If you’re shopping for the best compact SUV, the 2022 Ford Escape and its closest competition, the Chevy Equinox, may both be alluring options. Just because they are smaller in size doesn’t mean that they are lacking in luxury or style. In fact, these SUV options are perfect for the consumer who wants the roominess and height of an SUV while still getting better gas mileage. Now it’s time to decide, which one is the better buy for you?
Quick Specs Comparison
- MSRP Price: Escape starting at $26,510 | Equinox starting at $25,800
- Seating Capacity: Escape offers seating for 5 | Equinox offers seating for 5
- MPG: Escape estimated 28/34 City/Hwy | Equinox estimated 26/31 City/Hwy
- Engine: Escape has a 1.5L EcoBoost engine standard | Equinox has a Turbocharged 1.5L engine standard
- Cargo Space: Escape can become 65.4 Cu. Ft. with the rear seats folded down | Equinox can become 63.9 Cu. Ft. with the rear seats folded down
- Safety: Both have received 5 star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) Overall Safety Rating
Technology in the 2022 Ford Escape
All models of the Ford Escape include the Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology which provides a helpful array of driver assistance aids to keep everyone safe out there. These include automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, blind spot information system (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, and more.
The base S model of the Escape features a 4.2-inch radio display, which is a high quality and excellent in its own right. However, as you move up to the other models that display is enhanced to an 8-inch color touchscreen display. These larger displays include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as the Ford Sync infotainment interface.
Additionally, Ford has outfitted their 2022 Escape models with FordPass Connect which offers a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, which would certainly be handy for road trips! FordPass is a free service although the Hotspot: Connect would have a monthly charge in order to operate.
Technology in the 2022 Chevy Equinox
While a stunning vehicle to look at, the Chevy Equinox unfortunately does not have quite as many technological advances made standard as the Escape does. Several comparable features can be added on as options, but this would come at an additional cost.
For example, the lane change alerts with side blind zone alerts are not standard on most models, nor is the rear vision camera available on all models. However, the Equinox does provide front pedestrian braking and forward collision alerts standard for every trim.
Similar to the base model of the Escape, the Equinox also has a 4.2-inch driver information screen standard on its models. By adding on one of the two Chevrolet Infotainment Packages this can then be increased to an 8-inch diagonal touchscreen.
The Equinox can be made Wi-Fi hotspot capable with an Onstar subscription, which can also include Onstar navigation plans.
Safety
Nothing is as important when it comes to driving than safety. Both Ford and Chevrolet have made sure their vehicles meet and exceed several safety ratings. The Escape and the Equinox have both received 5 star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) Overall Safety Rating. They each have several safety measures standard such as lane departure warnings and traction control.
However, there are a few features that are standard for the Ford Escape which the Chevy Equinox only offers as optional add-ons or available only on their more expensive trim possibilities.
Hybrid and Electric Capabilities
Besides looking beautiful, the 2022 Ford Escape also stands out in the versatility of eco-options. Other than the base S model, each of their other models can be either standard engines, hybrids, or plug-in hybrid options. If you are looking to be eco-friendly, or simply don’t want to spend as much time at the gas stations, these provide a variety of opportunities to consider and are definitely examples of Ford’s forward thinking progress.
The plug-in hybrid holds a 14.4-kWh battery pack which can give an EPA estimated 37 miles of driving using electric-only. It comes with a level 1/level 2 AC charging port. With the level 1 charger, the battery will be fully charged in an estimated 10 to 11 hours. With the level 2 charger that time is reduced to an estimated 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
Unfortunately, the Chevrolet Equinox models are all powered by the same turbocharged 1.5L engine without any opportunities for hybrids at this time.
Performance
The Ford Escape has two varieties of engine options for hybrid capabilities. A plug-in option or a standard hybrid. These contain a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and electric motors which create up to 221-hp.
The standard engine in the Ford Escape is a 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine which can be FWD or AWD. If that’s not enough power for you, you can also upgrade to a 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine to give you a powerful boost. Both of these engine options utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Chevy Equinox, meanwhile, offers a 170-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. This SUV can also be either FWD or AWD but is equipped with only a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Style
Let’s face it, the comfort, feel, and look of an SUV matters just as much as the mechanical specifications, especially when you think of how much time we all spend in our vehicles these days.
Both the Ford Escape and the Chevy Equinox offer eight beautiful exterior color options and roomy interiors. Additionally, the body designs of both vehicles are beautiful. The Ford Escape has a little more of a curvature to it which helps it stand out from most of the SUVs on the road, while the Equinox has a bit more of a traditional SUV feel in its design.
In the interior, the Escape offers textured cloth seat upholstery or a very good quality faux-leather option for its models other than the Titanium which offers genuine leather. Combine that with the optional panoramic vista moonroof and it is a comfortable and calming experience to enjoy.
Meanwhile, the Equinox is very nicely styled with durable materials and a nice spacious interior. The seat upholstery here can be either a fine cloth or a perforated leather-appointed mixture of leather and synthetic.
Both vehicles are pretty spacious for small SUVs. However, if you are looking for a little more room, the Ford Escape offers a bit more space to stretch your legs. The front leg room is 42.4 inches compared to the Equinox’s 40.9. Additionally, the second row legroom offers 40.7 inches in the Escape where the Equinox only offers 39.9. Hip widths for the seats are also roughly an inch larger for the Escape vs the Equinox. While that may not sound like much of a difference, you can certainly feel it. Both offer roughly the same amount of head room and offer a lot of cargo space in the back.
So…Escape or Equinox?
Ford and Chevrolet have been rivals for years, and their vehicles are generally neck and neck in the rankings. It’s hard to know which is truly superior. In this case there is a lot about the 2022 Ford Escape and the Chevy Equinox that are very similar. If you aren’t interested in hybrid options, then even the engines are comparable. Ultimately it comes down to the details here. While the Equinox has a lot to offer, the Escape just comes out ahead as the better deal. More technologically advanced, more striking body design, extra luxurious feel, and a less sluggish ride simply make the 2022 Ford Escape a great investment.