Chevrolet Equinox vs Subaru Outback Phoenix

2019 Chevrolet Equinox

Bigger isn’t always better in the world of cars as the demand for smaller SUVs has recently proven. From the Toyota CHR to the Jeep Renegade, Americans are beginning to fall head over heels with what some car connoisseurs jokingly refer to as “little big cars”. Some are so tiny that compact SUVs, like the Nissan Juke, come in at just 162 to 164 inches in length, and often get classified as a hatchback. However, if you’re looking for larger “little big cars” that are more obviously sport utility vehicles, the Chevy Equinox is a good pick when you're navigating throughout Phoenix.

Another top contender in its niche is the Subaru Outback. Subaru has long been marketed towards the outdoorsy millennial, while Chevy has typically focused more on its marketing efforts on appealing to an older blue-collar workforce with its Chevy trucks. Even so, a truly informed car buyer looks at more than just TV ads when making a purchase that they’ll likely hang on to for years. So, let’s see how everything pans out when you match up Chevrolet Equinox vs Subaru Outback in Phoenix.

Another top competitor in this niche is the Subaru Outback. Subaru has long been marketed toward millennials who enjoy roughing it outdoors, while Chevy has focused its resources on attracting a mature blue-collar labor force with its Chevy trucks.

Even so, a truly informed car buyer doesn't settle for the ads they see on TV when making purchases they’ll likely have for years to come. So, let’s take a closer look at how the specs pan out when you compare Chevrolet Equinox vs Subaru Outback in Surprise.

New listing price comparison and analysis

The newest year for both the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback is 2019. Thus, this is the year that will mostly form the benchmark for comparing both SUVs. Here is an overview of what you can expect from both.

Just looking at the overview alone, it’s obvious that the Chevy Equinox has a more budget-friendly price tag and gives you more bang for your buck. Not only is the list price lower, but you save more money on gas and can tow more weight for your adventurous outings than you can with the Subaru Outback. It's a solid choice for any staycations you have planned within Phoenix. However, if cargo space, a larger tank size, and standard AWD is a top priority for you and you’re willing to pay an extra $2,500 or more to have those features, then the Subaru Outback may be the better option for you.

Detailed Specs

For the truly informed buyer, a mere overview won't likely convince you to buy or not to buy a specific vehicle. You need the details down to the dotting of the “i” and the crossing of the “t”, especially if you're leaning toward a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox for sale at a Phoenix Chevy dealer. So, here are the detailed specifications of the Chevrolet Equinox and the Subaru Outback.

Powertrain

The biggest difference in the powertrain is that the Chevrolet Equinox boasts a DCT, while the Subaru Outback sports a CVT. Generally speaking, Americans do not like driving manual transmissions, so if the dual-clutch transmission sort of turns you off, rest assured, it’s really not a hassle. It is like a manual transmission but makes the gear-changing process smoother and faster. Another benefit of the DCT is its fuel efficiency, which can save you quite of bit of money in the long run.

Drivetrain

The Subaru Outback comes standard with AWD, while the Chevrolet Equinox comes standard in FWD with the option to upgrade to an AWD model. When you get behind the wheel of an AWD, the first thing you should notice is the vehicle's improved handling. However, AWD systems are heavier, which results in lower fuel efficiency. Because of this, it’s best to choose an AWD only when you need it. You will find an AWD to be a useful feature if the following apply to you:

• You live in the higher elevations of Phoenix's northern valley where snowfall is most common. Driving an AWD during the winter months will improve your traction.
• You live or drive over gravel or dirt roads often as many do in and around Phoenix.

If neither of these situations applies to you, then you should take the opportunity to make the best of the fuel-efficient FWD options available to you. You should have no problem finding the right 2019 Chevrolet Equinox for sale at a Phoenix Chevy dealer.

