2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a significant facelift, featuring a redesigned front end with new LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This gave the Outback a more aggressive appearance, further enhanced by a simulated skid plate, oversized fog light housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, offered a more cohesive look, especially when paired with a dark paint color to tone down the bold design elements. The Outback was available in six trim levels, with the Onyx Edition becoming more accessible due to its availability with the base powertrain, starting at $33,495.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV shared a similar shape with its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart but featured more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The EV's front fascia had more body color, and the rear design echoed the front with another light bar. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," with two-tone paint jobs available on higher trims. The interior color options expanded with higher trims, offering choices like Adrenaline Red or black with red accents. The Equinox EV's design was both sleek and youthful, with a sophisticated touch in options like Galaxy Gray Metallic.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was powered by a horizontally opposed engine, known for its flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but the vehicle felt underpowered, especially when passing or climbing. The turbocharged XT models offered 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing better acceleration and responsiveness. The Outback's fuel economy was disappointing, with a real-world average of 25.6 mpg compared to the EPA's 28 mpg estimate. The Outback's AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it adept at handling challenging terrain and snowstorms.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start and offered one-pedal driving. The single-motor FWD variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD version boasted 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV's range was impressive, with the FWD model achieving 319 miles and the AWD version 285 miles. The vehicle supported DC fast charging, regaining 77 miles of range in 10 minutes, and offered a comfortable ride with stable handling. The Equinox EV's battery size contributed to its competitive range, making it a strong contender in the EV market.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack and flat door sills. The Touring trim offered a comfortable interior with power-adjustable seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The Outback provided ample legroom and cargo space, with 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with them folded. The vehicle's design made it easy to enter and exit, and the roof rack was ready for accessories. However, the Outback could benefit from more practical storage space in the cabin.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, starting at the 2LT trim, included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and outside mirrors. The 3LT trim added front-seat ventilation and heated rear seats, along with dual-zone climate control. The Equinox EV offered comfortable seating with ample headroom and legroom, though the cabin felt dark without the optional panoramic moonroof. The vehicle's cargo space was 26.4 cubic feet with all seats in place and 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded, slightly less than some competitors. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim, enhancing its utility.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate settings. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with subscription-based Starlink connected services. The voice recognition system was limited, and the infotainment graphics were not particularly appealing. Additional technologies included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was not available.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV boasted a driver-oriented cockpit with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, providing Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, offering navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning. The Equinox EV's technology suite was comprehensive, enhancing the driving experience with advanced connectivity features.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was equipped with EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, earning top safety marks from the IIHS. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency steering. The Outback's safety systems were effective, though the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist could feel artificial.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision alert. Additional features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, and blind-zone steering assist. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim. The Equinox EV's safety suite was comprehensive, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.