both USB-C and USB-A ports. The infotainment system featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented screen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available from the Premium trim onward. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for essential functions. Wi-Fi capability and a premium audio system were standard on most trims, enhancing connectivity and entertainment options.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, offering wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Google Maps integration projected onto the driver information display, allowing for seamless multitasking. The infotainment system featured an 11.3-inch touchscreen, 30% larger than the previous model. Most tech features were standard, including a wi-fi hotspot and wireless charging for RS and ACTIV trims. The voice control system had some quirks, but overall, the Equinox's technology offerings were robust and user-friendly.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies was standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were standard on higher trims. The Touring trim featured a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor, enhancing safety.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a comprehensive suite of safety features as part of the Chevy Safety Assist package. This included rear park assist, lane-change alert, and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The Safety & Technology package added features like rear pedestrian alert and HD surround vision. Teen Driver Technology was standard, allowing parents to set speed and volume limits and receive a "report card" on driving behavior. The Equinox's safety features were extensive and well-integrated.