The Chevrolet Equinox is a popular American-made passenger car because Americans have chosen the compact SUV as the family car of choice. The sedan or station wagon is no longer ideal for families who need daily driving comfort, all-road versatility and flexibility for carrying cargo. You see a lot of Equinox models on the road, but is it the best value for life in Southern California? With all-wheel drive capability, a more spacious cabin and more advanced standard features, the 2021 Subaru Forester is a better fit for growing families! We'll prove it to you in the side-by-side comparison below.
2021 Subaru Forester vs. 2021 Chevy Equinox: Design
With features like standard LED Steering-Responsive Headlights on every new 2021 Subaru Forester, the 2021 Chevy Equinox just doesn't have the modern appeal to compete. On the Equinox, LED headlights will cost you extra as an upgrade, and cornering headlights aren't available at all. Roof rails will also cost you extra on the 2021 Chevy Equinox. They're standard on every Forester except the entry-level model, so it's easier to carry more outdoor gear and other accessories.
Best of all, thanks to its clever design and squared-off shape, the 2021 Subaru Forester provides a whole lot more room for passengers to stretch out or extra cargo with the seats folded.
When you're looking for something with a bold, eye-catching look, be sure to consider the 2021 Subaru Forester Sport. With blacked-out wheels, blacked-out vehicle trim and orange accents on the bumpers, side skirts and roof rails, it's got a unique look you won't find on any rival SUV from Chevrolet.
2021 Subaru Forester vs. 2021 Chevy Equinox: Features
Entry-level 2021 Chevy Equinox models feature manual climate controls, leaving you to fiddle with a hot-cold temperature dial to get comfortable. Instead, the 2021 Subaru Forester comes standard with automatic climate controls -- just set your desired temperature, and the system handles the rest.
Furthermore, the 2021 Subaru Forester offers some exclusive features you won't find on any new 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, like the orange contrast-stitched premium cloth upholstery in the Forester Sport model. The DriverFocus™ distraction mitigation system can detect drowsy driving behaviors, so you know when it's time to take a break on that long drive. Such technology isn't available on the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox.
2021 Subaru Forester vs. 2021 Chevy Equinox: Capability
All-wheel drive will cost you extra as an option on the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, and it's not available at all on the entry-level trim. By contrast, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on every new 2021 Forester. That means the capability that makes a difference on dirt roads or snowy mountain passes is more affordable when you choose Subaru.
When it comes to engine power, the 2021 Subaru Forester makes a little bit more horsepower than the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, but not quite as much torque, so performance and quickness should feel similar. However, you'll spend more fuel to get that performance in the Equinox! Even with all-wheel drive, the 2021 Subaru Forester gets better fuel economy than its Chevrolet rival.
2021 Subaru Forester vs. 2021 Chevy Equinox: Safety
The industry safety authorities at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety were plenty impressed by the safety of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox -- but the 2021 Subaru Forester still impressed them even more. While the IIHS gave the 2021 Chevy Equinox its 2021 Top Safety Pick award, the 2021 Subaru Forester earned the 2021 Top Safety Pick+ award that's even more exclusive!
According to the IIHS, the differences come in the quality of the headlights and the ease of use of the child seat anchors. The 2021 Subaru Forester got a best-possible Good+ rating for how easily you can secure various child seats in the back. The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox got a merely Acceptable rating in this area.
2021 Subaru Forester vs. 2021 Chevy Equinox: Driver Assist Technology
Both the 2021 Subaru Forester and 2021 Chevrolet Equinox come standard with desirable driver assist technologies like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assistance. On the daily drive, both vehicles come with technologies that can help you stay safely in control, even in a dangerous emergency situation. One key point of difference: both SUVs offer available rear park assist and rear cross-traffic alert, but only the 2021 Subaru Forester offers automatic braking that also works in reverse -- so you can avoid that parking lot fender-bender.
Come See Why Subaru Is Perfect For Life In Sunny Southern California
For just $1,000 more than the cost of an entry-level 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, you can bring home a vehicle with all-wheel drive, more advanced headlights, more space for cargo and a bigger cabin for greater comfort when you choose Subaru. The 2021 Subaru Forester has a starting MSRP of just $24,795. Come see how much further this investment goes during a test drive at McKenna!
| 2021 Subaru Forester |  | 2021 Chevrolet Equinox |
| $24,795 | Starting MSRP* | $23,800 |
| 33 Highway / 26 City | Fuel Economy (MPG) | 31 Highway / 26 City |
| 182 | Standard Horsepower | 170 |
| 176 lb-ft | Standard Torque | 203 lb-ft |
| Standard | All-Wheel Drive | Available |
| 8.7" | Ground Clearance | 7.6" |
| 1,500 lbs | Maximum Available Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs |
| 111.9 cu ft | Passenger Volume | 103.5 cu ft |
| 76.1 cu ft | Maximum Cargo Space | 63.9 cu ft |
| Standard | Automatic Climate Control | Available Upgrade |
*Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.
