Sometimes when things get chaotic, the best thing you can do is get organized and make a checklist, and nothing is more chaotic than buying a new vehicle, especially when more than one vehicle caught your eye. A new car checklists should include all the things you require from your vehicle such as size, price, and power output, as well as a few additional features that you just sort of hope to get such as entertainment, upholstery, and exterior paint options; you can even sort them by priority if that helps you. The 2018 Chevy Equinox vs. 2018 Subaru Outback are both such excellent SUVs that without a proper checklist, deciding between the two would be nearly impossible. So here is our checklist breakdown for the 2018 Chevy Equinox and 2018 Subaru Outback.
Size
The amazing thing about SUVs, in general, is the versatility of their size. They are never as big as a truck, but never as small as a sedan, making them that perfect in-between. If you love convenience and utility, then nothing is better than an SUV.
The 2018 Chevy Equinox is 183″ L x 73″ W x 65″ H and has a curb weight of 3,274 to 3,682 pounds and truly exemplifies the meaning of a compact SUV. The 2018 Subaru Outback, on the other hand, is 190″ L x 72″ W x 66″ H and has a curb weight of 3,622 to 3,902 pounds, making it just a bit bigger and less compact.
With size you must also factor in utility and cargo space. The 2018 Equinox offers 29.9 ft³ of cargo space, and 63.5 ft³ if the seat area is folded down. The 2018 Outback is a larger model offers 35.5 ft³ of cargo space and 73.3 ft³ with the seat area down.
Price
Price is always a factor on everyone’s checklist when it comes to investing in their next vehicle. Luckily, compact SUVs like these two are always pretty budget-friendly. The 2018 Chevy Equinox starts at $23,580, and the 2018 Subaru Outback starts at $25,895 making the Equinox a bit more affordable.
Engines
Engines are the heart of any vehicle, so it only makes sense that this needs to be on your list.
2018 Chevy Equinox
- 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo with 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque
- 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo with 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque
- 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel with 160 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque
2018 Subaru Outback
- 2.5L 4-cylinder flat engine with 175 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque
- 3.6L 6-cylinder flat engine with 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is an indication of both longevity and cost efficiency for any vehicle. The less gas it uses per mile, the less you will have to pay and the longer it will last making it a must-have on everyone’s checklist. The 2018 Chevy Equinox is one of the best in its class when it comes to fuel economy, if not THE best. The 2018 Equinox offers a 39 mpg highway which will save a lot of money and energy so that your SUV can live for many years and live them strong. The 2018 Subaru offers a max of 32 mpg highway which is still a fair amount for an SUV; you will also only get this level of fuel efficiency with the lower end engine.
Drivetrain
Most SUVs offer some form of 4×4 technology as an option, but the 2018 Subaru Outback is only offered in symmetrical all-wheel drive for all your handling needs. The 2018 Chevy Equinox, on the other hand, allows you the option of whether you want front-wheel drive or to upgrading to all-wheel drive.
Towing
Another cool thing about SUVs is that most of them have the potential to tow. Even though these are fairly compact SUVs, they can both tow their fair share of the weight. The 2018 Chevy Equinox can handle anything up to 3,500 pounds with its diesel engine, while the 2018 Subaru Outback can handle 2,700 pounds on its best day, proving size isn’t everything.
Seating
Both the 2018 Chevy Equinox and 2018 Subaru Outback can hold five adult passengers comfortable and securely. Both also come standard with cloth seating, but around the third or so trim level upgrade you will get leather seating, and by the forth, you will get power-adjustable, heated leather seating with lumbar support. When it comes to seating these two, both should easily be a check off your list.
Safety Features
Safety is never something that can or should be up for negotiation. The 2018 Chevy Equinox offers stability and traction control, a rear vision camera, automatic braking, collision alerts on all sides, and parking assist. The 2018 Subaru, on the other hand, prides itself on passenger protection, better visual awareness, and exceptional control. Both deserve a check mark here for doing their absolute best to make safety the top priority and are prepared for every situation that may occur on the road.
Entertainment Technology
This is where things are more about desire than necessity, but still a checklist worthy category nonetheless. When it comes to entertainment both of these, have their own infotainment system multimedia system that allows you to connect directly to your Apple or Android smartphone through Bluetooth technology and a touchscreen display. For the 2018 Chevy Equinox its call MyLink and for the 2018 Subaru Outback it’s the STARLINK system, but both generally do the same amazing things such as allow for hands-free calling and texting as well as allowing you to use your favorite apps. Both also offer premium sound systems for crystal clear listening. One thing Chevy does have over Subaru though is the lack of an app that links your to your SUV no matter where you are. Commuter boredom is definitely a thing, and so it’s always nice to check off this category.
2018 Chevy Equinox vs. 2018 Subaru Outback – In Summary
The 2018 Chevy Equinox is the everyday light in the dark, while the 2018 Subaru Outback is the down and dirty adventurer. Neither one is a bad option exactly, but if you are looking for a vehicle that truly embraces the ideals of a compact SUV, then the 2018 Equinox checks off all the right boxes.
