The compact SUV class is one full of strong contenders. The Chevy Equinox and Ford Escape are amongst the best options in the class, both are reliable, affordable options that make up for their smaller size with practicality in spades. But which competitor is the superior one? In today’s article, we’ll explore the Chevy Equinox vs Ford Escape in cargo space & interior features, finding out which of the two SUVs is superior.
Key Takeaways
- The Escape and Equinox are both unchanged for 2025.
- The Escape starts on the more affordable side when compared to the Equinox.
- The Escape has the efficiency edge when selecting the PHEV option.
Is Ford making a 2025 Escape?
Yes! Car and Driver reports that the 2025 Escape will return in a mostly similar form to last year. They report that the price of the 5 trims offered by the 2025 Ford Escape starts at $30,645 for the Active and goes up to $39,005 for the trim topping ST-Line Elite. A full list of the available trims reads as:
- Active - $30,645
- ST-Line - $31,490
- ST-Line Select - $35,685
- Platinum - $36,510
- ST-Line Elite - $39,005
These prices are as of 4/1/2025 and subject to change. Among the available trims, the ST-Line stands out as the best choice for unlocking the popular 250 hp turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine at the most affordable price. This upgrade requires the Select package, which also adds all-wheel drive for enhanced performance. The ST-Line features distinctive 18- or 19-inch wheels, body-colored lower cladding, a mesh grille, and a rear spoiler for a sportier look.
Accompanying the updated exterior, it sports an all-black interior with red contrast stitching and a flat-bottomed steering wheel for a performance-oriented feel. For a more high-tech experience, the Premium Technology package is a worthwhile addition, replacing the standard 8.0-inch infotainment and gauge displays with a larger 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
How many miles per gallon does a 2025 Ford Escape get?
For 2025, Edmunds reports that you can expect the Escape to offer an abundance of choices for motive power. A turbocharged 1.5-liter engine good for 180 horsepower comes standard with front-wheel drive and offers optional all-wheel drive. A turbocharged 2.0-liter engine on midlevel trims makes 250 horsepower and comes standard with all-wheel drive.
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder is paired with two electric motors in the Escape Hybrid, which generates 192 combined horsepower and offers optional all-wheel drive. Finally, there's the PHEV option, which offers 37 miles of all-electric driving from its 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain. It's only available in front-wheel drive.
How much will the 2025 Equinox cost?
For 2025, the Chevy Equinox, is a no-frills, front-wheel-drive SUV which starts at $29,999. Chevy offers a solid package that includes stylish 17-inch wheels, Chevrolet’s impressive 11.3-inch infotainment system, and heated front seats, making for a pretty nice ride.
Opting for all-wheel drive only raises the cost to $31,995, keeping it an accessible and still rather well equipped crossover for budget-conscious buyers. Stepping up to the Activ trim, however, brings the price to $36,395.
That said, the Activ trim excels with notable upgrades like a heated steering wheel, active sound cancellation, and wireless charging. Adding the $1,085 Safety and Technology Package further enhances the experience with a digital rearview mirror, which it pairs with a surround-view camera, and rear pedestrian alert, ensuring that you never miss a thing that happens around your Equinox.
Summary
Between the two, the Escape is just that little bit better, leading to us assigning it as the winner in this head to head comparison. The Equinox is certainly well equipped, providing buyers with all sorts of quality of life and convenience features, but the Escape, in particular the sporty ST-Line, is a deal that’s just too hard to pass up on when comparing the two crossover SUVs head to head.