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2026 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Subaru Forester

Price, size, cabin, cargo, towing, safety and ownership side by side. Every value comes from the cited sources in each model-year profile, and gaps stay labeled instead of guessed.

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Key differences

Where the published numbers differ

No overall winner: each line is one source-backed figure. Decide which ones matter for how you will use the SUV.

AEquinox has

  • Starting pricelower starting price by $1,195
  • Wheelbaselonger wheelbase by 2.4 in
  • Overall widthwider by 2.9 in
  • Rear legroommore rear legroom by 0.5 in
  • Cargo behind rear seatmore cargo behind the rear seat by 0.2 cu ft

BForester has

  • Overall lengthlonger by 0.1 in
  • Ground clearancemore ground clearance by 0.6 in
  • Maximum cargomore maximum cargo by 10.9 cu ft

=Same figure

  • Maximum towing

Head-to-head

The numbers, side by side

Bars share one scale starting at zero, so small real differences are not exaggerated. Where a profile lists several figures, the highest published one is used.

EquinoxForester
Starting price2026 Chevrolet Equinox: lower starting price by $1,195
$28,800
$29,995
Overall length2026 Subaru Forester: longer by 0.1 in
183.2 in
183.3 in
Wheelbase2026 Chevrolet Equinox: longer wheelbase by 2.4 in
107.5 in
105.1 in
Overall width2026 Chevrolet Equinox: wider by 2.9 in
74.9 in
72.0 in
Ground clearance2026 Subaru Forester: more ground clearance by 0.6 in
About 8.1 in
8.7 in
Rear legroom2026 Chevrolet Equinox: more rear legroom by 0.5 in
39.9 in
39.4 in
Front headroomVaries by trim or option; compare the exact configuration
40.0 in without sunroof; 38.2 in with sunroof
Up to 41.2 in
Cargo behind rear seat2026 Chevrolet Equinox: more cargo behind the rear seat by 0.2 cu ft
29.8 cu ft
29.6 cu ft
Maximum cargo2026 Subaru Forester: more maximum cargo by 10.9 cu ft
63.5 cu ft
74.4 cu ft
Maximum towingSame published figure
1,500 lb
1,500 lb

Decision snapshot

Six buyer questions, without an overall winner.

Each card compares one documented criterion. A lead is shown only when both source-backed values use a compatible measurement; otherwise the raw facts stay visible and the criterion stays unresolved.

Starting priceStarting MSRP
AEquinox$28,8002026 Chevrolet retail pricing
BForester$29,995Base gas Forester

2026 Chevrolet Equinox has lower published starting MSRP by $1,195.

EfficiencyGas / base fuel economy
AEquinox22 city / 29 highway mpgChevrolet 2026 fuel-economy listing; verify the exact drivetrain label
BForesterUp to 26 city / 33 highway mpgSubaru published estimates

The current profiles do not provide two normalized values that can be compared safely.

Maximum cargoMaximum cargo volume
AEquinox63.5 cu ftChevrolet published figure
BForester74.4 cu ftBase / roomiest published configuration

2026 Subaru Forester has more published maximum cargo volume by 10.9 cu ft.

Rear-seat roomRear legroom
AEquinox39.9 inEdmunds 2026 Equinox specification listing
BForester39.4 inSubaru U.S. specification

2026 Chevrolet Equinox has more published rear/second-row legroom by 0.5 in.

Maximum towingMaximum towing
AEquinox1,500 lbProperly equipped AWD models
BForester1,500 lbProperly equipped

The normalized published values are tied for this criterion.

Basic warrantyNew-vehicle / basic warranty
AEquinox3 years / 36,000 milesChevrolet U.S. bumper-to-bumper limited warranty
BForesterConfirm current Subaru warranty bookletCoverage is tied to in-service date and mileage

The current profiles do not provide two normalized values that can be compared safely.

