Starting at
Starting at
203 | Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 190 |
7 | Standard Screen Size (in) | 4.2 |
Std. | Wireless Apple CarPlay | No |
The compact SUV is becoming more and more popular, often replacing the sedan. Why? More cargo space and better capability. Compact SUVs offer a nice balance between the sedan and the midsize to full-size SUV. There's more space than you'd get with a car and better fuel economy ratings than a larger SUV can offer. The question is not whether you should choose to invest in a compact SUV, but rather which compact SUV is the best option? We believe that comparing the 2022 Chevy Equinox vs 2022 Ford Escape is the best place to start.
The battle between Chevrolet and Ford has been going strong for years, and these two models are no exception to the rule. You'll notice that both models look quite similar at first glance, offering similar fuel economy ratings and cargo capacities. But there are some significant differences between the two models that you may want to consider, the most important one being pricing. It seems that Chevy is the way to go here when it comes to getting the better all-around deal.
What will Ford enthusiasts use as justification for the large price gap between the two models? There's over a $5,000 MSRP gap between both models' highest trim levels, despite having many of the same features. Both brands include standard safety suites, hands-free liftgates, and great infotainment systems. This has us wondering, is there some secret reason that the Escape is the better pick, or is the Equinox truly the better model?
The compact SUV is not designed for towing or hauling heavy-duty items such as livestock trailers or houseboats, but it can certainly haul more than your average sedan can. The compact SUV is for daily drivers, and since average commuters don't typically need enough power to tow large items like campers, this class is designed to handle minor towing.
Both the 2022 Chevy Equinox and the 2022 Ford Escape are tow-capable models. On paper, the Escape can tow a bit more than the Equinox, with a 2,000-pound base engine tow rating. The Equinox has a 1,000-pound max tow capacity. However, the Equinox offers more torque than the Escape's 1.5L engine. This means that when you do tow with the Equinox, it may feel more confident than the Escape. The Equinox's additional torque allows it to put in more force. In addition to towing, you'll likely feel more confident traversing steep inclines when you drive the Equinox.
You can get both the 2022 Equinox and the 2022 Escape in AWD. The AWD Equinox gets up to 27 MPG combined, while the Escape reaches up to 28 MPG combined. While this does appear to put Ford ahead, keep in mind that the Equinox offers a higher torque rating, making that 1 MPG difference less concerning. Furthermore, when you compare the Escape's optional I-4 engine to the Equinox's I-4 engine, the Equinox is far more fuel-efficient, maintaining 3 MPG more in the city.
We assume that if you're looking for a compact SUV, budget-friendliness is important to you. This is why trim variety is important. Trim levels are designed to let you pay more for what you do want and less for what you don't. Both models include four different trim levels. However, the Equinox starts out over $700 less than the Escape does. This trend continues down the line, with the Equinox staying more affordable than the Escape.
The Chevy model's four different trim levels include the LS, LT, RS, and Premier trims. The LS trim includes standard wireless audio streaming technologies, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LS trim also includes LED headlights, an automatic stop/start engine feature, multiple USB ports, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Most importantly, the base-level LS trim offers a standard safety suite called Chevy Safety Assist, along with GM's exclusive Teen Driver Mode.
The LT trim takes these features and adds tinted rear glass, a power driver seat with lumbar controls, and a multi-color driver information display. The RS adds even more technologies, such as remote vehicle start, a rear power liftgate, Front and Rear Park Assist technology, and LED taillamps in addition to headlights. The Premier trim includes the most luxurious features, offering a hands-free power liftgate and Chevy's Infotainment 3 Plus System. This infotainment system includes all the standard Chevy technologies but with a larger HD screen and built-in navigation features.
The Escape's 4 trims include the S, SE, SEL, and Titanium trims. Like the Equinox LS, the Escape S includes a standard safety suite and auto stop/start technology. However, the S does not include standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto or standard LED headlights. You have to upgrade to the SE to access these audio streaming technologies––not a good look for a model that costs more out of the gate. Further, the Escape's Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features are wired, whereas the Equinox's are wireless. This even remains true for the Titanium trim, which is the Escape's highest trim level.
Safety is one of the most important aspects to consider when you're buying a daily commuter. You want to be sure that your family is safe and that you purchased a vehicle with high-quality safety features without being overcharged. The good news? Both the 2022 Chevy Equinox and the 2022 Ford Escape include a standard driver-assist safety suite. That said, Chevy has the edge over Ford when it comes to safety.
The Equinox's Chevy Safety Assist suite includes the following features:
In addition to its standard safety suite, the Equinox comes with Teen Driver Mode. This is a technology that is exclusive to GM models. It is designed to help prevent dangerous teen driving, and it includes the following features:
Teen Driver Mode is free for all 2022 Equinox drivers, and the best part is that it's standard across all trims.
The Escape includes similar standard driver-assist features via Ford Co-Pilot360. These include Pre-Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking, a Lane-Keeping System, Auto High-Beam Headlamps, and BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert. Ford includes additional safety features that can be added on or that come standard on higher trim levels. The 2022 Ford Escape does not currently include a safety technology like Chevy's Teen Driver Mode.