Engine

Both SUVs sport 4-cylinder gas engines. For the standard models, the Subaru Outback provides a more powerful engine than the Chevrolet Equinox, pushing 175 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft of torque. However, the available 2.0L turbo option pushes the Chevrolet Equinox to the forefront with 252 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft of torque. This makes the turbo-charged Equinox the better choice for towing your outdoor gear, braving hilly terrain, and quickly merging into highway traffic as you make your way around Phoenix.

Safety Ratings

Accidents do happen, and fortunately, when it comes to safety ratings, both the Subaru Outback and the Chevrolet Equinox have you covered. According to Car Gurus, both cars score 5-star National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHSTA) ratings on all of the following:

• Overall
• Front Crash Overall
• Front Crash Driver
• Front Crash Passenger
• Side Crash Overall
• Side Barrier Driver
• Side Barrier Passenger
• Side Pole Driver

This gives you an added peace of mind, especially when driving in in less than desirable weather conditions. Even though Phoenix doesn't get as much rain as other areas around the United States, you must be cautious. Those rainy days have a way of reducing driver visibility and making roads slicker. So, it's good to know that the Equinox and Outback have made safety a top priority for drivers.

Safety Features

To support these stellar safety ratings, both the Equinox and the Outback offer high-tech safety features to protect drivers and their passengers, especially on the new and improved 2019 models. Below are a few of these safety features.

Packages

Buying a safe and dependable car is always a high priority, but if you’re like many drivers, the available packages can make all the difference in your purchasing decision. Here are the packages offered for both the Chevrolet Equinox and the Subaru Outback.

Chevrolet Equinox Packages Phoenix

The following packages will add anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to the cost of your Equinox but are well worth the price

• Hit the Road Package ($995): For the travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, this package includes roof rack cross rails and molded assist steps.
• Style and Go Package ($1,930): This adds 19-inch alloy wheels and matching all-season tires. You will also receive a black side step and a rear bumper protector.
• Sun & Navigation Package ($2,390): This adds an 8-inch multi-purpose touch display screen, a high-end navigation system, USB data ports, SD card reader, 110V power supply, HD rear vision camera, electric glass sunroof, the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus and more. It does require the Confidence & Convenience Package.
• Infotainment Package (Fleet) ($745): Like the Sun & Navigation Package, this adds an 8-inch multi-purpose touch display screen, a high-tech audio system, Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus, USB ports, and 110V power supply. It also requires the Confidence & Convenience Package.
• LT Lights and Bright Package ($3,240): Similar to the Sun & Navigation Package and the Infotainment Package, this includes an 8-inch multi-purpose touch display screen, USB ports, HD rear vision camera, Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus and a navigation system. However, unlike the other two similar packages, it includes an upgrade to 19-inch alloy wheels, black side-step, chrome trims, and LED headlights. However, like them, it also requires the Confidence & Convenience Package.
• Confidence & Convenience Package ($1, 945): For those who need or love safety features, this package is essential. It adds features like lane departure warning, side blind zone overtaking sensor, rear park assist, garage door opener, and coming home device. It also adds a few features for comfort or luxury, like a leather-trimmed steering wheel and heated front seats.
• Roadside Safety Package ($130): Another safety addition worth having, this adds high-quality first aid and highway safety kits.
• Interior Protection Package ($200): If you’re not planning on splurging on custom-made interiors, then this package throws in plastic or rubber floor mats and floor coverings.
• Cargo Package ($185): This package gives you a cargo area cover and a load restraint net.
• LT Exterior Appearance Package ($795): This upgrades your Equinox to 18-inch wheels and all-season tires. However, it may only be available for select exterior paint colors.
• Chrome Package ($795): For those who love the chrome look, this adds chrome trims on the bumpers and front grille, as well as chrome on the side mirrors.
• Blackout Package ($745): This package adds the Gloss Black emblem kit, black grilles, and toned door mirrors. It also includes the Black Bowtie emblems.

When you find a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox for sale at a Phoenix Chevy dealer, you will appreciate the fact that you can customize the SUV to your liking. There's nothing quite like having a vehicle tailor-made to your specifications. This helps ensure that your model is distinct and represents your personality. Buying a car is a major purchase, so you don't want to settle for a model that looks like every other Equinox on the road. 

