Chevrolet Equinox vs Subaru Forester

Verdict: Chevrolet Equinox vs Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester edges out the Chevrolet Equinox in reliability with a slightly higher average score of 77/100 compared to the Equinox's 76/100. Despite the Forester's higher owner complaints rate of 8.7 per 10,000 sold, it has a significantly lower recall count of 13 over nine years, indicating fewer widespread issues. The Equinox, with a lower complaint rate of 3.7 per 10,000 sold, faces more recalls at 32 total, suggesting potential long-term reliability concerns. Additionally, the Equinox offers a lower estimated annual repair cost of $537, compared to the Forester's $632, making it a more budget-friendly option for maintenance.

Reliability problem analysis

The Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Forester both experience significant reliability issues, but they differ in the areas most affected. The Equinox has a notable number of complaints related to its service brakes, with 250 complaints and 24 crash-linked incidents, indicating a potential safety concern. Meanwhile, the Forester's most frequent issue lies in its visibility/wiper system, accumulating 819 complaints, though these are less frequently linked to crashes. However, the Forester exhibits a higher number of crash-linked complaints in its vehicle speed control and air bags categories, with 26 and 22 incidents respectively, suggesting these may be critical safety concerns.

Which one to buy

If you prioritize minimal recalls and a slightly lower risk of major repairs, the Subaru Forester might be the better option for you. With a reliability score of 77/100, it has experienced only 13 recalls compared to the Chevrolet Equinox's 32. The Forester also boasts a lower major repair risk at 13%, which could provide peace of mind if long-term reliability is a key concern.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a vehicle with lower annual repair costs and fewer owner complaints, consider the Chevrolet Equinox. It has an estimated annual repair cost of $537, which is lower than the Forester's $632. Additionally, the Equinox experiences fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold (3.7 compared to the Forester's 8.7), indicating a more satisfactory ownership experience for many drivers.

Cost of ownership

Based on industry estimates, the Chevrolet Equinox offers a lower annual repair cost of $537 compared to the Subaru Forester's $632, translating to a $95 difference each year, or $475 over five years. However, the Equinox has a slightly lower repair frequency at 0.3 visits per year compared to the Forester's 0.4 visits, suggesting that the Forester might require more frequent attention. Additionally, the Equinox carries an 18% risk of major repairs, higher than the Forester's 13%. For cost-conscious buyers, the Equinox presents a lower upfront cost, but the Forester's reduced risk of major repairs might offer better long-term peace of mind.