What Is the Difference Between Ford Escape and Chevy Equinox?

The demand for small SUVs is on an all-time high as more people desire to have a versatile vehicle for all occasions. 

As a result, the need for the Chevrolet Equinox and the Ford Escape has risen in popularity, accounting for millions of sales in the U.S.

What Is the Difference Between Ford Escape and Chevy Equinox? 

Although the stylish Ford Escape offers less cargo room, it has a more powerful engine than the Chevy Equinox, it’s more fuel-efficient, and you’ll qualify for government tax incentives because it’s a plug-in hybrid vehicle. But the roomy Chevy Equinox has a less problematic engine that’s easier to maintain.

The rise in popularity is not a surprise as the compact Crossover vehicles offer remarkable comfort and practicality. 

The two cars are heavily loaded with technological conveniences and safety features, ensuring both driver and passenger are comfortable. 

Besides, their pricing is competitive, making them convenient for new car owners. 

Also, they have roomy cabins to guarantee further comfort and ease of hauling luggage.

Thus, if you are confused between buying a Ford Escape or Chevy Equinox, here is the best guide highlighting the two vehicles’ differences, similarities, and strengths. 

Ford Escape

While Ford has made all the needed groundwork for terminating all its sedan models, it is counting to make huge sales from the sale of SUVs. 

Thus, they are working to give a lasting impression of the Ford Escape to its customers. 

Its sales have been on the rise for the past decade, and Ford intends to keep afloat by growing the sales of the Ford Escape. 

As a result, they have redesigned the 2020 Ford Escape model to win the hearts of more customers.

The Compact SUV has received many changes and upgrades, starting with the body design to the interior. 

For instance, the winders have been redesigned and appear bigger to offer more visibility and enhance the aesthetic value of the vehicle. 

Besides, the body seems bolder to give a distinct SUV look.

Instead of having the traditional boxy shape, the latest version of the Escape appears more of a hatchback.

It is more expansive and sits lower compared to the 2019 model, giving it more driving comfort. 

.Besides, it is more fuel-efficient, thanks to the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models of the car. 

Ford designers decided to provide the vehicle with a complete overhaul, both in looks and under the hood. 

The base model S and the S.E. have a 1.5l turbocharged engine producing 181bhp and 190 lb-ft of torque. 

As a result, the Ford Escape can reach 62.14mph in 7.7 seconds, making it one of the fastest compact SUVs in the market. 

To further attract more customers, Ford Escape comes in five variants, including a plug-in hybrid and a gasoline-powered hybrid. 

The move aims at attracting more clients by giving them more options. 

Having tested the Ford Escape, we can comfortably recommend the SUV, thanks to its solid drive and stunning handling capabilities both on the road and off-road. 

The price for the 2020 models ranges from $26,000 to $40,000 for the titanium trim. 

Chevy Equinox

The Chevy Equinox is the closest competitor to the Ford Escape in the U.S. market. 

It has earned several awards in the automotive industry, making it a top contender in the compact SUV category. 

However, you are likely to get some minor complaints from customers owning the 2020 Chevy Equinox.

Let’s dive into the review and find out why it’s loved and hated in equal measure. 

First, the Equinox comes in two engine options, as the diesel engine has been discontinued. 

A lackluster 1.5l four-cylinder engine is offered in the base model. 

However, some customers claim the machine makes a stuttering noise when you floor the gas pedal and give a meager 170bhp. 

Also, you can opt for the more powerful 2.0l turbo engine, which offers a smoother ride. 

But, it is only available to the higher trim levels. 

The Equinox comes in four trim levels compared to the Escape offering five. It is relatively roomy and comes loaded with lots of supporting tech. 

Nonetheless, it lacks the charm of the Ford Escape, and its price ranges between $23,800 and $37,700. 

Comparison Review of the Ford Escape and Chevy Equinox

Here is what to expect from the two vehicles. 

Comfort

The legroom in both vehicles is relatively the same, but the Ford Escape carries the day to give better seats and enough trunk room. 

Besides, Equinox offers to limit headroom, compromising on the driver’s comfort.

As such, we can say the Ford Escape offers more convenience to both the driver and its passengers. 

Convenience

Thanks to the Ford Escape hybrid and plug-in models, it offers better fuel efficiency, making it a convenient compact SUV for daily use than the Equinox. 

Pricing

Many factors contribute to the final pricing of each of the two vehicles, but the Chevy is relatively cheaper.

The primary consideration is the MSRP. If you compare the price of the highest trim of Chevy Equinox and that of Ford Escape, you will realize the Chevy is cheaper by over $3,500. 

However, the Chevy is not as comfortable and comes with more minor technological features.

Dimensions

The Chevrolet Equinox is slimmer compared to the Ford Escape when you view them from the front. 

As a result, the Ford will occupy more parking space, making it difficult to park it in a crowded parking lot. Overall, the Chevy Equinox takes less space compared to the Ford Escape. 

Drivetrain

The Chevy wins in this category as it delivers power to its wheels more efficiently than the Ford Escape. 

However, the Escape is more comfortable compared to the Equinox. 

Performance

If you want to haul a given load, the Equinox will pull anything the Escape can with the same towing capacity. 

Besides, when it comes to the overall horsepower figures, they have the exact figures. 

Both vehicles have an optional all-wheel powertrain to give more traction when going through some off-road terrains. 

Exterior Design

The two Crossovers feature a similar body style with slight differences. 

For instance, the Escape has a width of 74.1 inches and a height of 66.1 inches. 

On the other hand, the Equinox has a width of 72.6 and a height of 65.4 inches. 

Hence, the Equinox is slimmer and will fit any street parking easily, while the Escape offers better handling on a meandering highway.

Interior

Neither of the two five-seater compact SUVs offers a squeezed cabin, but the Escape gets an edge over the Equinox due to its extra features that facilitate more comfort.

Besides, the Escape features a second-row seat that can slide to create more room for luggage. 

However, the rear seats of the Equinox can be lowered, making more cargo room. 

Also, Equinox offers less headroom, limiting the driver’s comfort. 

Safety

Both the Chevy and Ford engineers gave safety issues the seriousness it deserves as it is a crucial concern for any driver purchasing a compact SUV. 

As such, you will find lots of safety packages in both Equinox and Escape.

For example, compact SUVs have a rear camera to help scan for obstacles behind the vehicles and front sensors for parking assistance.

Also, they both have lane assist technology to help drivers stay on the road without swaying. 

The Escape comes with LED fog lights, which lack in the Equinox. 

Here are the additional driver-assist features only found in the Escape. 

• Active parking assistance 
• Head-up display panel 
• Evasive steering assist 
• Adaptive cruise control

Technology

The two compact SUVs come with the latest software in the infotainment system to make driving pure bliss. 

Both models offer friendly interfaces that allow Apple and Android devices and 4GLTE Wi-Fi hotspots. 

However, the Ford Escape boasts a ten-speaker music system that gives refreshing music and a well-designed instrument cluster. 

Utility

They both carry a maximum of five passengers and will haul a similar payload. 

But you will notice the Chevy equinox offers more cargo area as it does not have a hybrid system that eats more room. 

Warranty

The Ford Escape and Chevy Equinox warranties are essentially the same except for a tiny distinguishing feature. 

Escape vs. Equinox

Having gone through the highlights, you can clearly distinguish the Ford Escape from the Chevy Equinox.

Each of the two compact SUVs seeks to outshine each other on various design and performance aspects. Besides, they also come with some similarities that can blur your decision to pick between the two. 

However, reading the above article equips you with enough knowledge to decide and choose what works best for you; before making the final decision on what vehicle to choose, reflect on your needs and cross-check them with what each car promises to offer.