2025 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Maverick unleashes efficiency excitement with its potent 38 MPG combined rating, clearly setting the pace against the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, which manages only 27 MPG combined. The Maverick, starting at $28,145, thrills drivers with 191 horsepower, offering a zippier feel than the Equinox's 175 horsepower. While the Equinox counters with superior low-end grunt (184 lb-ft vs. 155 lb-ft), the Maverick’s incredible 42 MPG in city driving makes long commutes effortless, demanding regular unleaded fuel in both compact crossovers. Despite the Equinox measuring slightly wider at 74.9 inches versus the Maverick's 72.6 inches, the Maverick's nearly 11 MPG advantage in fuel economy translates directly to savings, making its efficiency a huge differentiator in this spirited comparison of two urban utility vehicles.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Maverick
The 2025 Ford Maverick wins for commuters due to its outstanding 38 MPG combined fuel economy.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is the family choice by default as the provided data specifies its 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity, while Car 1 lacks this metric.
2025 Ford Maverick
Enthusiasts will prefer the Maverick's higher 191 horsepower output compared to the Equinox's 175 horsepower.
2025 Ford Maverick
The Maverick offers a lower entry point at $28,145 and significantly better fuel efficiency for long-term cost savings.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- You prioritize maximum fuel economy, achieving up to 42 MPG in city driving.
- You need the highest horsepower figure available, boasting 191 hp.
- Your budget is tight, as the MSRP starts $455 lower at $28,145.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- You require dedicated cargo space, offering 29.8 cu ft.
- You prefer the feel of higher low-end pulling power with 184 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a slightly wider stance, measuring 74.9 inches across versus 72.6 inches for Car 1.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Maverick | Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.8" | 183.2" |
| Width | 72.6" | 74.9" |
| Height | 68.8" | 65.6" |
| Wheelbase | 121.1" | 107.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 5600 rpm | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | electrically variable-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) | 42/35 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 38 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 579.6/483.0 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.8 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 13.2 in | 11.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.4 in. | 54.2 in. |
| Seat Material: 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.9 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | 17 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R17 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
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 Maverick and 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.
How significant is the MPG difference between the 2025 Maverick and the 2026 Equinox?
The difference is substantial; the Ford Maverick achieves 38 MPG combined, which is 11 MPG better than the Chevrolet Equinox's 27 MPG combined rating. This translates to fewer stops at the pump for Maverick drivers using regular unleaded fuel.
Which crossover offers better performance dynamics based on specs?
The 2025 Ford Maverick edges out the Equinox in peak power with 191 horsepower versus the Equinox’s 175 horsepower. However, the Equinox boasts better torque (184 lb-ft vs. 155 lb-ft) for off-the-line responsiveness.
Is the Equinox significantly larger than the Maverick?
The Equinox is wider (74.9 inches vs. 72.6 inches) and shorter in length (183.2 inches vs. 199.8 inches). While the Maverick is longer, the Equinox is noted for its 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity, suggesting better usable interior volume.
How do the starting prices compare for these two FWD crossovers?
The 2025 Ford Maverick offers a slightly better entry price point at $28,145 compared to the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, which starts at $28,600. Both utilize regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs manageable for both base models.
What transmissions are used in the comparison vehicles?
Both vehicles utilize automatic transmissions appropriate for FWD setups. The Maverick employs an electrically variable-speed automatic, while the Equinox uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
Does the higher fuel economy in the Maverick compromise its city driving range?
No, the Maverick excels in stop-and-go driving, rated at 42 MPG city, significantly higher than the Equinox’s 26 MPG city rating, making it the superior choice for urban commuting.
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