Chevrolet Equinox Vs. Ford Escape Detailed Comparison
In the world of compact SUVs, the Chevy Equinox vs. Ford Escape battle it out as top contenders. Which five-seat crossover will earn your trust? Bomnin Chevrolet Dadeland lays out all the details so you can make a confident decision about your next lease or purchase. Join us to settle the 2025 Ford Escape vs. 2025 Chevrolet Equinox rivalry and see which SUV has the specs, towing capacity, technology, and quality and reliability scores to take the crown.
Compare Entry-Level Chevy Equinox vs. Ford Escape Trims
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| 2025 Chevrolet Equinox LT | 2025 Ford Escape Active | |
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| Engine | 1.5L turbo 4-cyl | 1.5L turbo 3-cyl |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic / CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Standard Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD |
| Horsepower | 175 | 180 |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft | 199 lb-ft |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy) |
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| Fuel Tank Size | 14.8 / 15.6 gal | 14.8 / 15.7 gal |
| Towing Capacity | 800 / 1,500 lbs4 | 2,000 lbs5 |
| Length / Width w/ Mirrors Folded | 183.2 / 74.90 in | 180.1 / 74.1 in |
| Passenger Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 3,428 / 3,583 lbs | 3,273 / 3,420 lbs6 |
| Standard Cargo Capacity | 29.8 cu ft | 37.5 cu ft |
| New Vehicle Limited Warranty | 3-yr / 36,000-mi7 | 3-yr / 36,000-mi7 |
| J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Rating | 88 out of 100 - Great8 | 85 out of 100 - Great8 |
| Standard Interior Features |
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| Standard Exterior Features |
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| 2025 Chevy Equinox | Used Ford Escape |
Chevy Equinox vs. Ford Escape Engine & Hybrid Powertrains
The chart above makes it pretty clear that Chevy Equinox vs. Ford Escape specs are well-matched. Horsepower and torque are nearly identical in entry trims, as are transmission setups and drivetrain options.
- Chevrolet Equinox: The Equinox is no-nonsense under the hood, fitting every trim with a turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine that tops the base-level Escape with its 203 pound-feet of torque. Take home an AWD variant for an eight-speed automatic transmission, a larger fuel tank, and the highest highway Chevy MPG.
- Ford Escape: The Escape's base-level three-cylinder gas engine is uninspiring. To get the most bang for your buck, choose a ST-Line Select trim or higher to gain AWD or hybrid performance.
Chevy Equinox vs. Ford Escape Towing, Capability & Ride
The best compact SUV ride quality goes to the Equinox and its MacPherson-smooth strut front suspension, a setup that easily beats the Escape's ultra-firm suspension that transfers every bump in the road to its passengers. Both SUVs offer FWD and AWD performance, allowing them to be great candidates for light trail use.
- Chevrolet Equinox: Tow up to 1,500 pounds of toys with your Equinox SUV4 and make your weekend dreams of jet skiing or ATVing a reality. With its easy-going demeanor, smooth steering, and compact size, the Chevy Equinox handles well on city streets or long stretches of highway.
- Ford Escape: Towing is where the Ford Escape shines; its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds.5 You could also fit all but the entry Escape with an available hybrid engine, but your towing strength will take a major hit. Handling in the Escape is nimble, but it can feel more rigid when traversing uneven terrain.
Chevy Equinox vs. Ford Escape Fuel Economy
In terms of fuel economy, both models with FWD and base engines rank similarly in city MPG ratings, so either is an excellent option if you commute daily. Tank size in both FWD and AWD configurations is nearly identical between both iterations as well.
- Chevrolet Equinox: Because all 2025 trims have the same efficient engine, Chevy Equinox MPG is consistent and predictable. Both AWD and FWD configurations offer respectable City/Highway MPG scores.
- Ford Escape: Three gas-based powertrains are available throughout the 2025 Escape lineup, and as predicted, the larger 2.0-liter inline four guzzles more gas than the 1.5-liter three-cylinder. The best Escape performance comes from its hybrid powertrain, which earns an EPA-estimated 39 MPG (Combined).3
Chevy Equinox vs. Ford Escape Size & Space
Exterior Equinox and Escape dimensions are similar, but in a cargo comparison, Chevrolet takes the cake. The Escape offers additional cargo room on paper; however, real-life Car and Driver tests reveal that both SUVs fit eight carry-on suitcases in their standard trunks.9 Fold the rear seats, and the Equinox can hold 23 carry-ons to the Escape's 21.
- Chevrolet Equinox: Although it's a compact SUV, the Equinox still provides 40.9 inches of front legroom to pamper taller passengers. Thanks to its boxier roofline, the Chevy trunk is extremely convenient, and an Auto-Sense Power Liftgate comes standard in all but the LT trim.
