Car Comparison: 2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Chevy Equinox

If you’re looking to elevate your Corinth commute with a cable SUV, you’ve probably run across the 2022 Subaru Forester and the 2022 Chevy Equinox by now. These two SUVs have plenty of features that make them popular choices. However, with so many options to consider, from powertrain to interiors, it can present a challenge when comparing the two. That’s why we created this head-to-head comparison, to help you make an intelligent decision on which vehicle works best for you.

You can choose one of six Forester trims: Forester, Forester Premium, Forester Sport, Forester Limited, Forest Touring, and the all-new Forester Wilderness, a rugged, capable SUV designed to conquer the road less traveled.

The base-model Forester starts at $25,195, and the Premium trim prices out at $28,195. Moving up the trim levels, the Forester Sport price increases to $29,765, the Limited costs $31,875, and the Wilderness model costs $32,820. Subaru’s top-tier Touring has an MSRP of $35,295.

Chevrolet offers the Equinox in four trim levels: LS, LT, RS, and Premier. Chevy’s entry-level trim LS starts at $25,800, and the LT prices out at $26,900. For the RS trim, your pricing begins at $30,100, and the top-level Premier model MSRP sits at $31,000.

Powertrain Options

Subaru puts the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder BOXER engine with dual overhead cams and 16 valves in all the models. However, two features make the BOXER engine unique. First, the engine uses a flat design with horizontally opposed cylinders as they sit on opposing sides of the crankshaft. The cylinders open and close on either side simultaneously.

This design, known as a flat engine, delivers performance advantages you won’t find on traditional inline or V-style setups. In particular, the flat engine provides more horsepower with less effort. It also creates a balanced weight for optimal handling.

This Subaru powertrain produces 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, and it can tow up to 3,000 pounds when properly equipped. In addition, the Forester gets impressive economy ratings, coming in at 33 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg on surface roads. The Forester travels from 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds and records a top speed of 127 mph.

Chevy also uses a single engine in all four Equinox trims, a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine. This turbocharged engine features dual overhead cams and 16 valves with variable valve timing and direct injection technology. As a result, this powertrain produces 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, and it tows up to 1,500 pounds with the proper equipment.

Even with a smaller displacement than the Subaru BOXER engine, the Chevy Equinox engine only gets 30 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg around town. However, the Equinox powertrain has a top speed of 119 mph and can travel from 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds.

Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive

Subaru uses its unique symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that’s much different from traditional systems. Symmetrical AWD runs the centerline of the Forester, building off the BOXER engine that runs directly into the transmission. From there, power gets seamlessly distributed to the drive wheels using fewer components. This reduction in machinery results in more efficient power distribution and lower maintenance costs.

Under everyday driving and surface conditions, Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive provides better traction and control. When the road surface gets slippery with snow, rain, mud, or sand, the symmetrical AWD’s ability to distribute power quickly to the wheels with the most traction gives you an advantage over traditional AWD systems. Every Forester trim comes standard with symmetrical AWD, with no option for front-wheel-drive.

Chevrolet offers AWD on every Equinox trim as an option. The cost for this option runs around $3,000. Chevy’s AWD uses advanced sensors to monitor all four wheels and automatically adjusts power to improve stability and control.

Off-Roading

Subaru’s Forester SUV lineup comes ready to tackle the wintry weather, sandy beaches, and mountain trails. However, what the Forester Wilderness adds to this already capable SUV makes it that much more impressive. Features such as 9.2-inch ground clearance, tough exterior cladding with skid plates, and a drivetrain optimized for improved climbing give the Wilderness exceptional off-road skills.

You also get rugged, all-terrain tires wrapped on matte black alloy wheels and matching blacked-out exterior trim. In addition, trim-exclusive exterior colors such as Geyser Blue with Anodized Copper accents add to the rugged, outdoor style of the Wilderness.

Chevrolet doesn’t have an off-road trim. Instead, it features the RS, outfitted to turn heads on the boulevard with signature wheels and trim. Exterior colors include the stylish Sea Glass Blue, Summit White, and Silver Ice.

Driver-Assist Systems

Every Forester trim comes standard with Subaru Eyesight. This suite of driver-assist technologies helps you drive safer by monitoring traffic around you, warning you of hazardous situations, and intervening with braking and steering in certain conditions. In addition, you have lane centering, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert systems that scan your blind spots and the road ahead to keep you from hitting obstacles or drifting from your lane.

One of the Subaru driver-assist systems is DriverFocus, a distraction mitigation system that’s standard on the Touring trim and available on others. This system acts as your co-pilot, recognizing drowsy or distracted behavior and alerting you. DriverFocus can recall five driver profiles, further adding to your safety.

Chevy uses a similar suite of driver-assist technology called Chevy Safety Assist. This suite includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance with lane-departure warning. In addition, you can add rear cross-traffic alert, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, adaptive cruise control, and more.

Remote Connectivity

Subaru Forester models feature STARLINK, a remote connectivity system that’s standard on every trim. You can lock and unlock your doors, start your Forester, and do even more from your cellphone, home computer, or in-vehicle infotainment system.

STARLINK also has a teen driver suite that allows you to set parameters and teach good driving habits. You’ll get alerts if your teen breaks limits for speed, boundary, and curfew, plus you’ll have access to online report cards that detail your teen’s driving habits.

Chevrolet offers a similar connectivity package through OnStar, which gives you the same remote access and teen driver technology.

At Huffines Subaru Corinth, we understand what drivers want in an SUV. That’s why we sell so many Subaru Forester SUVs. If you’re ready to upgrade your Corinth commute with a stylish, capable Forester, we invite you to browse our inventory online or stop by for a personal demonstration.