Table view

At a glance

Key specifications

6 of 8 differ
Research fieldA2026 Chevrolet EquinoxB2026 Subaru Forester
Starting MSRPDifferent$28,8002026 Chevrolet retail pricing$29,995Base gas Forester
Primary engine / systemDifferent1.5L turbocharged four-cylinderChevrolet U.S. specification2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinderSubaru U.S. specification
Primary outputDifferent175 hpChevrolet U.S. specification180 hp2.5L BOXER
DrivetrainDifferentFWD or AWDAWD availableSymmetrical AWDStandard across the lineup
Seating5Current model specification5Subaru U.S. specification
Cargo behind rear seatDifferent29.8 cu ftChevrolet published figure29.6 cu ftBase / roomiest published configuration
Maximum cargoDifferent63.5 cu ftChevrolet published figure74.4 cu ftBase / roomiest published configuration
Maximum towing1,500 lbAWD configuration1,500 lbProperly equipped

Price & trims

Pricing and trim lineup

4 of 4 differ
Research fieldA2026 Chevrolet EquinoxB2026 Subaru Forester
Starting MSRPDifferent$28,8002026 Chevrolet retail pricing$29,995Base gas Forester
Entry trimDifferentLT · $28,800Entry grade with the same 1.5L turbo powertrainBase · $29,995Gas
Highest listed trimDifferentACTIV · $33,600Rugged-themed trim with its own chassis and appearance detailsTouring Hybrid · $41,545Hybrid
Trim lineupDifferentLT · RS · ACTIV3 researched trimsBase · Premium · Premium Hybrid · Sport · Wilderness · Sport Hybrid · Limited · Limited Hybrid · Touring · Touring Hybrid10 researched trims

Performance

Engine, output and drivetrain

4 of 6 differ
Research fieldA2026 Chevrolet EquinoxB2026 Subaru Forester
Engine / primary systemDifferent1.5L turbocharged four-cylinderChevrolet U.S. specification2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinderSubaru U.S. specification
Primary outputDifferent175 hpChevrolet U.S. specification180 hp / 178 lb-ftSubaru U.S. specification
TransmissionDifferentCVT with FWD; 8-speed automatic with AWDCurrent-generation Chevrolet specificationLineartronic CVTSubaru U.S. specification
DrivetrainDifferentFWD or AWDAWD availableSymmetrical AWDStandard across the lineup
All-wheel driveData gapAvailableCurrent model configuration—No source-backed value verified yet
Hybrid outputData gap—No source-backed value verified yet194 hpSubaru Hybrid System

Fuel & efficiency

Fuel and efficiency details

1 of 7 differ
Research fieldA2026 Chevrolet EquinoxB2026 Subaru Forester
Fuel typeData gapGasolineCurrent model specification—No source-backed value verified yet
Gas / base fuel economyDifferent22 city / 29 highway mpgChevrolet 2026 fuel-economy listing; verify the exact drivetrain labelUp to 26 city / 33 highway mpgSubaru published estimates
Fuel tankData gapAbout 14.8 gal FWD; 15.6 gal AWDCurrent-generation Chevrolet specification—No source-backed value verified yet
AWD / alternate fuel economyData gap—No source-backed value verified yetAbout 25 city / 32 highway mpgSubaru published estimates
Hybrid fuel economyData gap—No source-backed value verified yet35 city / 34 highway mpgSubaru published estimates
Off-road trim fuel economyData gap—No source-backed value verified yetAbout 24 city / 28 highway mpgSubaru published estimates
Driving rangeData gap—No source-backed value verified yetUp to 581 milesSubaru published estimate