- Ford Escape: Front headroom in the Escape is identical to the Equinox at 40 inches, though its front legroom of 42.4 inches is slightly bigger. Sadly, you won't find a standard power liftgate until the third Escape trim, and its sloped profile eats up precious cargo space.
Chevy Equinox vs. Ford Escape Tech & Interior Features
The Equinox wins every tech and interior battle – just look at this exquisite Chevy Equinox interior overview. Even with its more-affordable MSRP, the Equinox showcases elegant accents and a stunning 11.3-inch infotainment display. Meanwhile, entry-trim Escape interiors are fitted with cheap plastic panels and play it safe with smaller touchscreens.
- Chevrolet Equinox: If cabin convenience and enhanced driver aids are a top priority, the Equinox is your answer. Every 2025 trim utilizes Google built-in technology for premium navigation, and small luxuries like a heated steering wheel always come standard. Cloth, Evotex, or sueded microfiber wrap comfy bucket and bench seats for premium seating comfort and durability.
- Ford Escape: Unfortunately, the Escape cabin is lackluster and doesn't live up to multiple top competitors, particularly at the beginning of the lineup. Cloth, vinyl, and ActiveX upholstery offer convenience but fall short in comfort and thigh support. It's also disheartening to see a 2025 Ford SUV that omits a standard heated steering wheel.
Chevy Equinox vs. Ford Escape Safety & Reliability
At this time, IIHS ratings and NHTSA ratings are not available for the 2025 Equinox; however, it received a "Great" score of 88 out of 100 from J.D. Power for Quality & Reliability.8 If you're considering Escape ownership, reputation data shows that the Ford SUV got a slightly lower score of 85 out of 100 for the same category.8
- Chevrolet Equinox: Everything about the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox screams safety and driver-assistance, from Blind-Zone Steering Assist and Forward Collision Alert to Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking. An HD Rear Vision Camera provides high-level parking guidance, and Lane Keep Assist alerts if your car starts to drift. Need post-accident support? OnStar® Basics comes standard, too.
- Ford Escape: Expected safety systems like BLIS with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking, Pedestrian Detection, and Pre-Collision Assist are built into all five gas-powered Escape trims, but surprisingly, the list doesn't get much longer. A Rearview Camera also comes standard – though it's unclear if it's in HD like the one in the Equinox.
Find Your New Compact SUV at Bomnin Chevrolet Dadeland
Hopefully, this Chevy Equinox vs. Ford Escape review has highlighted each SUV's best features and biggest challenges.
- Choose the new Chevy Equinox for sale to gain the most luxurious cabin, the best cargo space, the most standard technology, and the highest J.D. Power Quality & Reliability ratings.8
- Take home a new Ford Escape if you prefer a hybrid powertrain option, extra towing strength, or a slightly higher FWD City/Highway MPG.3
If you're just as taken by the 2025 Equinox as we are, visit Bomnin Chevrolet Dadeland for a test drive! You can also compare other high-value Chevy vehicles, like we've done on this Chevy Suburban vs. Ford Expedition Max page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which rides quieter: the Chevy Equinox or Ford Escape?
Neither SUV has acoustic windows or windshields, so determining which one delivers the quieter ride depends on your preferences. However, the Equinox rides the smoothest. Fitted with a MacPherson front suspension to smooth bumps, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox has the best ride quality. The Ford Escape comes with a much firmer suspension, so you may feel rocks and potholes more in the Escape trims.
Which has more cargo space: the Chevy Equinox or Ford Escape?
On paper, the Ford Escape looks to have more cargo room, but in real life, the Chevy Equinox can hold the same number of carry-on suitcases in its standard trunk as can the Escape.9 Fold the back benches flat, and the Equinox can hold two more carry-ons than the Ford model.9 Visit Bomnin Chevrolet Dadeland to explore the Equinox trunk today!
Which packs more standard features: the Chevy Equinox or Ford Escape?
Hands down, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox stocks its entry-level LT trim with more standard technology, safety, and driver-assistance features than the 2025 Ford Escape. Choose any Equinox variant to enjoy standard Google built-in, a heated steering wheel, an 11.3-in advanced color LCD, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, and OnStar® Basics.
Chevy Equinox Testimonials & Reviews:
1EPA-estimated 26 city/28 hwy 1.5L turbo 4-cyl.
2EPA-estimated 24 city/29 hwy turbo 4-cyl.
3EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
4Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
5When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
6Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.edmunds.com/ford/escape/2025/features-specs/
7Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/
9Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/escape