Equinox EV vs Forester
Chevrolet brings the Equinox EV; Subaru answers with the Forester. Both play in the compact suv class. Spec for spec, there isn’t much daylight between them, so small details and personal priorities will decide it.
At a glance
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Equinox EV | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 116.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
For engine & performance, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the Equinox EV and the Forester each bring.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to space & practicality. In short, space & practicality is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on off-road & towing; the numbers are close throughout. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
This section is descriptive. The Equinox EV and the Forester list different components for safety & tech, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Equinox EV | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery electric | Gas |
| Engine | Single-motor electric | 2.5L flat-4 |
| Total system output | N/A (not specified) | 180 hp |
| Torque | N/A (not specified) | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Single-speed | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Equinox EV | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 29 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 33 mpg |
| Electric range | 319 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Equinox EV | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 26.4 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 57.2 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Equinox EV | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.70 in |
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 1,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Equinox EV | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 17.7 in Biggest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | No Apple CarPlay / Android Auto (Google built-in) | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Equinox EV | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 116.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Equinox EV | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $33,600 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Equinox EV or the Forester?
The Equinox EV and the Forester split the comparison (the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Equinox EV, the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Forester), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the Equinox EV and the Forester.
Think about your week. Heavy on the things a spec sheet can’t capture? The Equinox EV. More about the things a spec sheet can’t capture? The Forester.
My pick: decide whether you’d miss the things a spec sheet can’t capture or the things a spec sheet can’t capture more, then buy the Equinox EV or the Forester accordingly.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.