If you're looking for a compact SUV, the segment gets pretty competitive. Two titans of this segment are the Chevy Equinox, and the Ford Escape. But which one is better? That’s what we’re here to find out. We’ll compare some important features between the two to see which is the best choice for you.
Key takeaways
- If you’re wanting the vehicle that has the best features, and at a lower price, then the Equinox is for you.
- The Equinox comes with more comfort features, helping keep everyone comfortable, making this the perfect family vehicle.
- The Escape has been said to have hard plastic on the interior, and in today's market, this is a breaking point for most drivers as it makes the vehicle feel cheap.
Which has a lower starting price: Equinox
When looking at the two models, the 2025 Equinox has a lower MSRP. For the Equinox, this price is $28,600, and the Escape’s is $29,150.
When looking at the rest of the lineup, the Equinox still has a lower price when compared to the most expensive Escape. If you want some of the best trim for either model, you’ll have to pay $36,540 for the Escape, and $34,395 on the Equinox.
Which has better entry level tech: Equinox
For those who want more for less, the Equinox offers better features on the base trim. Despite being a base trim, the Equinox comes with an 11.3-inch display with Google built-in. When comparing this to the Escape’s 8-inch touchscreen, the prices don’t seem to make sense.
The Equinox also comes with heated seats for the first row, as well as a heated steering wheel. While it may be rare to reach icy conditions in our region, if it does get to those temps, the heated outside mirrors will come in handy.
The only thing that the base Escape has going for it is the dual-zone climate control. While this is a great feature, especially when temperatures start to rise, it doesn’t quite match all of the other features that the Equinox comes with.
Car and Driver had some words to say about the Escape, and they weren’t too positive. They note that the vehicle has “hard plastic interior panels in lower trims give off cheap-car vibes.” With the lack of standard features on the base trim, it almost makes it not worth getting, especially with the well equipped Equinox being much better.
Which has a better high-end trim: Equinox
While the Equinox has the better base trim, it also comes with the best high-end trim, especially when considering the price. While both models feature a power liftgate, the Equinox comes with an AutoSense power liftgate.
This feature will detect when your key fob is behind the vehicle and will open the liftgate for you. With the memory height function, you can rest assured knowing that the vehicle’s liftgate will remain unharmed.
The Equinox is also the better long haul vehicle. This is thanks to the lumbar control. When you’re behind the wheel, taking your family on a roadtrip, this will help you stay comfortable, and with the heated functions, you’ll never tense up again.
Escape or Equinox for family SUV?
The Equinox is the best SUV for families. This is thanks to it having better features at a lower price, passing the savings on to you for you to use however you want.
If you want to get behind the wheel for a test drive, or just want to browse our stock, we can help! Come see us today at Alan Jay Chevy here in Wauchula today for the best vehicles in the area.