Subaru Outback Packages Phoenix

The Subaru Outback has fewer packages for you to choose from. Here are the ones currently available for the 2019 models:

• Exterior Interior Auto Mirrors ($486): This package adds auto-dimming exterior mirror features with approach light and Compass.
• Exterior Interior HL Mirrors ($606): This package adds auto-dimming exterior mirror features with approach light, Compass, and HomeLink.
• Popular Package #1 ($964): This includes an auto-dimming exterior mirror with approach light, Compass, HomeLink, LED upgrade to map and dome lights, rear bumper cover, and all-weather liners for the floor.
• Protection Package #1 ($861): For the outdoor enthusiasts, this adds splash guards, wheel arch moldings, rear seat back protector, and all-weather floor liners.
• Blind Spot Detection & Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Power Rear Gate + Moonroof + Navigation System + High Beam Assist + Turn Signal Side Mirrors ($2,945): Not the most creative of names, but it does sum up precisely what is included in the package. It also includes overtaking sensor, automatic door closing for the hatch, LED side indicator lights and voice-activated navigation system.
• Moonroof + Navigation System + High Beam Assist + Reverse Automatic Braking + LED Steering Responsive Headlights ($2,150): Like the feature before this, the name sums up what is included. Also thrown in are a voice-activated navigation system and collision-warning features.

Additional Perks

Aside from the abovementioned packages, there are more perks available on most models of the Chevrolet Equinox and the Subaru Outback. Keep in mind that availability may differ based on the year, trim, and dealership.

Exterior Colors

Whether you’re concerned about the color of the car because of insurance premiums, or due to your own personal style, you’ll be happy to know you have many options to choose from. Once again, the availability of colors does differ based on the trim, year, and dealership.

Chevrolet Equinox Exterior Colors Phoenix

Here is a list of the available exterior colors to choose from when purchasing your 2019 Chevrolet Equinox for sale in Scottsdale Chevy dealer:

• Storm Blue Metallic
• Cajun Red Tintcoat
• Pacific Blue Metallic
• Kinetic Blue Metallic
• Pepperdust Metallic
• Orange Burst Metallic
• Iridescent Pearl Tricoat
• Nightfall Gray Metallic
• Mosaic Black Metallic
• Silver Ice Metallic
• Summit White
• Ivy Metallic
• Sandy Ridge Metallic

Subaru Outback Exterior Colors Phoenix

The Subaru Outback doesn't have as many color options, but it does have a lineup of nearly ten choices:

• Tungsten Metallic
• Crystal White Pearl
• Crystal Black Silica
• Crimson Red Pearl
• Ice Silver Metallic
• Wilderness Green Metallic
• Cinnamon Brown Pearl
• Abyss Blue Pearl
• Magnetite Gray Metallic

The Verdict

Both the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2019 Subaru Outback are good choices in the automotive world for the Phoenix driver who prioritizes safety, desires some customized luxury, and doesn’t want to pay too much for a “little big car”.

The Outback does lead the way when it comes to cargo space, leg room, and surround sound. However, when it comes to saving you money on car payments and fill-ups at the gas station, the Equinox comes out ahead.

In addition to selecting your drivetrain, choosing from a host of package customization options and picking the exterior colors, the Equinox gives you more of an opportunity to create a truly unique car that fits your budget, lifestyle, and personal taste. And, even better, you can save even more money by buying the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox from your local Phoenix Chevy dealer.

Ready to test drive an Equinox in Phoenix? Find a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox for sale at a Phoenix Chevy dealer and schedule an appointment. Our team can’t wait to show you everything the Equinox has in store for you.

Joe has been closely associated with the automotive industry for the past 10 years. He worked closely with dealerships at his previous job with the Charlotte Observer, who had a partnership with Cars.com. At his current role, he is actively involved in promoting the Chevy brand in the Phoenix-Metro area along with Valley Chevy.