Home > Model Research > 2026 Outback vs. 2026 Equinox
2026 Subaru Outback vs. 2026 Chevrolet Equinox: Which SUV Wins in Lancaster County?
By Lancaster County Motors Subaru | Reviewed by Jonathan Furukawa, General Sales Manager, and Ross Rodruan, General Manager | Last updated August 2026
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2026 Subaru Outback vs. 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Suggested: side-by-side studio or lifestyle shot, both vehicles, shot at Lancaster County Subaru
Quick Answer
The Chevrolet Equinox is one of the best-selling SUVs in America, and its front-wheel-drive LT trim starts thousands below the 2026 Subaru Outback. But once you add all-wheel drive, the comparison changes: a comparably equipped 2026 Equinox Activ AWD runs about $37,595, roughly $1,150 more than the Outback Premium's $36,445, because Chevrolet charges a mandatory $2,000 for AWD on every Equinox trim while every Outback includes it standard. The Outback also tows far more (2,700 to 3,500 lbs vs. the Equinox's 800 to 1,500 lbs), includes adaptive cruise control as standard equipment rather than an option, and earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, a distinction the redesigned 2026 Equinox has not received. The Equinox answers with standard built-in Google technology and a lower base price for shoppers who don't need AWD. For Lancaster County drivers who want AWD, towing ability, and the top safety rating without extra options, the Outback is the stronger choice.
The Chevrolet Equinox is currently Chevy's best-selling SUV and one of the top-selling nameplates in the entire country, so it's a vehicle Lancaster County shoppers cross-shop against the Outback constantly. Below, we compare current pricing, all-wheel-drive value, performance, safety, cargo, technology, and total cost of ownership using the most recent manufacturer and EPA data, along with perspective from our own General Sales Manager and General Manager.
On this page:
2026 Subaru Outback vs. Chevrolet Equinox: At a Glance
This comparison uses the Outback Premium and the Equinox Activ AWD, the most comparably equipped AWD trim of each model.
| Feature | 2026 Subaru Outback Premium | 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Activ AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP* | $36,445 | $37,595 |
| FWD Starting Price (LT trim) | Not offered (AWD standard on all trims) | ~$30,795 (about $5,650 less) |
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical AWD, standard on every trim | AWD available, +$2,000 on every trim |
| Max Towing Capacity | 2,700 lbs (3,500 lbs w/ turbo engine) | 800 to 1,500 lbs |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 in. | 7.6 to 8.0 in. |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard (part of EyeSight) | Available/optional |
| Built-in Google Apps | No (wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) | Yes, standard built-in Google |
| Touchscreen | 12.1 in. | 17.7 in. (available) |
| 2026 IIHS Rating | Top Safety Pick+ | Not awarded for 2026 |
| Basic / Powertrain Warranty | 3 yr/36,000 mi. / 5 yr/60,000 mi. | 3 yr/36,000 mi. / 5 yr/60,000 mi. |
| 2026 National Sales Rank | Top-selling Subaru model | Chevy's best-selling SUV; top 3 nationally |
*Starting MSRP includes destination charge; excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees. Equinox pricing reflects the most recent 2026 model-year figures following two mid-year manufacturer price increases; confirm current pricing with Chevrolet's build-and-price tool. Specs shown reflect manufacturer and EPA data available as of August 2026 and are subject to change.
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2026 Subaru Outback Premium
Suggested: 3/4 front exterior shot, on lot or scenic PA backdrop
Price & Value: What the Sticker Doesn't Tell You
The Equinox's advertised starting price is genuinely lower than the Outback's, with the front-wheel-drive LT trim starting around $30,795, about $5,650 below the Outback Premium. That's a real, honest advantage for shoppers who don't need all-wheel drive. But Chevrolet requires a mandatory $2,000 charge to add AWD to any Equinox trim, and once that's factored in, a comparably equipped Equinox Activ AWD lands around $37,595, about $1,150 more than the all-wheel-drive Outback Premium. Worth noting for anyone comparing prices from earlier in the year: General Motors raised Equinox pricing twice during the 2026 model year, so cached prices on some third-party sites may understate current costs.
"The Equinox's advertised price looks great until a customer wants all-wheel drive, and then the math changes fast. I always encourage folks to price out the exact configuration they actually want to drive home, AWD included, before comparing numbers side by side."Jonathan Furukawa, General Sales Manager, Lancaster County Motors Subaru
Performance & Towing
Both vehicles use a similarly sized four-cylinder engine and deliver adequate, everyday power for commuting and highway driving. The clearest difference is towing capacity: the Outback Premium is rated to tow up to 2,700 pounds (3,500 pounds with Subaru's available turbocharged engine), while the Equinox is rated for just 800 to 1,500 pounds depending on trim and configuration. For anyone who tows a small trailer, boat, or camper, the Outback is built for that job in a way the Equinox simply isn't.
Interior, Cargo & Comfort
The Equinox's cabin is roomy and modern, and its available 17.7-inch infotainment display is dramatically larger than the Outback's 12.1-inch touchscreen for shoppers who prioritize screen real estate. The Outback holds its edge outdoors: its 8.7-inch ground clearance sits meaningfully higher than the Equinox's 7.6 to 8.0 inches, an advantage that matters on the region's rural, unpaved, and winter roads.
