2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester underwent a noticeable visual transformation, focusing on a more generic yet refined appearance. It featured standard roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels, with higher trims offering larger wheels and distinctive accents. The Forester Sport, for instance, showcased bronze trim accents and 19-inch wheels, while the Touring trim boasted chrome badging and a low-profile roof rack. The interior saw improvements with the introduction of StarTex material in the Sport trim, offering easy cleaning and a cohesive design with bronze exterior accents. The cabin's structural dash elements added a touch of sophistication, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

In contrast, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox embraced a modern design, aligning with the styling cues of larger Chevrolet models. Each trim level had unique exterior elements, such as the Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment for the LT trim and the sporty RS trim with black mirrors and badges. The new ACTIV trim stood out with dark chrome accents and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Equinox featured a flat roof, providing consistent headroom and a spacious feel. The interior design was marked by thoughtful details like the sub-texture effect around vents and a more open center console, thanks to the relocated shifter. The RS trim offered a sporty interior with red highlights and contrast stitching, while the ACTIV trim featured a lighter, two-tone theme.

The 2025 Subaru Forester retained its 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a Lineartonic CVT and Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system, providing a stable and confident driving experience. The Forester's X-Mode system, standard from the Premium trim, enhanced traction on challenging terrains, while the Sport and higher trims offered a dual-function version. Despite its AWD system, the Forester's fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined, with slight variations for Sport and Touring trims.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox continued with its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 175 horsepower. Torque varied between 184 lb-ft for FWD models and 203 lb-ft for AWD versions. The Equinox introduced a CVT for FWD models and an eight-speed automatic for AWD, the latter offering improved performance over the previous six-speed. The Equinox's towing capacity reached 1,500 pounds with AWD, and it featured selectable drive modes for different terrains. While the engine provided responsive acceleration at low speeds, it struggled during highway merges, highlighting its limitations in power.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, enhancing convenience for loading and unloading. Its cargo space increased slightly to 29.6 cubic feet with rear seats in place and 74.4 cubic feet when folded down. The Forester's roomy second row contributed to its competitive interior space, although it fell short compared to some rivals in cargo capacity. The interior featured a dark headliner and power-adjustable seats, with higher trims offering additional amenities like seat ventilation and memory functions.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard on RS and ACTIV trims, with optional front seat ventilation and heated rear seats. The Equotex seats provided a premium feel, and the flat roof ensured consistent headroom throughout the cabin. The Equinox's cargo space measured 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded down, slightly reduced from the previous generation. A hidden storage compartment added versatility, although overall cargo volume was smaller compared to competitors.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, standard on all but the base trim, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model retained dual 7-inch touchscreens with wired smartphone projection. Higher trims offered additional tech features like a wireless charging pad, Wi-Fi hotspot, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Touring trim included a voice-activated navigation system and advanced driver-assistance features.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, offering wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Google Maps integration provided enhanced navigational functionality, projecting onto the driver information display. The Equinox's tech features included an 11.3-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless charging for RS and ACTIV trims. However, there was no option for an upgraded sound system, and some users experienced issues with the voice control volume.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced Emergency Stop Assist, available on the Touring trim, which could slow the vehicle to a stop and notify emergency services if the driver became unresponsive. The Forester's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technology was standard, with enhancements for 2025, including a wider field of view and an electric brake booster. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the 2024 model received high marks, suggesting continued safety excellence.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a Safety & Technology package, adding features like rear pedestrian alert and HD surround vision. The Chevy Safety Assist suite included standard features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Teen Driver Technology remained a notable inclusion, allowing parents to set speed and volume limits and receive a driving report card. These comprehensive safety features aimed to provide peace of mind for families.