2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV initially appeared similar to its internal combustion engine counterpart, sharing features like rounded wheel wells and a flat beltline. However, upon closer inspection, the EV model showcased more defined lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was predominantly body-colored, and the rear design was more assertive, featuring hexagonal shapes and a light bar echoing the front. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels were available on the 1LT and 2LT trims, while higher trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," which added a youthful flair. Two-tone paint jobs were also available, with options for a white or black roof depending on the trim. Interior color choices expanded with higher trims, offering combinations like black with blue accents or Sky Cool Gray, and sportier options like Adrenaline Red.

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its familiar look, with the Wilderness trim receiving a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding contrasted well with the Autumn Green Metallic color of the Touring XT model, which was described as a "green-tinged dark khaki." The Outback trims varied in their use of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Touring trim featuring the most chrome. Wheel sizes and designs differed by trim, with standard black 17-inch alloy wheels and a matte black version for the Wilderness trim. The interior of the top-trim test car was impressive, featuring Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery. The Outback Limited offered standard leather seating, while the Onyx Edition and Wilderness trims had Subaru's StarTex synthetic leather. Base and Premium trims came with cloth seats.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, allowing drivers to simply get in and go. It offered one-pedal driving across all trims, with options to manage regenerative braking through a standalone setting or drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive version boasted a dual-motor powertrain with 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV could tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. The EPA estimated a range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 for AWD, thanks to its 85-kilowatt-hour battery. The vehicle supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes, and Level 2 charging at 11.5 kW, adding up to 34 miles of range per hour.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with a default 2.5-liter flat-four producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission were standard. The Touring XT test car's turbo powertrain managed the vehicle's weight well, and the CVT mimicked eight distinct gears. The brake pedal felt responsive, and the steering was adequate for a comfortable ride. The Outback offered 8.7 inches of ground clearance, with the Wilderness trim increasing it to 9.2 inches and adding all-terrain tires and an advanced X-Mode for off-road adventures.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, starting from the 2LT trim, included heated front seats, a steering wheel, and outside mirrors as standard. The 2LT also added an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and an optional panoramic moonroof. The 3LT trim introduced a power-adjustable passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. Dual-zone climate control was available from the 3LT trim. The Equinox EV provided 39.15 inches of front headroom and 38.49 inches in the second row, with 41.65 inches of front legroom. Cargo space measured 26.4 cubic feet with all seats in place and 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded down. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered ample interior space, with 39.1 inches of front headroom and competitive legroom compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The Outback's cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place and 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Dual-zone climate control was standard on all but the base trim, and heated front seats became standard starting with the Premium trim. The Limited trim introduced a powered front passenger seat and heated rear seats. Ventilation was available for front seats at the Touring trim level, and a heated steering wheel was standard from the Onyx Edition. The hands-free power liftgate was optional on the Premium trim and standard on higher trims. Raised roof rails with retractable cross bars were standard.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured 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, supporting the MyChevrolet app for navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning.

The 2024 Subaru Outback Touring offered a CD player and both USB-C and USB-A ports on all but the base trim. The top-trim test car had an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, while the base trim retained a dual-7-inch-screen system. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with wireless capability starting from the Premium trim. Climate controls were managed through the touchscreen, with hard buttons for defoggers and temperature adjustments. Wi-Fi capability was available on all but the base trim, and most trims featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came with Chevy Safety Assist as standard, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and more. Additional features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. GM's Teen Driver Technology was also standard, allowing parents to set speed alerts and monitor driving behavior. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available from the 2LT trim.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies was standard, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on the Onyx Edition. The Touring trim added a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor.