Ford Escape vs Chevy Equinox: A Comprehensive Comparison

Compare Ford Escape vs Chevy Equinox – In the ever-expanding market of compact SUVs, finding the perfect vehicle to suit your needs can be a challenging task.

Two prominent contenders in this segment are the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 Chevy Equinox.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ll dive deep into their differences, examining everything from pricing and fuel economy to safety features and specifications.

What is the Difference Between Ford Escape and Chevy Equinox?

The Ford Escape and Chevy Equinox are two very different SUVs with unique selling points that may appeal to different buyers.

So, how does the Chevy Equinox compare to the Ford Escape? The main differences between the two include pricing, engine options, and safety features.

The Ford Escape is priced lower than the Chevy Equinox, making it a more affordable option for budget-conscious buyers.

Additionally, the Escape offers more engine options, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, whereas the Equinox only comes with a traditional gasoline engine.

Finally, the Escape offers more advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning, which come standard on higher trim levels.

The 2023 Chevy Equinox offers similar features but requires buyers to upgrade to higher trims to access them.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The pricing of a vehicle plays a crucial role in the decision-making process for potential buyers. In the compact SUV segment.

Both the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 Chevy Equinox offer competitive pricing options, making them attractive choices for budget-conscious consumers.

– 2023 Ford Escape Price

The 2023 Ford Escape presents itself as a versatile SUV with various trim levels, catering to a wide range of preferences.

The base model of the Escape starts at $27,500, providing an affordable entry point into the compact SUV market.

For buyers looking to go green, the hybrid variant offers an environmentally-friendly option, starting at $32,340.

Drivers seeking a more spirited driving experience might opt for the turbocharged 4-cylinder variant, which has a starting price of $34,040.

Additionally, the 2023 Ford Escape offers a plug-in hybrid trim, featuring advanced electrification technology, and begins at $38,500.

Considering its pricing, the 2023 Ford Escape competes on par with other leading compact SUVs, such as the Hyundai Tucson, and Toyota RAV4, making it a worthy contender in its class.

– 2023 Chevy Equinox Price

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox enters the market with an attractive starting price of $26,300 for the LS trim with front-wheel drive.

The lineup further expands with additional trim levels, including LT, RS, and Premier. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the top-tier Premier trim is priced at $31,500.

The competitive pricing of the 2023 Chevy Equinox positions it well within the compact SUV segment, appealing to budget-conscious buyers seeking a well-rounded and reliability vehicle.

Read also: Ford Escape vs Toyota RAV4

Fuel Economy

The fuel efficiency of a vehicle is a significant consideration for many buyers, especially those looking to save on fuel costs and reduce their environmental impact.

Let’s compare the fuel economy of the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 Chevy Equinox based on available data and real-world testing.

The 2023 Ford Escape offers a variety of engine options, each providing different fuel efficiency ratings.

According to the EPA, the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid Escape model is the one equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive.

This model is rated at an impressive 27 MPG in the city, 33 MPG on the highway, and 30 MPG combined.

Opting for all-wheel drive slightly reduces these figures to 26 MPG in the city, 31 MPG on the highway, and 28 MPG combined.

In real-world testing, a Ford Escape with all-wheel drive and a turbo three-cylinder engine achieved an outstanding 35 MPG during a 75-mph highway fuel economy route.

Moving up to the larger turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive, the EPA rates it at 23 MPG city, 31 MPG highway, and 26 MPG combined. However, in testing, it managed a notable 32 MPG on the highway.

For eco-conscious buyers seeking the best fuel economy, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the Escape is the standout choice.

The EPA rates it as high as 44 MPG in the city, and in real-world testing, it achieved 36 MPGe on the highway fuel economy route, showcasing its efficiency.

While the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox is equipped with a 1.5-liter engine, and its fuel economy ratings are competitive within the segment.

The EPA estimates that the front-wheel-drive Equinox will achieve 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.

If all-wheel drive is added, the ratings slightly decrease to 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.

In real-world testing, a previous model of the Equinox with the 1.5-liter engine and front-wheel drive achieved 32 MPG during a 75-mph real-world fuel economy test route, confirming its efficiency.

When comparing the fuel economy of the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 Chevy Equinox, the Escape boasts slightly higher ratings in some configurations.

