Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs Chevrolet Equinox EV

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV was Chevrolet's smallest all-electric SUV, closely resembling the Blazer EV in size and design. It featured a rounded and graceful exterior, with gently flared fenders and a horizontal light stripe that added a futuristic touch. The interior shared similarities with the Blazer EV, boasting beveled dual screens for instrumentation and infotainment. While the material quality was typical for a compact SUV, the Equinox EV offered good outward visibility, though reflections from the louvered dashboard could be distracting. Overall, it was an attractive choice in its class, without standing out significantly.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued Subaru's tradition of evolutionary improvements, maintaining its attractive design with subtle updates. The front fascia featured a frameless grille with a curved wing bar, creating a visual connection with the headlights. The black-plastic cladding around the wheel arches improved aerodynamics and reduced road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with soft-touch surfaces and black leather upholstery in Canadian models. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV came with a single 220-horsepower electric motor and front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive version offering a combined output of 300 hp. It featured an 85-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, providing an estimated range of up to 513 kilometres for the front-drive model. The AWD variant had a slightly reduced range, but both versions offered ample EV range for daily use. The Equinox EV's acceleration was quicker than its specs suggested, with the AWD model reaching 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds. The ride quality was smooth, and the cabin was quieter than a gas-powered SUV, though some highway boominess was noted.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre engine paired with an 118 hp traction motor, delivering a total system output of 194 hp. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The hybrid powertrain utilized two motor-generators and a Boxer H4 engine, offering improved efficiency and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. Subaru's AWD system and X-Mode traction management enhanced its capability on variable terrain, while the steering and suspension improvements provided a more connected driving experience.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered comfortable front seats with adequate padding and support. The climate controls were accessible through physical knobs and buttons, while the rear seats were flatter and firmer, providing ample legroom but limited headroom for taller passengers. Cargo space was generous, with a 748-litre capacity, though storage for personal items was limited. The Equinox EV lacked a front trunk, but a hands-free power liftgate was available as an option.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. With a 527-litre cargo volume behind the rear seats and a total capacity of 1,433 litres, it provided ample storage without compromising on trunk space. The Crosstrek Hybrid retained a large 63-litre fuel tank, allowing for long-distance travel without frequent refuelling. Rear-seat space was generous, with 926 millimetres of legroom, while front storage options were limited to a small tray, cupholders, and door pockets.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and quick responses. Powered by Google Built-in, it offered map, traffic, and productivity features, though it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The six-speaker audio system was adequate but not impressive, with no premium audio upgrade available.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, though its software was slow and prone to lag. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the system relied heavily on touchscreen controls for various functions. The Crosstrek Hybrid included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map was limited to the touchscreen display.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with advanced safety features such as frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The optional Active Safety Package 3 included a semi-automated parking system and Super Cruise, enhancing its safety credentials.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, but it scored well in NHTSA testing. It included Subaru's EyeSight advanced driver assistance systems, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera. However, it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system comparable to those offered by competitors.