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The compact SUV segment is one of the most popular in the auto market, offering a mix of passenger and cargo space in an affordable and maneuverable package. Two models that compete directly in this segment are the Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape. This article will stack them up side-by-side to help buyers evaluate which compact SUV better meets their needs.
Exterior Styling
On the outside, the Equinox has a boxy, upright design with a distinctive grille, muscular fenders, and black plastic cladding along the wheel arches and rocker panels. The overall look is sporty but still clearly in the SUV category. The Escape features similar SUV proportions but aims for a sleeker, car-like look up front. The grille is narrower and the headlights are angled and elongated. Along the sides, sculpted lines soften the profile.
Winner: Draw – This category comes down purely to styling tastes. The Equinox has a bolder, boxier look befitting an SUV while the Escape aims to incorporate some crossover sleekness.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Space
Inside, the Equinox offers space for up to five passengers. Though it has less overall passenger volume than the Escape, both have sufficient room for adults in both rows. The Equinox counters with more cargo versatility thanks to its boxy shape. With the rear seats up, it provides 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 63.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Escape offers 30.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 68.9 cubic feet with the seats down.
Winner: Draw – The two SUVs are nearly identical in passenger and cargo room. Both provide comfortable transport for four or five and excellent cargo versatility.
Powertrain Options and Fuel Economy
The base Equinox engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder making 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional. Optional on higher trims is a 235-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder paired with a nine-speed automatic. With the 1.5-liter, the Equinox is EPA rated at 26 mpg city, 31 highway, 28 combined with FWD. With AWD, ratings drop slightly to 25/30/27.
The Escape offers three engine choices: a 181-hp 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder, a 250-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, and a 200-hp 2.5-liter hybrid system. The 1.5-liter gets an eight-speed automatic while the others have a CVT. The 1.5-liter earns EPA ratings of 27/33/30 mpg with FWD and 25/31/28 with AWD. The hybrid achieves 43/37/40 mpg.
Winner: Ford Escape – The Escape wins out here with its available hybrid powertrain that significantly improves fuel efficiency. The 1.5-liter options are evenly matched.
Ride and Handling
The Equinox prioritizes ride comfort over nimble handling, with a suspension tuned to absorb bumps and impacts. Body lean is fairly well controlled but overall the handling is somewhat loose and low on steering feedback. Ride quality remains comfortable even over rough pavement though. The Escape offers slightly sharper handling with more responsive steering, providing good grip and composure when pushed. The trade-off is a firmer, less cushy ride.
Winner: Draw – The Equinox favors a soft, comfortable ride while the Escape leans sportier. Which philosophy is better comes down to personal preference. Both handle well for compact SUVs.
Technology and Safety Features
Chevy Equinox offers the latest version of Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 system, with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen depending on trim. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot come standard. Available driver assists include adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. Safety scores are strong, with a 5-star NHTSA rating and Good crash test results from the IIHS.
The Escape comes standard with Ford’s Sync 3 interface and an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration. Options include a 12-speaker B&O Sound System, wireless charging, and a head-up display. Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard, adding aids like pre-collision assist with auto braking and blind spot monitoring. Crash test results are comparable to the Equinox.
Winner: Draw – Both SUVs offer great tech and safety within the segment. There are no clear advantages between the two in this category.
Trim Levels and Prices
The 2022 Equinox starts at $26,500 for a base L trim. Above that are the $28,300 LS, $29,800 LT, off-road oriented $32,500 ACTIV, and luxury $33,400 Premier trims. Main options include a Confidence and Convenience package ($1,075) with driver assists, a sunroof ($1,400), and a $2,800 tech package. Maxing out all options can push an Equinox over $40,000.
Ford Escape trims include S ($26,510), SE ($28,155), SEL ($30,645), and Titanium ($34,885). The hybrid model comes in SE Sport ($29,000) and Titanium ($35,880) trims. Key options run from $895 for a sunroof to a $2,495 luxury package. Fully loaded, the Escape tops out around $43,000.
Winner: Draw – MSRPs for comparably equipped versions of the two compact SUVs are very similar. Both offer value trims under $30,000 and luxury models approaching $40,000 with all the boxes checked.
The Bottom Line
The Equinox and Escape match up closely as affordable compact SUVs with family-hauling credentials. The Equinox stands out for its boxy, rugged styling and plush ride. The Escape counters with its sleeker look, gas-sipping hybrid model, and somewhat sportier handling. But overall, they are evenly matched with similar cargo and passenger room, technology suites, and pricing. Shoppers’ needs and preferences for style, ride, and fuel economy should drive the final decision between these two compelling compact SUVs.
Conclusion
In summary, the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape offer two takes on the compact SUV formula. The Equinox prioritizes comfort, cargo space, and value. The Escape aims for more eye-catching style, driving dynamics, and fuel efficiency with its hybrid option. Both models provide a comfortable, versatile interior and modern amenities. The Equinox suits buyers wanting a traditional, rugged small SUV, while the Escape appeals to those seeking something more stylish and car-like. With strengths in different areas, test drives can help shoppers see whether the Equinox or Escape better fits their compact SUV needs.
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