2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Subaru Outback stood out in a dwindling field of wagons in the United States, adopting crossover trends with its rugged design elements like chunky wheel-arch flares and skid plate-like fascias. Its Crimson Red Pearl paint paired beautifully with a black leather interior, though earthy shades were deemed more fitting for its adventurous spirit. Subaru's focus on off-road capabilities paid off, as the Outback, along with the Crosstrek and Forester, became top sellers. The 2025 model saw no major changes, but the Limited trim gained features like a power moonroof and a 360-degree heated steering wheel. The Touring XT trim offered Nappa leather and ventilated front seats, while the interior maintained a balance of chrome and black plastic, with easy-to-read gauges and a small digital display.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox received a much-needed update, adopting a modern look with a flat roof, upright grille, and distinctive "shark fin" C-pillar. Each trim had unique styling elements, with the base LT offering chrome or a Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment. The RS trim featured sporty black mirrors and badges, while the new ACTIV trim showcased dark chrome and all-terrain tires. The Equinox's interior was refreshed with a sculptural sub-texture effect and a relocated shifter, opening up the center console. The RS trim had a darker interior with red highlights, while the ACTIV trim featured a lighter "Maple Sugar and Black" theme. Overall, the Equinox's cabin avoided a cheap feel, offering a choice rather than a compromise in materials.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured a horizontally opposed "Boxer" engine in two forms: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines ran on regular unleaded gas, with power routed through a CVT and standard AWD. The turbocharged engine provided smart acceleration, though not at a performance level. 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 ride was smooth and comfortable, with light steering and powerful brakes, though the stop/start technology and CVT had some drawbacks.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox retained a single engine option: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied with powertrain, offering 184 lb-ft in FWD models and 203 lb-ft in AWD versions. The FWD models came with a CVT, while AWD versions had an eight-speed automatic, which improved acceleration and noise levels. The Equinox's accelerator was responsive at low speeds, but highway merging highlighted the engine's limitations. The ride was generally quiet and comfortable, with AWD models capable of towing up to 1,500 pounds. Selectable drive modes were introduced, allowing drivers to switch between Normal, Snow, and Off-Road modes.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape offered practicality with easy entry and exit, a lower roof height for loading, and a low center of gravity for quick direction changes. It provided 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat up and 75.6 cubic feet with it folded, though the flat floor and square shape maximized usability. The Outback's total passenger volume of 109 cubic feet was larger than its crossover competitors, with more front headroom and legroom. Buyers were advised to test different trims, as the driving experience varied, and the turbocharged engine increased towing capacity to 3,500 pounds.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard on RS and ACTIV trims, with front seat ventilation available in a package. The Evotex seats felt premium, and the flat roof provided consistent headroom throughout the cabin. The moonroof extended into the rear seats, adding light, and the flat floor benefited middle-seat occupants. The Equinox's cargo space was slightly reduced, offering 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded. A hidden storage compartment added utility, though overall cargo volume was small for the class.

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 connectivity on most models. The Harman Kardon audio system performed well, but Starlink disturbances limited audio to the rear speakers. The dashboard featured a mix of buttons and knobs, with some tasks requiring touchscreen interaction. A CD player and USB-A port were included for older devices.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Google Maps projected onto the driver information display, allowing simultaneous infotainment activity. Voice control had volume issues in one test vehicle, but most tech features were standard, including an 11.3-inch touchscreen, wi-fi hotspot, and wireless charging. An upgraded sound system was not available.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured EyeSight driver-assist technology with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Onyx and higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The DriverFocus system had some false notifications, but the Outback earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a Safety & Technology package with rear pedestrian alert and other features, while most safety equipment was standard. The Chevy Safety Assist suite included rear park assist, lane-change alert, and enhanced automatic emergency braking. Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to set speed and volume limits and receive a report card on driving behavior.