The Escape’s turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive offers superior city and combined fuel economy compared to the Equinox’s 1.5-liter engine. However, the Chevy Equinox holds its own on the highway, offering competitive numbers.

For those seeking the most fuel-efficient option, the Escape’s plug-in hybrid variant leads the pack, providing impressive fuel economy and the ability to drive on electric power for shorter distances, further reducing overall fuel consumption.

Dimensions

When choosing a compact SUV, understanding the dimensions of the vehicle is essential to ensure it meets your space and comfort requirements.

Let’s compare the dimensions of the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 Chevy Equinox to see how they measure up.

Ford Escape Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

Chevy Equinox Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

When comparing the dimensions of the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 Chevy Equinox, both vehicles offer ample space for passengers and cargo.

The Ford Escape has a slightly shorter length, making it a bit more maneuverable in tight spaces, while the Chevy Equinox has a longer wheelbase, which may result in a smoother ride.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Ford Escape has a slight edge with 37.5 cubic feet with all seats in place, compared to the Equinox’s 29.9 cubic feet.

When the rear seats are folded down, the Escape also offers a larger maximum cargo capacity of 65.4 cubic feet, whereas the Equinox provides 63.9 cubic feet.

Both SUVs offer comparable front and rear seat dimensions, ensuring comfortable seating for occupants.

Additionally, they share similar features such as premium cloth seats, standard bucket front seats, and multi-level heating for the driver and passenger seats.

Overall, the differences in dimensions between the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 Chevy Equinox are relatively minor.

The choice between the two will likely come down to individual preferences, desired features, and specific space needs.

Prospective buyers are encouraged to test drive both vehicles to determine which one best suits their lifestyle and comfort requirements.

Read also: Ford Escape vs Hyundai Tucson

Interior Colors

The 2023 Ford Escape offers two interior color options, Ebony and Space Gray, both featuring premium cloth upholstery.

These choices allow buyers to personalize the interior of their Escape to match their preferences and style.

On the other hand, the 2023 Chevy Equinox also provides two interior color options, Medium Ash Gray, and Jet Black, both featuring premium cloth upholstery.

These interior color choices give buyers the flexibility to select the one that best suits their taste and complements the overall design of Equinox.

The availability of multiple interior colors in both the Ford Escape and the Chevy Equinox allows customers to create a comfortable and visually appealing interior environment, enhancing the overall driving experience for occupants.

Whether you prefer a classic and timeless look or a more modern and stylish ambiance, both vehicles offer options to meet your preferences.

Exterior Colors

The 2023 Ford Escape offers a wide range of exterior color options, providing buyers with various choices to suit their personal style and preferences.

From the eye-catching Vapor Blue Metallic to the elegant Oxford White, the Escape’s exterior colors allow drivers to make a bold statement or opt for a classic look.

While the 2023 Chevy Equinox offers a more concise selection of exterior colors compared to the Ford Escape.

However, these options still cater to a range of tastes. From the sleek Sterling Gray Metallic to the vibrant Blue Glow Metallic, the Chevy Equinox exterior colors provide a balance of sophistication and modern appeal.

Both the Ford Escape and the Chevy Equinox offer stylish and distinct exterior color choices, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles and stand out on the road.

Whether you prefer a bold and vibrant color or a more subtle and refined shade, both SUVs have options to match your unique taste and make a statement on every journey.

Safety Features

The 2023 Ford Escape comes equipped with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance features, providing added peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

The Co-Pilot360 package is standard on every Escape model and includes the following key safety features:

• Standard forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking: This feature alerts the driver if a potential frontal collision is detected and can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or prevent a collision.

• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist: The Escape’s lane-departure warning system alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane, while lane-keeping assist can gently steer the vehicle back into the lane if necessary.

• Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert: This safety feature helps drivers be aware of vehicles in their blind spots, and the rear cross-traffic alert system provides warnings when backing up to prevent collisions with approaching vehicles.

For more detailed information about the Ford Escape’s crash test results and overall safety ratings, interested buyers can visit the websites of the NHTSA and the IIHS.

However, the 2023 Chevy Equinox received a five-star rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), highlighting its strong safety performance.

However, it did not earn the distinction of being named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Nevertheless, the Chevy Equinox offers an array of standard and optional driver-assistance technologies to enhance safety on the road. Key safety features of the Chevy Equinox include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection: This system uses sensors to detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians ahead and can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid a collision.