Size & footprint

Exterior dimensions

4 of 6 differ
Research fieldA2026 Chevrolet EquinoxB2026 Subaru Forester
WheelbaseDifferent107.5 inCurrent-generation Chevrolet specification105.1 inSubaru U.S. specification
Overall lengthDifferent183.2 inCurrent-generation Chevrolet specification183.3 inMost trims
Overall widthDifferent74.9 inCurrent-generation Chevrolet specification72.0 inMost trims
Overall heightData gap65.6 inCurrent-generation Chevrolet specification—No source-backed value verified yet
Ground clearanceDifferentAbout 8.1 inVaries slightly by trim8.7 inMost trims
Off-road ground clearanceData gap—No source-backed value verified yet9.3 inSubaru Wilderness specification

Cabin

Interior space and seating

4 of 10 differ
Research fieldA2026 Chevrolet EquinoxB2026 Subaru Forester
Seating5Current model specification5Subaru U.S. specification
Front legroomDifferent40.9 inEdmunds 2026 Equinox specification listing43.3 inSubaru U.S. specification
Rear legroomDifferent39.9 inEdmunds 2026 Equinox specification listing39.4 inSubaru U.S. specification
Front headroomDifferent40.0 in without sunroof; 38.2 in with sunroofCurrent-generation Chevrolet specificationUp to 41.2 inEquipment dependent
Rear headroomData gap39.2 in without sunroof; 37.8 in with sunroofCurrent-generation Chevrolet specification—No source-backed value verified yet
Front shoulder roomData gap57.7 inCurrent-generation Chevrolet specification—No source-backed value verified yet
Rear shoulder roomData gap55.8 inCurrent-generation Chevrolet specification—No source-backed value verified yet
Front hip roomData gap55.2 inCurrent-generation Chevrolet specification—No source-backed value verified yet
Rear hip roomData gap50.8 inCurrent-generation Chevrolet specification—No source-backed value verified yet
Passenger volumeDifferent104.3 cu ft without sunroof; 100.1 cu ft with sunroofCurrent-generation Chevrolet specificationUp to 110.8 cu ftConfiguration dependent

Cargo

Cargo space and practical measurements

2 of 4 differ
Research fieldA2026 Chevrolet EquinoxB2026 Subaru Forester
Cargo behind rear seatDifferent29.8 cu ftChevrolet published figure29.6 cu ftBase / roomiest published configuration
Maximum cargo volumeDifferent63.5 cu ftChevrolet published figure74.4 cu ftBase / roomiest published configuration
Rear seatData gap60/40 split-foldingCurrent model specification—No source-backed value verified yet
Underfloor storageData gapYesCurrent model feature—No source-backed value verified yet

Utility

Towing, seating and capability

1 of 6 differ
Research fieldA2026 Chevrolet EquinoxB2026 Subaru Forester
Maximum towing1,500 lbProperly equipped AWD models1,500 lbProperly equipped
Lower / standard towing ratingData gap800 lbCurrent-generation Chevrolet specification—No source-backed value verified yet
All-wheel driveDifferentAvailableCurrent model configurationSymmetrical AWDStandard across the lineup
Rear seatData gap60/40 split-foldingCurrent model specification—No source-backed value verified yet
Cargo behind rear seatData gap—No source-backed value verified yetUp to 29.6 cu ftRoomiest published configuration
Maximum cargoData gap—No source-backed value verified yetUp to 74.4 cu ftRoomiest published configuration

Safety

Published safety ratings

1 of 4 differ
Research fieldA2026 Chevrolet EquinoxB2026 Subaru Forester
IIHS small overlap frontDifferentAcceptable2026 rating summaryGood2026 rating
IIHS updated moderate overlap frontGoodCurrent-generation applicable ratingGood2026 rating
IIHS updated sideGoodCurrent-generation applicable ratingGood2026 rating
IIHS headlightsGoodCurrent-generation applicable ratingGood2026 rating

