Chevrolet Equinox vs Ford Escape: Which Compact SUV Is Right for You in 2025?

Choosing between the Chevrolet Equinox vs Ford Escape in 2025 depends on your needs. If saving money is important, the Equinox costs less to start. For those who love performance, the Escape has more engine choices, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. Need to tow heavy things? The Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the Equinox can only tow 1,500 pounds. If you like cool tech, the Equinox features a big 11.3-inch touchscreen. However, the Escape’s hybrid options and advanced features might impress you more. Each SUV fits different needs—what do you care about most?

Key Takeaways

• The Chevrolet Equinox costs less, so it’s good for saving money.

• The Ford Escape has stronger engines, including hybrids that save gas.

• If you need to tow, the Escape pulls 3,500 pounds. The Equinox can only tow 1,500 pounds.

• The Ford Escape has more safety features to help drivers feel safer.

• The Escape has more room inside and bigger storage, great for families or extra stuff.

Performance and Powertrain

Engine Choices in the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs Ford Escape

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape have different engines. The Equinox uses a 1.5L turbo engine with 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft torque. The Ford Escape’s 1.5L EcoBoost engine is stronger, with 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft torque. For more power, the Escape offers a 2.0L turbo engine with 250 horsepower. The Equinox doesn’t have an engine like this.

The Escape is better for saving gas. It gets 27 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on highways. The Equinox gets 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on highways. If you want to save fuel, the Escape is the smarter pick.

Driving Feel and Handling Differences

The Ford Escape feels faster and smoother to drive. It goes from 0 to 60 MPH in 6.6 seconds. The Equinox takes 8.4 seconds for the same speed. The Escape also handles corners better, with a cornering force of 0.80 G’s. The Equinox has a slightly lower cornering force of 0.79 G’s. This small difference matters on sharp turns or curvy roads.

The Escape also stops faster. It takes 121 feet to stop from 60 MPH. The Equinox needs 126 feet to stop. If you like quick handling and braking, the Escape is more fun to drive.

Towing and Off-Road Features

The Ford Escape is better for towing heavy things. It can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The Equinox can only tow 1,500 pounds. This makes the Escape better for pulling trailers or boats. Some Escape trims also come with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. The Equinox only offers AWD as an extra option.

Both SUVs can handle dirt roads and small trails. But for tougher trips, the Escape is better. Its higher towing power and standard AWD on some trims make it more useful for adventures.

Safety Features

Standard Safety Features in the Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape

Both the Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape have good safety features. The 2025 Equinox includes Chevy Safety Assist. This has automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning. The Ford Escape adds more with its Co-Pilot360 system. It includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard.

Here’s a simple comparison of their safety systems:

If you want more safety features included, the Ford Escape is better.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Comparison

Advanced driver assistance systems are important in modern SUVs. The Ford Escape offers more advanced features. It has evasive steering assist and adaptive cruise control with lane centering on higher trims. The Equinox also has adaptive cruise control but lacks evasive steering assist.

Here’s how their ADAS features compare:

For the latest driving tech, the Ford Escape has more options.

Crash Test Ratings and Reliability in 2025

Crash test results help you feel safe. The 2025 Ford Escape got a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It scored high in frontal crash tests but only “Marginal” for side impacts. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox hasn’t been fully rated yet. It has six airbags, while the Escape has seven.

The Chevrolet Equinox is more reliable. Consumer Reports rated it 13 points higher than the Escape. J.D. Power ranked the Equinox first in compact SUV quality in 2022. The Escape didn’t make the top three. If you care about long-term quality, the Equinox is a better pick.

Interior and Technology

Cabin Space and Comfort in the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs Ford Escape

The Ford Escape gives more room for passengers to relax. Its back seats can recline, making long trips more comfy. The Chevrolet Equinox doesn’t have reclining rear seats. For road trips, the Escape’s extra comfort is a big plus.

Here’s a simple look at the space differences:

• The Escape has more front headroom and legroom than the Equinox.

• Backseat passengers in the Equinox might feel a bit squished.

If you need space for stuff, the Escape is better. With seats up, it has 37.5 cubic feet of space. The Equinox only has 29.8 cubic feet. Fold the seats down, and the Escape offers 65.4 cubic feet. The Equinox maxes out at 63.5 cubic feet. These small differences matter when packing for trips.

