2025 Ford Escape vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Escape bursts onto the scene with an energetic 180 hp and a superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG, making its 8-speed automatic transmission feel lively for daily driving. Conversely, the redesigned 2026 Chevrolet Equinox brings a slightly longer, leaner profile at 183.2 inches, appealing to those prioritizing overall road presence, though its 175 hp output and 27 combined MPG suggest a more measured pace. The Escape leverages its higher torque (199 lb-ft vs. 184 lb-ft) to feel quicker off the line, while the Equinox undercuts it significantly on entry price at $28,600 compared to the Escape's $29,515. While both are FWD crossovers, the Escape’s traditional gearbox might offer a more engaging feel than the Equinox’s CVT. The handling dynamics in the compact dimensions—Escape measuring 74.1 inches wide versus the Equinox at 74.9 inches wide—will determine who truly owns the twisty roads.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Escape
The 2025 Ford Escape wins for commuters due to its higher 30 MPG combined rating and more responsive 8-speed automatic transmission.
2025 Ford Escape
The Ford Escape offers substantially more utility for families with 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Equinox's 29.8 cu ft.
2025 Ford Escape
Car1 is the enthusiast's pick because it produces 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, topping the Equinox's performance metrics.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox provides better initial value by boasting a lower MSRP of $28,600.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- You prioritize maximum fuel efficiency, as the Escape achieves 34 MPG highway.
- You require the largest available storage, benefiting from 37.5 cubic feet of cargo room.
- You prefer the quicker, more traditional shifting experience of an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- Sticking to the lowest possible transaction price is key, given its $28,600 MSRP.
- You appreciate slightly larger exterior dimensions, such as its 183.2-inch length.
- You are comfortable with the operational characteristics of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Escape | Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1" | 183.2" |
| Width | 74.1" | 74.9" |
| Height | 66.0" | 65.6" |
| Wheelbase | 106.7" | 107.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/503.2 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 11.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 54.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 55.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | 17 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Escape and 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Ford Escape than the Chevy Equinox?
The 2025 Ford Escape is notably more efficient, achieving a 30 MPG combined rating versus the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox's 27 MPG combined. This 3 MPG advantage translates directly into fewer stops at the pump during daily driving.
Which crossover has more cargo space for hauling gear?
The 2025 Ford Escape clearly leads in utility, offering a maximum cargo capacity of 37.5 cubic feet. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox trails significantly, providing only 29.8 cubic feet behind the second row.
Is the 2026 Chevy Equinox significantly cheaper than the 2025 Ford Escape?
Yes, the Equinox undercuts the Escape on sticker price. The Equinox starts at an MSRP of $28,600, whereas the Escape begins at $29,515, creating a price gap of $915 right at the entry point.
What is the horsepower and torque difference between the two vehicles?
The 2025 Escape has a slight performance edge with 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Equinox offers 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, making the Escape fractionally stronger across the board.
Do these models use the same type of transmission?
No, they utilize different automatic transmissions for power delivery. The Escape uses a conventional 8-speed automatic, while the Equinox employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
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