Escape or Equinox? Why The Chevy Equinox Excels
You can find a Chevy Equinox for sale near you right now, but you can also find a Ford Escape pretty easily. You need a crossover that won’t let you down and for the right price, so which do you choose? Right away, we think the name should give you a clue. The Equinox was so aptly named because of the supreme balance it possesses. It doesn’t put performance, comfort, or safety above one another but delivers them all equally so you get the best Chevy has to offer without compromising. As for the Ford Escape, the name was meant to evoke adventure, but it’s not alone. The Ford Edge and Expedition were named for the same reason. Ironically, the more Ford does that, the less edgy the names actually are.
Do you want a one-in-a-million or one-in-a-group? We think you’re one of those drivers who want a vehicle as unique as they are, so in that case, on the name value alone the Equinox is a winner. Having a car named after an event that happens only twice a year and evokes a sense of balance on an otherwise hectic day sounds more appealing than a vehicle that is just one of several other ‘adventure wagons.’
But names aside, as a practical driver, we know you’re looking for more than a catchy label. After all, there are plenty of good-looking crossovers out there, and more than a few have flashy or catchy names.
Both compact crossovers from Chevy and Ford seek to sell you the same promises: reliability, performance, comfort, and style. So, which one actually lives up to the hype? We’ve examined both models, and our findings conclude that the Equinox is popular for good reason. So before you hit up the dealership for a test drive, find out why the Equinox gives you the most for your money and why it’s Chevy’s #1 selling SUV.
Affordable High Street Style
The Equinox sets the beauty standard for the compact crossover market. The small SUV comes dressed to impress drivers with its affordable modern styling that hits all the right notes. Some SUVs might have a sporty aspect, while others focus on elegant styling. The Equinox does a great job of invoking both.
But the Equinox isn’t new. It’s been around since 2005 but still makes an effort to look good. As recently as 2018, Chevy put the crossover on a diet and shaved 400 lbs from its frame to keep it efficient and modern. It updated the exterior with a bold grille but kept the aerodynamic bends and curves to create a standout beauty that looks right at home downtown or on the soccer field.
As for the Escape, it’s a bit more…rugged, you could say. Its frame definitely shows some muscle but doesn’t have the lean look and clean lines of the Equinox. The boxier appearance of the Escape shows its age (it was introduced in 2001) and not necessarily in a good way. Ford has attempted to refresh it with a more upscale design, but the Escape was made as more of an adventure vehicle, requiring heavier styling to meet more rugged demands.
Many drivers need a vehicle as attractive as they are, which is why many find that the Equinox makes a better first impression. Its blend of urban elegance and rural capabilities makes it an excellent choice for many types of drivers.
Practical Performance And Dynamic Value
Depending on its model year, drivers can sweep up an Equinox with several different engines, with the current 2024 model being a well-rounded 1.5L, four-cylinder engine. Drivers can upgrade to four-wheel drive to enhance the traction and performance of their Equinox, but overall, it delivers a practical, fun drive that’s great for getting around downtown and running errands. The light body of the Equinox makes it easy to steer and creates nimble handling. It can gracefully tackle corners and tight parking. Overall, we love that the Equinox fits where and when you need it.
The Escape offers several engine choices for drivers to pick their level of performance, but you’ll have to pay. The base-level engine—a 1.5L three-cylinder—is standard on the lower trim choices, but it is possible to opt for an engine with more power.
So what does this mean? More money. The newest 2024 Chevy Equinox already starts at a lower price—$26,600—than the Ford Escape, whose entry-level MSRP is $29,495.[a] But if you want more power and enhanced drive performance, you’ll have to go up to level up to the mid-level Escape ST-Line Select, which comes standard with an enhanced 2.0L engine but will also set you back by $33k.[a]
Drivers with value in mind naturally gravitate toward the Equinox, which offers practical and reliable performance at a price that won’t strain their budget. For the price of a mid-level Ford Escape, drivers can slip into luxury and upgrade to the high-end 2024 Equinox Premier trim that starts at under 32k and delivers upscale design and deluxe luxury features. [a]
Want to inject a little fun into your drive without breaking the bank? The Equinox is ready to impress.
Comfort and Space Done Right
The Ford Escape is the clear winner when it comes to cargo space. Yes, it is a bigger vehicle. It also offers a larger touchscreen, with the option to upgrade to a screen as large as 13 inches. For people who want big and flashy, the Escape wins.
Both the Equinox and Escape have cabins that comfortably accommodate up to five passengers. We also appreciate that the Equinox offers a minimalist sophistication that makes it feel more high-end than its price tag suggests. Its cleaner lines and sleek screen give you access to the newest advanced tech in a much more understated fashion. For those who don’t want tech to dominate the cabin but still want to stay connected, the Equinox keeps things simple. Again, for drivers looking to upgrade to a higher trim level, you can get access to supple leather upholstery, soft-touch materials, and advanced tech and safety systems in the high-end Equinox Premier Trim that still comes below the Escape’s mid level trim.
Like everything else about the Escape, it has excellent features if you’re willing to pay. The Equinox comes ready to cradle drivers with user-friendly technology and affordable comfort, which makes it a value machine that takes your drive to a new level.
Style. Durability. Reliability: The Equinox Does It All
Both the Chevy Equinox and the Ford Escape have their high points. The Ford Escape offers several engine choices and plenty of cargo space. But the vehicle is boxy and expensive. For those with an eye for design and value, the Equinox is a winner. Chevy took time to refine the Equinox so it looks good downtown, uptown, or sitting in your driveway.
Beyond looks, this crossover simply hits all the right marks. It might not excel at one thing above another, but it does everything well. The Equinox does a great job of offering a blend of style, comfort, and performance, all at an affordable price that is appealing to a variety of value-minded drivers. When you’re considering what to buy for your next SUV, the Equinox’s reliable nature and sleek good looks make a strong case for why it should be at the top of your list.
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