Infotainment Systems and Connectivity Features

Both SUVs have good tech, but the Escape stands out. It has a big 13.2-inch touchscreen with SYNC® 4. You get wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, plus built-in navigation. The Escape also has a head-up display and wireless charging pad. It feels like a tech-filled car.

The Chevrolet Equinox also has great features. It comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, or an optional 8-inch screen. It includes wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Alexa Built-In, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. While the Equinox’s tech is solid, the Escape’s bigger screen and extras make it better.

Cargo Space and Practicality Comparison

If you need lots of cargo space, the Ford Escape wins. Here’s how they compare:

The Escape’s bigger cargo area is great for groceries or luggage. Whether running errands or going on trips, the Escape’s space makes life easier.

Tip: If you travel with people and luggage often, the Ford Escape’s roomy interior and bigger cargo space might be a better choice.

Fuel Efficiency

Gas Mileage: Chevrolet Equinox vs Ford Escape

The Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape both have good gas mileage. The 2025 Equinox AWD gets 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on highways. The Escape AWD with its 2.0L turbo engine gets 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on highways. If you choose the Escape’s 1.5L turbo engine, it does even better—26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on highways.

One benefit of the Equinox is that it uses regular gas. This is cheaper than the premium gas needed for the Escape’s 2.0L turbo engine. Over time, this can save you money.

Hybrid and Electric Choices: Ford Escape vs Chevrolet Equinox

If you want hybrid or electric options, the Ford Escape is the winner. The 2025 Escape has hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. Its hybrid version gets an amazing 42 mpg in the city. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox only offers gas engines, with its best city mileage at 26 mpg for front-wheel-drive models.

This makes the Escape a better pick for saving fuel or helping the environment. The hybrid Escape is also quieter and smoother to drive, which many people enjoy.

Long-Term Costs: Which SUV Saves More?

Fuel efficiency is important for long-term costs, but it’s not everything. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox has a combined fuel efficiency of 28 mpg. The Ford Escape does slightly better with 30 mpg. However, the Equinox’s use of regular gas makes it cheaper to refuel over time.

Reliability also matters. The Equinox is known for being dependable, with high ratings from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. The Escape may cost more upfront, but its hybrid models and better gas mileage could save you money in the future.

Tip: If you plan to keep your SUV for years, think about gas prices, repairs, and resale value. The Equinox is very reliable, but the Escape’s hybrids might save you more money overall.

Pricing and Value

Starting Prices for the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape

The Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape have similar starting prices. The Equinox starts at $28,600 for front-wheel drive (FWD). The Escape’s FWD model begins at $29,150. For all-wheel drive (AWD), the Equinox costs $31,995, while the Escape is $32,740.

The Equinox includes more standard features at its base price. It comes with Remote Start and heated seats. If you want comfort without paying extra, the Equinox might be a better pick.

Comparing Trim Levels and Features

Both SUVs have trims for different needs. The Escape offers more choices, including a plug-in hybrid. The Equinox doesn’t have a plug-in hybrid option. For luxury, the Escape’s Platinum trim starts at $35,545. The Equinox’s ACTIV trim is slightly cheaper at $34,395.

Here’s a quick look at their trims and prices:

If you want a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, the Escape is your only option. But for gas-only models, the Equinox offers good features at competitive prices.

Resale Value and Warranty Details

Both SUVs have similar warranties. They include a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Roadside assistance is also covered for five years.

The Escape has a slightly better resale value. On average, it sells for $20,193, while the Equinox averages $19,737. This difference is small but worth noting if resale value matters to you.

Tip: Both SUVs are great choices for value and features. If you want hybrid options, go with the Escape. If you prefer gas-only models, the Equinox is a solid pick.

Picking between the Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape depends on your needs. The Escape stands out with hybrid options, stronger engines, and more space. It’s a smart choice for those wanting power or better gas mileage. The Equinox, however, has a lower price, great reliability, and useful features like heated seats.

Here’s a simple comparison:

• The Escape’s hybrid gets 42 MPG in the city. The Equinox only reaches 26 MPG.

• The Escape offers more headroom and legroom, making it comfier for passengers.

If saving money is your goal, the Equinox is a good pick. But if you love performance or cool tech, the Escape might suit you better. Test drive both SUVs to see which one fits your lifestyle best.