Ford Escape vs Chevy Equinox Comparison
Are you on the market for a new SUV but can’t decide between the new Ford Escape and the Chevrolet Equinox? Both vehicles have undergone significant updates to meet the changing needs of drivers, but which one comes out on top? At D’Orazio Ford we decided to compare these two popular SUVs to help you make an informed decision.
Ford Escape vs Chevy Equinox Pricing and Value
The 2025 Ford Escape offers a competitive price range of $27,995 to $38,400, providing options for various budgets. The base model starts slightly lower than the 2025 Chevy Equinox, which begins at $28,600. This price advantage gives the Escape an edge for budget-conscious buyers looking for a well-equipped compact SUV.
The Ford Escape lineup includes six distinct models:
- 2025 Escape® Active™ (Starting at $27,995)
- 2025 Escape® ST-Line (Starting at $28,990)
- 2025 Escape® ST-Line Select (Starting at $32,230)
- 2025 Escape® Platinum (Starting at $35,545)
- 2025 Escape® ST-Line Elite (Starting at $36,540)
- 2025 Escape® Plug-in Hybrid (Starting at $38,400)
In comparison, the Chevy Equinox offers three main trims: LT (starting at $30,600), RS (starting at $35,000), and ACTIV (starting at $35,000). While both vehicles offer a range of options, the Escape provides more variety in its lineup, including a plug-in hybrid option, which is not available in the Equinox range.
Ford Escape vs Chevy Equinox Design and Styling
The 2025 Ford Escape boasts a refreshed exterior design, giving it a more distinctive and expressive look. Its updated sheetmetal contributes to a modern and appealing aesthetic that stands out in the compact SUV segment. The Escape’s design strikes a balance between sleek urban styling and rugged capability, making it versatile for both city driving and outdoor adventures.
On the other hand, the 2025 Chevy Equinox also showcases a redesigned exterior, featuring a bold grille and stylish taillamps. It offers unique styling elements for each trim, including the first-ever ACTIV trim for off-road enthusiasts and the sporty RS trim. The Equinox also provides an option for a two-tone roof, adding to its customization possibilities.
While both vehicles have made strides in their exterior designs, the Ford Escape’s refresh gives it a more cohesive and premium look across its lineup. Its styling is likely to appeal to a broader range of consumers, from those seeking a sophisticated daily driver to adventure-seekers looking for a capable compact SUV.
Ford Escape vs Chevy Equinox Interior Comfort and Space
The 2025 Ford Escape shines when it comes to interior comfort. It offers roomy and comfortable seating, which is a significant advantage for both daily commutes and long road trips. The Escape’s smooth ride quality further enhances passenger comfort, making it an excellent choice for families and comfort-oriented drivers.
In terms of cargo space, the Escape provides 33.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which, while slightly smaller than some competitors, is still ample for most users’ needs. The low floor and high seatbacks allow for efficient use of vertical storage space.
The 2025 Chevy Equinox counters with its own spacious interior, offering up to 63.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume with the rear seats folded. It also features a folding 60/40 split-bench seat for added flexibility and hidden storage under the rear cargo floor.
Both vehicles offer comfortable seating, but the Ford Escape’s emphasis on ride quality and seat comfort gives it a slight edge in this category. However, the Equinox’s larger maximum cargo capacity might appeal to those who frequently need to haul larger items.
Ford Escape vs Chevy Equinox Performance and Powertrain Options
The 2025 Ford Escape offers a diverse range of powertrain options, catering to various performance needs and fuel efficiency preferences:
- A standard turbocharged 1.5-liter engine producing 180 horsepower
- An available turbocharged 2.0-liter engine generating 250 horsepower
- A hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors for a total of 192 horsepower
- A plug-in hybrid option offering 37 miles of all-electric driving range
This variety of options allows Escape buyers to choose between power, efficiency, or a balance of both. The Escape’s performance is particularly impressive with the 2.0-liter engine, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds in Edmunds’ testing, outperforming many rivals in its class.
In contrast, the 2025 Chevy Equinox offers a single engine option: a 1.5L turbo engine. While efficient, it doesn’t provide the same level of choice or performance potential as the Escape’s lineup. The Equinox can tow up to 1,500 lbs when properly equipped, which is decent for its class but falls short of the Escape’s 3,500 lbs towing capacity with the 2.0-liter engine.
For drivers seeking options in performance and fuel efficiency, the Ford Escape clearly has the upper hand with its wider range of powertrains, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
Ford Escape vs Chevy Equinox Technology and Infotainment
The 2025 Ford Escape comes equipped with an updated entertainment interface that keeps it competitive in its class. The SYNC 3 system is user-friendly and responsive, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility as standard across all trims. The Escape’s tech features are praised for their ease of use, making it simple for drivers to access navigation, music, and other functions.
Ford has also included a range of advanced driver aids, many of which come standard. These include features like lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking. The available adaptive cruise control system works exceptionally well on highways, providing a more relaxed driving experience.
The 2025 Chevy Equinox counters with its own impressive tech offerings. It features a larger 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touch-screen, which is oriented towards the driver for easier access. The Equinox also includes an 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center. Like the Escape, it offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The Equinox comes with Chevy Safety Assist, a suite of six advanced safety and driver assistance features, as standard. It also offers additional available safety features like HD Surround Vision and Rear Camera Mirror.
