Chevrolet and Ford have been longtime rivals in every type of vehicle segment, from brawny trucks to muscle cars. These American brands each boast a squadron of SUVs, like the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox or the 2025 Ford Escape for the compact SUV segment. Both models have long histories and loyal owners, but which might be best for you?
Here’s how the Chevy Equinox and Ford Escape stack up against one another.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox enters an all-new generation for 2025, and its revamp gives this popular compact SUV a bolder, more rugged design compared to the outgoing generation. This all-new Equinox also brings a technology-forward interior and plenty of space for passengers and their gear. All Equinox models are powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 175 horsepower. Pricing starts at $29,995, including destination fee.
Chevrolet Equinox Highlights
Dual digital displays: The new 2025 Equinox makes a great impression when you slip into the driver’s seat thanks to an 11-inch digital driver display and 11.3-inch touchscreen. They are standard in every grade of Equinox and give it a modern, tech-rich feel.
Heated front seats and steering wheel: You’ll appreciate these warm features every cold morning. Even better, these come standard in the 2025 Equinox, something the Escape can’t match.
All-wheel drive: Choosing this option not only gives you more all-weather assurance; it also means upgrading the Equinox with more torque and an 8-speed automatic transmission versus the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in front-wheel-drive models.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Equinox models near you.
2025 Ford Escape
Over the past decades, the Ford Escape has dutifully served its owners with practicality and efficiency, and—depending on the powertrain—good efficiency or even some verve. The Escape lineup offers a lot of variety, with a half-dozen trims available and four powertrains to choose from, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. Pricing starts at $30,645.
Ford Escape Highlights
Sliding rear seat: The Escape’s sliding rear seat is perfect for those times when you need more cargo space or extra legroom for taller passengers seated in the back. This handy feature is one of those things you never knew you needed until you had it.
Powertrain options: The optional 250-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine adds much more performance and personality to the Escape compared to its base 3-cylinder engine. Drivers prioritizing efficiency might want to check out the hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains.
User-friendly infotainment system: The Escape comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports, a digital instrument display, and Wi-Fi hot spot. Options worth considering include a rich-sounding B&O audio system, a larger 13.2-inch screen, and interior ambient lighting.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Escape models near you.
Similarities
The Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape both feature 2-row/5-passenger configurations, available all-wheel drive, and some great technology. They also each start near the $30,000 mark.
Pricing
New 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Prices
|
$31,080 |
$29,090 |
|||
|
$35,480 |
$33,187 |
|||
|
$35,480 |
$33,411 |
New 2025 Ford Escape Prices
|
$29,895 |
$28,391 |
|||
|
$30,890 |
$29,441 |
|||
|
$33,725 |
$32,679 |
|||
|
$33,985 |
$32,931 |
|||
|
$35,685 |
$33,918 |
|||
|
$37,040 |
$35,891 |
|||
|
$37,110 |
$35,503 |
|||
|
$38,035 |
$36,616 |
|||
|
$39,605 |
$38,634 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles and New 2025 Ford Escape vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Chevrolet Equinox | 2025 Ford Escape | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 175 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 180 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 199 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 26 city/28 highway/27 combined | 27 city/34 highway/30 combined |
| Also Available | AWD, 8-speed automatic | AWD; 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder/2.5-liter hybrid 4-cylinder/PHEV |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | N/R | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.5 inches | 106.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 183.2 inches | 180.1 inches |
| Width | 74.9 inches | 74.1 inches |
| Height | 65.6 inches | 66.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.4 feet | 38.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.0 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.2 inches | 39.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.9 inches | 42.4 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.9 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.7 inches | 57.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.8 inches | 56.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 29.8 cubic feet | 37.5 cubic feet |
Conclusion
Brand loyalties aside, choosing between a Ford and a Chevy is no easy task, and the Equinox and Escape are proof of that. Both offer unique traits against the other. The Equinox is the fresher of the two and has a more angular, rugged appearance. The Escape, meanwhile, still boasts some nice tech while offering far more variety of trims and powertrains. We recommend listing your priorities in an SUV, kicking the tires of each, and taking a test drive to see which of these two speaks to you.