Ownership

Warranty and service planning

1 of 4 differ
Research fieldA2026 Chevrolet EquinoxB2026 Subaru Forester
New-vehicle / basic warrantyDifferent3 years / 36,000 milesChevrolet U.S. bumper-to-bumper limited warrantyConfirm current Subaru warranty bookletCoverage is tied to in-service date and mileage
Powertrain warrantyData gap5 years / 60,000 milesChevrolet U.S. powertrain limited warranty—No source-backed value verified yet
Roadside assistanceData gap5 years / 60,000 milesChevrolet U.S. roadside-assistance coverage—No source-backed value verified yet
Service planningData gapFollow the vehicle maintenance scheduleChevrolet owner documentation—No source-backed value verified yet

Safety systems

Driver-assistance equipment and context

A2026 Chevrolet

Equinox

The current-generation Equinox includes a broad standard driver-assistance package. IIHS applies several crashworthiness ratings across the 2025–2027 body, so those applicable-generation results are more useful than ratings from the prior Equinox.

  • Automatic emergency braking and forward collision alert
  • Lane keeping and lane-departure assistance
  • Adaptive cruise control availability
  • Blind-zone and rear cross-traffic assistance
B2026 Subaru

Forester

The 2026 Forester earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and includes EyeSight driver-assistance technology. The hybrid also carries a published NHTSA 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from Subaru’s U.S. materials.

  • EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
  • Automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise functions
  • Available blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert
  • DriverFocus available on upper trims

Cabin technology

Infotainment, connectivity and convenience

A2026 Chevrolet

Equinox

  • 11.3-inch center infotainment touchscreen with an 11-inch driver information display.
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
  • Google built-in services and wireless phone charging are available depending on equipment.
  • Multiple camera and parking-assistance features are available by trim and package.
B2026 Subaru

Forester

  • An 11.6-inch STARLINK Multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available on higher trims.
  • DriverFocus distraction mitigation is included on selected upper trims.
  • Power rear gate and panoramic moonroof availability depend on trim and package.
  • Hybrid models integrate Subaru’s electrified power display and energy-management information.

Evidence ledger

Source links and research freshness

AChecked 2026-09-17

2026 Chevrolet Equinox

6 research sources attached to this model-year profile. Row notes in the tables above keep the evidence context for each value.

Chevrolet2026 Equinox model and pricing informationChevrolet NewsroomCurrent-generation Equinox technical specificationsChevrolet2026 fuel-economy listingsChevroletU.S. new-vehicle warranty coverageEdmunds2026 Equinox interior dimensions and specificationsIIHSCurrent-generation Equinox crash and prevention ratings
Open full source context →

Buying context

What to check before choosing a trim

A2026 Chevrolet

Equinox

  1. The same 175-hp engine is used across the main trim range, so trim choice is primarily about drivetrain, equipment and styling rather than a higher-output engine.
  2. AWD materially changes both transmission hardware and the published maximum tow rating.
  3. A sunroof reduces published headroom, which matters for tall-driver fit.
  4. Rigid cargo still needs an exact hatch-opening and floor-length check because Chevrolet does not publish every useful linear cargo measurement.
Research caveat

The older 2018–2024 Equinox has a third-party 39.3-inch seats-up floor-depth measurement. SUVLook does not apply that dimension to the redesigned 2025–2026 Equinox.

Updated 2026-09-176 research sources
B2026 Subaru

Forester

  1. Forester is unusually easy to shortlist for tall drivers because Subaru publishes 43.3 inches of front legroom and up to 41.2 inches of headroom.
  2. The hybrid materially improves city fuel economy while keeping standard AWD, but its pricing and packaging differ from the gas lineup.
  3. Wilderness trades some fuel economy for extra ground clearance and a substantially higher published tow rating.
  4. Moonroof and equipment packaging can reduce published cargo volume, so compare the exact trim instead of relying on the maximum 74.4-cu-ft figure.
Research caveat

SUVLook does not carry the separate 2025 third-party linear cargo measurements forward as guaranteed 2026 dimensions. This profile uses 2026 data only where the existing research supports it.

Updated 2026-09-163 research sources

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