When you're looking for a compact SUV that offers generous interior space, powerful performance on the road and off, and versatile capability, it's time to look in the direction of the 2022 Subaru Forester. Equipped with award-winning advanced safety features, the Forester was awarded Best Resale Value and Lowest 5-year Cost to Own in its class for three years running by Kelley Blue Book. The 2022 Forester also offers the rugged WIlderness model with a heightened ground clearance and more towing capacity for an even greater adventure. We know the Forester isn't the only great SUV out there so below, we've put together a head-to-head comparison of the Forester versus one its rivals, the 2022 Chevy Equinox. We believe you'll see why the Forester is your ideal compact SUV.
2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox: Design & Capability
With one glance, you can see the difference between the 2022 Subaru Forester and the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. The Forester boasts an 8.7-inch ground clearance while the Equinox only has a ground clearance of 7.6-inches. The Forester Wilderness model ups the ante with a 9.5-inch ground clearance, allowing you more access to off-road excursions. Both SUVs offer standard 17-inch wheels, an available panoramic moonroof, and available roof rails for extra cargo space. You'll only find LED Steering Responsive headlights on the Forester as well as available LED fog lights for better visibility in adverse weather conditions.
2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox: Comfort & Convenience
When it comes to interior comfort, the 2022 Forester is the clear-cut winner. With more head and legroom than the 2022 Equinox, the Forester boasts almost 10% more passenger volume and offers 74.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat laid flat while the Equinox only has 63.9 cubic feet of room. Heated front seats are an optional luxury on the Equinox but the Forester offers them standard on every trim level except the base model. And only the Forester gives you the option of StarTex® Water-Repellent Upholstery to keep your seats in pristine condition.
Both SUVs offer a standard multimedia system with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Bluetooth®, but only the Forester offers hands-free phone connectivity and texting so you can stay connected while keeping your eyes on the road. You'll find available navigation on both the Forester and the Equinox as well as voice control and a premium audio upgrade.
2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox: Performance
Under the hood of the 2022 Forester you'll find the iconic 2.5L flat-four BOXER® engine, which generates a hefty 182 horsepower and 176 lb/ft of torque. The 2022 Equinox offers a 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower. Both SUVs come standard with an automatic transmission but only the Forester lets you choose the available Lineartronic® CVT with 7-or-8-speed manual mode for those times you want to feel the power at your fingertips. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard fare on the Forester but if you want that feature on the Equinox, you'll have to shell out an extra $2,400. SI-DRIVE is standard on the Forester while X-MODE® is available on higher trim levels and even with all this performance, it still gets up to 33 MPG on the highway while the Equinox only offers 31 highway MPG.
2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox: Safety
The Subaru Forester is no stranger to accolades when it comes to safety and the 2022 model is no different. Both SUVs were awarded an overall 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA but only the Forester was recognized by the IIHS, being named a 2022 Top Safety Pick+, that institution's highest honor. Both the Forester and the 2022 Equinox offer a wide range of safety features including Automated Emergency Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control but you'll only find the EyeSight® suite of Driver Assist technology on the Forester. This collection includes Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure Warning, Sway Warning, and much more. Reverse Automatic Braking and the Driver Focus® Distraction Mitigation System are available on the higher trim levels of the Forester, features not found on the Equinox.
Discover Your Ideal Compact SUV at Shingle Springs Subaru
The 2022 Subaru Forester is a powerhouse when it comes to safety, performance, and comfort, With a starting MSRP of only $25,895 you get the highly efficient BOXER® engine, industry-leading safety features, and standard all-wheel drive. The 2022 Chevy Equinox has a starting MSRP of $25,800 and while it's a smaller price, you have to pay more to keep up with what the Forester offers, which costs you more in the long run. When you're ready to see the 2022 Forester with your own eyes, stop by Shingle Springs Subaru and speak to any of our friendly, knowledgeable team members or contact us to set up your test drive today.
 | 2022 Subaru Forester | 2022 Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP* | $25,895 | $25,800 |
| Fuel Economy (MPG) | 33 Highway / 26 City | 31 Highway / 26 City |
| Standard Horsepower | 182 | 170 |
| Standard Torque | 176 lb/ft | 203 lb/ft |
| All-Wheel Drive | Standard | Available |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches | 8.0 inches |
| Max Available Towing Capacity | 3,000 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
| Passenger Volume | 111.6 Cubic Feet | 103.5 Cubic Feet |
| Max Cargo Volume | 74.2 Cubic Feet | 63.9 Cubic Feet |
| Automatic Climate Control | Standard | Not Available |
*Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Excludes options; taxes; title; registration; delivery, processing and handling fee; dealer charges. Dealer sets actual selling price.