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2026 Chevrolet Equinox Activ AWD
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Safety Ratings & Driver-Assist Technology
This is one of the more significant gaps in this comparison. The 2026 Subaru Outback earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, the institute's top honor, and includes adaptive cruise control as part of its standard EyeSight safety suite. The redesigned 2026 Chevrolet Equinox has not earned any IIHS Top Safety Pick award for the current model year, and adaptive cruise control is an available option rather than standard equipment on the Activ trim compared here.
"Safety is not a place where I want to shade the truth for anybody. The Outback earned Top Safety Pick Plus for 2026 and the Equinox has not earned an IIHS award this year. That's a fact any customer can verify themselves at iihs.org, and I'd rather they hear it from us first."Ross Rodruan, General Manager, Lancaster County Motors Subaru
Technology
The Equinox's standard built-in Google technology, including Google Maps and Google Assistant running natively without a phone connection, is a genuine, honest advantage for shoppers who prefer that ecosystem, and its available 17.7-inch display is among the largest in the segment. The Outback counters with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, a 12.1-inch touchscreen, and Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist suite bundled in as standard equipment rather than an upsell.
Reliability, Warranty & Total Cost of Ownership
Both manufacturers back these vehicles with matching 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties. The Equinox is enormously popular, currently Chevrolet's best-selling SUV and among the top-selling vehicles in the country, which speaks to broad consumer confidence in the nameplate. That popularity is worth weighing against the Outback's standard AWD, higher towing capacity, and current-year IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award when comparing long-term value.
Which One Is Right for You?
| If you want... | Choose... |
|---|---|
| AWD standard, with no added cost on any trim | 2026 Subaru Outback |
| More towing capacity | 2026 Subaru Outback |
| The current-year IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award | 2026 Subaru Outback |
| Adaptive cruise control included standard | 2026 Subaru Outback |
| The lowest possible starting price (FWD) | 2026 Chevrolet Equinox |
| Built-in Google apps and the largest available screen | 2026 Chevrolet Equinox |
See the 2026 Outback in Person at Lancaster County Motors Subaru
Browse current inventory or schedule a test drive at our Lancaster, PA showroom, 1705 Manheim Pike.
Why Buy from Lancaster County Motors Subaru
Lancaster County Motors Subaru has helped Lancaster County drivers choose the right vehicle for their roads, their families, and their budgets for years. Our sales and service teams work with the Outback lineup every day, from the first test drive through years of scheduled maintenance, which gives us a genuine, ground-level view of how these vehicles hold up long after the new-car smell fades.
"We've been part of the Lancaster County community for years, and we want every customer walking off our lot to feel confident they made the right choice, whether that's an Outback or something else. That's the kind of straight talk we think this market deserves."Ross Rodruan, General Manager, Lancaster County Motors Subaru
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox cheaper than the 2026 Subaru Outback?
The front-wheel-drive Equinox LT starts around $30,795, well below the Outback. But once you add the mandatory $2,000 AWD charge, a comparably equipped Equinox Activ AWD runs about $37,595, roughly $1,150 more than the Outback Premium's $36,445.
Is all-wheel drive standard on the Chevrolet Equinox?
No. Front-wheel drive is standard on every Equinox trim, and AWD is a mandatory $2,000 add-on wherever it's offered. Every Subaru Outback comes with all-wheel drive standard at no additional cost.
Which has more towing capacity, the Outback or the Equinox?
The Subaru Outback tows significantly more: up to 2,700 lbs standard (3,500 lbs with the available turbo engine), compared to the Chevrolet Equinox's maximum of 800 to 1,500 lbs depending on configuration.
Did the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox win an IIHS safety award?
No. As of this writing, the redesigned 2026 Chevrolet Equinox has not earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award, while the 2026 Subaru Outback earned Top Safety Pick+, the institute's highest honor.
Does the Chevrolet Equinox have built-in Google apps?
Yes. The Equinox includes built-in Google Maps and Google Assistant as standard technology. The Subaru Outback instead offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard.
Why did Equinox pricing change during the 2026 model year?
General Motors raised Equinox MSRP twice during the 2026 model year. The pricing shown on this page reflects the most recent figures available as of August 2026; we recommend verifying current pricing directly with Chevrolet before purchase.
Where can I see 2026 Subaru Outback inventory near Lancaster, PA?
You can view current 2026 Outback inventory at Lancaster County Motors Subaru, 1705 Manheim Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601, online at our Outback inventory page, or by calling (717) 381-2871.
About Our Experts
 | Ross Rodruan, General Manager Ross oversees dealership operations at Lancaster County Motors Subaru, including the sales and service departments, giving him a long-term view of how Subaru vehicles perform for local owners well past the day they drive off the lot. |
 | Jonathan Furukawa, General Sales Manager Jonathan leads the sales team at Lancaster County Motors Subaru, where he works directly with Lancaster County shoppers every day to match them with the right Subaru model and trim for their needs and budget. |
Pricing, specifications and ratings referenced above reflect publicly available manufacturer, EPA and IIHS data as of August 2026 and are subject to change without notice. Starting MSRP includes destination charge and excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees. Contact Lancaster County Motors Subaru for current pricing, incentives and availability.
