Which compact SUV has more of what you want from an everyday cruise, the 2024 Ford Escape or the 2024 Chevy Equinox? Our comparison guide helps you make the right choice, whether you’re shopping for the lowest starting price or the most efficient ride!
Key Takeaways
- To save money on upfront costs, check out the 2024 Equinox!
- Not only does the Escape come standard with a more impressive list of features, but it’s also our overall pick for everyday ride comfort.
- The Escape offers an impressive range of engine options, all of which deliver more power than the Equinox.
- Thanks to its available hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the Escape offers major savings at the pump.
What is the Starting Price of the 2024 Ford Escape?
These compact crossovers are pretty competitively priced, but choosing the base Equinox can save you some money. Compared to the 2024 Escape, which starts at $29,459, the 2024 Equinox offers a budget-friendly MSRP of $26,600.
Is the Interior of the 2024 Ford Escape Nice?
The Escape’s slightly higher starting price includes features that aren't standard for the Equinox, such as dual-zone automatic climate control and a power liftgate. Ford’s small crossover is also available with more options, thanks to its six trim models (Active, PHEV, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, and Platinum). At the higher end of the spectrum, you’ll enjoy upgrades like heated front seats, leather seating, and a panoramic sunroof.
Although the Equinox’s four trim models (LS, LT, RS, and Premier) don’t give you as many choices, they still have a lot to offer. The entry-level Equinox is pretty basic, though it includes many of the same features as the standard Escape, including touchscreen infotainment and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Equinox RS is the most stylish option, with exclusive black exterior trim and 19-inch black wheels. The Equinox’s most luxurious trim, the Premier, includes ambient interior lighting, leather seating, and a heated steering wheel.
What is the Max Horsepower of the 2024 Ford Escape?
Most compact crossovers don’t put a big emphasis on speed, but the Escape is a cut above the rest. For drivers who want to test the limits of the Escape’s sporty capabilities, we highly recommend the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. It speeds past the competition with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. In fact, all Escape engine options deliver more power than the Equinox can provide.
Choose from four Escape engine options, depending on which trim model you select:
- Turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (180 horsepower, 199 lb-ft of torque)
- Turbo 2.0L four-cylinder (250 hp, 280 lb-ft)
- 2.5L hybrid four-cylinder (192 hp, 155 lb-ft)
- 2.5L plug-in hybrid four-cylinder (210 hp, 155 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Continuously variable transmission (hybrid and PHEV powertrains)
- Front-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive
With only one available engine, Equinox shoppers don’t get to choose between a powerful plug-in hybrid and a speedy turbocharged engine. Instead, every Equinox trim model makes 175 horses with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, the Equinox does have one thing in common with the Escape: it’s available with all-wheel drive. Add this traction-boosting gear to your ride for more all-weather safety and trail capabilities.
Every Equinox derives its power from the same turbocharged powertrain:
- Turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine (175 horsepower, 203 lb-ft of torque)
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive
Is the 2024 Ford Escape Fuel Efficient?
Want to save the most at the pump? Then choose the Escape! With its available hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain, Ford’s compact crossover conserves a lot more fuel than the competition. The optional hybrid powertrain helps the Escape earn up to 39 mpg combined (42 city/36 highway).
And the Escape PHEV trim model is even more impressive, thanks to a 37-mile electric range that helps it earn 101 MPGe. In gas-only mode, the Escape PHEV earns 40 mpg combined.
With only one powertrain available, the Equinox is EPA-rated to earn up to 28 mpg combined (26 city/31 highway). With the additional weight of its all-wheel-drive system, those figures drop slightly, to 26 mpg combined (24 city/30 highway).
Should You Choose the 2024 Ford Escape or 2024 Chevy Equinox?
For those who want the absolute best price on a compact SUV, the 2024 Chevy Equinox will do. However, with its classy cabin, turbocharged engine options, and excellent EPA ratings, we think you’ll agree that the 2024 Ford Escape is the best option!