Which small crossover SUV is the better option for your lifestyle, the 2024 Ford Escape or the 2024 Chevy Equinox? Our comparison guide will help you figure out which of these all-American models is the best fit for your needs, whether you’re shopping for the most affordable option or the sportiest performance!
Key Takeaways
- Both small crossovers offer a comfortable ride, but the Escape deliver the roomier cabin.
- Depending on which powertrain you select, the Escape can offer generous at-the-pump savings.
- The Escape also offers the stronger, swifter performance!
- Compared to the 2024 Escape (starting at $29,459), the 2024 Equinox (starting at $26,600) offers the lowest MSRP.
Both the new Escape and Equinox deliver a smooth, comfortable ride. And both are available with luxury options, including leather upholstery, premium sound systems, and heated seats. But the Escape takes the edge in this category, thanks to its extra passenger space!
Compared to the Equinox, the Escape’s front seats offer extra legroom. They’re also a little wider, which means more wiggle room! The Escape’s rear seats offer more space in every direction, making it the roomiest option for rear passengers’ heads, legs, shoulders and hips. The Escape also offers substantially more cargo space, with 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats (the Equinox has 29.9 cubic feet).
Thriftiest Ride: 2024 Ford Escape
In the Escape lineup, you’ll find some very thrifty engine options. The optional hybrid powertrain, available for the Escape ST-Line and up, helps you earn up to 39 mpg combined (42 city/36 highway). The Escape also offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain — found exclusively in the Escape PHEV trim model — that’s even more impressive, offering up to 37 miles of electric-only performance and earning 40 mpg combined in hybrid mode.
The Equinox is neither as powerful as the Escape nor as efficient. Its only available engine is EPA-rated to earn up to 28 mpg combined (26 city/31 highway). Although those figures aren’t bad, the Escape can do much better!
Sporty Performance: 2024 Ford Escape
While many small crossovers offer only one engine option, the Escape offers four choices, depending on trim model. The Escape’s standard powertrain has plenty of pep, but drivers can also outfit their Escape for an incredibly quick ride, compliments of the available turbo 2.0-liter engine, which supplies 250 horsepower. The Escape’s hybrid and plug-in-hybrid options also do a great job of blending smooth power with incredible fuel economy.
Choose from these 2024 Escape powertrain options:
- 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
The Chevy Equinox’s only engine option is similar to the Escape’s base powertrain, if not quite as powerful. Unfortunately, though, the Equinox isn’t available with any upgrades that would make your ride faster or thriftier. But the Equinox does have something in common with the Escape here: it’s available with all-wheel drive, the perfect add-on to improve both all-weather safety and trail performance!
The 2024 Chevy Equinox powertrain specs include:
- Turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine (175 horsepower, 203 lb-ft of torque)
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive
Best Price: 2024 Chevy Equinox
For the lowest price on a small crossover, check out the Equinox first! This Chevy model starts at $26,600, a great price for such a handsomely equipped model.
Although the 2024 Escape is a little more expensive, its $29,459 MSRP includes more standard features (like dual-zone automatic climate control and a power liftgate). Not to mention the Escape is the roomier, more powerful option!
When it comes to MSRP, the 2024 Chevy Equinox is the more economical option. However, it’s the 2024 Ford Escape that can deliver more interior space, greater power, and a thriftier ride!