• Standard lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning: The Chevy Equinox lane-keep assist helps keep the vehicle centered within its lane and provides warnings if it detects unintentional lane departure.

• Available adaptive cruise control: The Equinox offers the option of adaptive cruise control, which adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.

While the Chevy Equinox did not achieve the Top Safety Pick designation, its standard, and available safety features contribute to its overall safety performance.

Both the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 Chevy Equinox prioritize safety by offering a range of driver-assistance features that can help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision.

Warranty

The 2023 Ford Escape comes with a standard warranty package that offers a basic level of coverage. However, it may be less extensive compared to some of its competitors. Here are the details of the Ford Escape’s warranty:

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles: This warranty covers the vehicle against defects in materials or workmanship for a period of three years or up to 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.

• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles: The powertrain warranty provides coverage for essential components like the engine and transmission for five years or up to 60,000 miles, offering additional protection beyond the limited warranty period.

• Hybrid component warranty covers 8 years or 100,000 miles: For the Escape’s hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, Ford offers a specific warranty that covers the electrified powertrain components for up to eight years or 100,000 miles, providing extra assurance for hybrid technology.

• No complimentary scheduled maintenance: Unlike some competitors, the Ford Escape does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance, which means routine service visits will be the responsibility of the owner.

While the 2023 Chevy Equinox also provides a standard warranty package, which is in line with similar offerings from other manufacturers. Here are the details of the Chevy Equinox’s warranty:

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles: The limited warranty offered by Chevy covers the vehicle against defects for three years or up to 36,000 miles.

• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles: The powertrain warranty for the Equinox extends to five years or 60,000 miles, providing coverage for major powertrain components.

• Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit: Chevy offers a complimentary maintenance visit to the dealership within the first year of ownership, providing a convenient perk for new Equinox owners.

Both the Ford Escape and the Chevy Equinox offer similar standard warranty packages, with coverage lasting for three years or 36,000 miles for the limited warranty and five years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain warranty.

However, the Ford Escape differentiates itself by providing an extended warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles for hybrid components, applicable to its hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.

Additionally, the Chevy Equinox stands out by offering a complimentary maintenance visit to the dealership within the first year of ownership, a benefit not included in the Ford Escape’s warranty package.

Read also: Ford Escape vs Honda CRV

Specifications

The Ford Escape and the Chevy Equinox share the same base engine size of 1.5 liters, but their cylinder configurations differ, with the Escape having an inline-3 engine and the Equinox featuring an inline-4 engine.

The Escape has a slightly higher horsepower of 181 compared to the Equinox’s 175 horsepower, but the Equinox boasts higher torque at 203 lb-ft compared to the Escape’s 190 lb-ft.

Both vehicles are equipped with double overhead cam (DOHC) technology and variable valve timing to optimize engine performance. Additionally, they both offer direct injection for improved fuel efficiency.

Which is Better Ford or Chevy SUV?

Ultimately, the choice between the 2023 Chevy Equinox vs Ford Escape will depend on your priorities as a buyer.

Both vehicles offer similar performance, fuel economy, and safety features, but the Ford Escape stands out in terms of interior space, infotainment, and crash-test ratings.

If you prioritize interior space and cargo capacity, the Ford Escape is the better option, with more room for both passengers and cargo.

If you prioritize advanced safety features and crash-test ratings, the Ford Escape is also the better option, with a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

However, if you prioritize fuel economy and real-world gas mileage, the Chevy Equinox offers a diesel engine option that achieves impressive fuel efficiency on the highway.

The Equinox is also a good choice if you prefer a more traditional infotainment system with physical buttons and knobs.

Read also: Mazda CX 30 vs Ford Escape

Conclusion

Which is better Ford Escape or Chevy Equinox? Choosing between the 2023 Ford Escape vs Chevy Equinox ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities.

While the Ford Escape excels in fuel efficiency, interior space, and advanced safety features, the Chevy Equinox offers a comfortable ride and an attractive design at a competitive starting price.

Consider your lifestyle, driving needs, and budget carefully when making your decision.

Both vehicles offer excellent value, and with the information provided in this comprehensive comparison, you can confidently select the compact SUV that perfectly suits your requirements.