While both vehicles offer competitive tech features, the Ford Escape’s SYNC 3 system is known for its user-friendliness and responsiveness. However, the Equinox’s larger screens may appeal to tech-savvy buyers who prioritize display size.
Ford Escape vs Chevy Equinox Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a strong suit for the 2025 Ford Escape, particularly with its hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. The conventional gas-powered Escape with the 2.0-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined, which is impressive for its power output. The hybrid versions push this even further, with the standard hybrid achieving around 40 mpg combined.
The plug-in hybrid Escape offers the best of both worlds, providing 37 miles of all-electric range for short trips and efficient hybrid operation for longer journeys. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their fuel consumption and environmental impact without sacrificing the convenience of a gas engine for longer trips.
The 2025 Chevy Equinox, while efficient with its 1.5L turbo engine, doesn’t offer the same range of fuel-efficient options. The lack of hybrid powertrains puts it at a disadvantage compared to the Escape in terms of fuel economy, especially for buyers looking to maximize efficiency.
Ford Escape vs Chevy Equinox Driving Experience and Handling
The 2025 Ford Escape offers a comfortable and smooth ride, which is one of its standout features. It handles well in urban environments and on highways, providing a balanced driving experience that prioritizes comfort. The Escape’s suspension does an excellent job of absorbing road imperfections, resulting in a refined ride quality that passengers will appreciate on long journeys.
While the Escape’s handling may not be as sporty as some competitors, it offers precise steering and good stability, making it easy to maneuver in various driving conditions. The available all-wheel drive system provides additional traction when needed, enhancing the Escape’s versatility.
The 2025 Chevy Equinox, with its ACTIV trim, aims to provide some off-road capability with all-terrain tires and a uniquely tuned suspension. This could appeal to drivers who occasionally venture off the beaten path. The Equinox also offers a Drive Mode Selector in its higher trims, allowing drivers to adjust the vehicle’s performance characteristics to suit different driving conditions.
Both vehicles provide a comfortable driving experience, but the Ford Escape’s focus on ride comfort and its range of powertrain options give it an edge in overall driving satisfaction for most users.
Ford Escape vs Chevy Equinox Interior Quality and Features
The 2025 Ford Escape’s interior is functional and well-laid out, with easy-to-use controls and a straightforward design. While it may not be the most luxurious in its class, it offers a good balance of quality and practicality. The Escape provides ample interior space, with plenty of room for passengers in both the front and rear seats.
One of the Escape’s strengths is its use of interior space. The deeply sculpted front seatbacks provide extra knee room for rear passengers, and the cabin feels open and airy. The Escape also offers good visibility, with only minimal obstruction from the rising beltline towards the rear.
The 2025 Chevy Equinox has made strides in interior quality with its latest update. It offers Evotex seating surfaces in the RS trim and Evotex with sueded microfiber in the ACTIV trim, both featuring sophisticated stitching for a premium look. The Equinox also provides a convenient center console with a pass-through for easy storage of electronics and other items.
Both vehicles offer heated front seats and steering wheels in their higher trims, adding to comfort in colder climates. However, the Escape’s overall interior comfort and space utilization give it a slight advantage in this category.
Ford Escape vs Chevy Equinox Safety Features
Safety is a priority for both the 2025 Ford Escape and the 2025 Chevy Equinox, with both vehicles offering a comprehensive suite of safety features.
The Ford Escape comes with a range of standard driver-assist technologies, including:
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane-Keeping System
- BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Auto High-Beam Headlamps
The Chevy Equinox counters with its Chevy Safety Assist package, which includes:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Forward Collision Alert
- Following Distance Indicator
- IntelliBeam auto high beams
Both vehicles offer additional advanced safety features on higher trims or as options. The Equinox offers some unique features like Side Bicyclist Alert and Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, while the Escape provides options like Evasive Steering Assist.
In terms of safety, both vehicles are well-equipped, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. The choice between them in this category may come down to specific features that appeal to individual drivers.
Ford Escape vs Chevy Equinox – Which One is Better?
After a comprehensive comparison, the 2025 Ford Escape emerges as a strong contender in the compact SUV segment. Its diverse powertrain options, including efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, give it a significant advantage in terms of performance and fuel economy.
The Escape’s comfortable ride, spacious interior, and user-friendly technology make it an excellent choice for a wide range of drivers.
While the 2025 Chevy Equinox offers some compelling features, particularly in its interior design and off-road-oriented ACTIV trim, it falls short in providing the same level of powertrain options and fuel efficiency as the Escape.
The Ford Escape’s balance of comfort, efficiency, and technology, combined with its competitive pricing, make it the superior choice for most compact SUV buyers in 2025.
Test-Drive the 2025 Ford Escape Today at D’Orazio Ford
Ready to see why the 2025 Ford Escape is the right choice for you? Visit us at D’Orazio Ford, located at 1135 S Water St, Wilmington, IL 60481. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to answer your questions and arrange a test drive.
Experience the comfort, efficiency, and advanced features of the new Escape for yourself. Call us today at (815) 76-5205 to schedule your visit. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to drive home in the versatile and stylish 2025 Ford Escape – your perfect companion for every journey!