Chevy Equinox vs. Ford Escape

When you’re in the market for a compact SUV, two popular contenders stand out: the Chevy Equinox and the Ford Escape. Both offer versatility, comfort, and a range of features, but which one is the right fit for you? Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vehicle, something with a bit of power, or simply a fuel-efficient ride, there’s a lot to consider. We’ll break down the differences between the Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape, comparing things like horsepower, cargo space, fuel economy, safety features, and more.

Power and Performance

When it comes to power, both the Ford Escape and the Chevy Equinox deliver solid performance, but they go about it in slightly different ways. The Chevy Equinox comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. It’s a decent amount of power for everyday driving, whether you’re running errands in the city or heading out on the highway. There’s also an available 2.0-liter turbo engine for those who want a little more kick.

On the other hand, the Ford Escape offers a variety of engine options. It starts with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers 180 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. If you want more power, the Escape has a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that pushes out 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. For drivers who value being environmentally friendly, there’s also a plug-in hybrid version of the Ford Escape. With a little more horsepower and torque than the Equinox, the Ford Escape is certainly the way to go if you’re looking for more extra power and performance.

Fuel Economy

With gas prices being as high as they are these days, fuel efficiency is a huge selling point, and both the Chevy Equinox and Ford Escape offer respectable gas mileage. The Chevy Equinox delivers around 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) estimates. That’s great for a small SUV, especially if you’re using it for daily commutes or long road trips.

The Ford Escape, with its multiple powertrain options, varies a bit more in terms of fuel economy. The 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine provides around 27 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, which is a tiny bit better than the Equinox, but not by very much at all. Since the Escape comes in a hybrid version, it will have super great fuel efficiency. Offering over 40 MPG combined when running on both gas and electricity, the plug-in hybrid Escape is going to take the cake for the best fuel efficiency.

Interior Space

Whether you’re packing up for a weekend getaway, need enough space for your weekly grocery trips, or have sports gear you need to transport,  the Chevy Equinox and Ford Escape both offer plenty of room. In terms of cargo space, the Chevy Equinox provides 29.9 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats and expands to 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The Ford Escape gives you a bit more room, with 37.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. Whether you’re loading up for a road trip or just picking up home improvement supplies.

When it comes to comfort, both SUVs offer a decent amount of legroom and headroom. The Ford Escape has more legroom in the front and rear, which can make long drives more comfortable, especially for taller passengers. The Chevy Equinox isn’t far behind, but if space is a top priority, the Escape wins by a slight margin.

Technology Features

These days, staying connected on the road is more important than ever, and both the Chevy Equinox and Ford Escape come packed with tech features to keep you entertained and connected. The Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and even a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. If you upgrade to higher trim levels, you can get an 8-inch touchscreen, along with navigation and other premium features.

The Ford Escape also comes with a touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Depending on the model, you’ll either get a 6.5-inch or 8-inch screen. The Escape also features the SYNC 3 system, which is known for being user-friendly and responsive. Both of these SUVs’ infotainment systems are top-of-the-line, so scheduling a test drive for both cars is a great way to get a better sense of which one you prefer.

Safety Features

Safety is always a top priority when picking a new vehicle. Both the Chevy Equinox and Ford Escape come with a wide array of safety features to keep you and your family protected while you’re on the road. The Chevy Equinox includes standard features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and a rearview camera. Higher trims will have even more safety features. These features might include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.

The Ford Escape matches these safety features with its Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite, which includes things like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a blind-spot monitor. The higher-trim Escapes add features like adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights, which are great for long nighttime drives. If safety is a major factor in your decision, both vehicles are well-equipped, though you may consider getting a higher trim level of either SUV since they come with more advanced safety features.

Towing Capacity

If you’re planning on doing some towing, it’s important to know what each SUV can handle. The Ford Escape offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine and the right towing package. This makes it a great option for hauling a small boat, trailer, or camping gear.

The Chevy Equinox doesn’t quite match up in terms of towing capacity. Its towing capacity tops out at 1,500 pounds, which is fine for smaller loads, but it’s not quite as capable as the Ford Escape in this department. So if towing is a big part of your lifestyle, the Escape is the clear choice. If towing isn’t something you’re worried about, then deciding between the Escape and Equinox will come down to the other features that are most important to you.

Pricing and Trim Levels

When it comes to pricing, both the Chevy Equinox and Ford Escape are pretty competitive in the compact SUV market. The Chevy Equinox starts at an MSRP of around $26,600, making it an affordable option. Higher trim levels with more features will push the price higher, but even then, the Equinox stays reasonably priced.

The Ford Escape starts slightly higher, with an MSRP of around $28,000. Again, this price will increase as you move up to higher trims or add extra features, but the Escape tends to offer a little more in terms of power, tech, and available options, which can justify the higher starting price for people who prioritize those things.

Choosing Between the Chevy Equinox and Ford Escape

In the battle of the Chevy Equinox vs. Ford Escape, it really comes down to what you’re looking for in a small SUV. The Chevy Equinox is a solid choice if you want a reliable, comfortable vehicle with good tech features and a lower starting price. It’s great for everyday driving, and the fuel economy will save you some money at the pump.

If you’re looking for more power, better towing capacity, and slightly more cargo space, the Ford Escape edges ahead. With its multiple engine options, including a plug-in hybrid, and its advanced driver-assist features, the Escape offers a bit more versatility for those who want to do more with their vehicle.

Test Drive a Chevy Equinox Today At Northside Chevy in San Antonio

Take the Chevy Equinox for a spin today at Northside Chevy in San Antonio. Experience its smooth performance, impressive fuel economy, and spacious interior firsthand. Whether you’re looking for a reliable family vehicle or a compact SUV with the latest tech features, the Equinox has it all. Our friendly team is ready to help you explore all the options and find the perfect model for your needs. Stop by the dealership for a test drive and see for yourself.