Starting at
Starting at
| 180-250 | Horsepower (hp) | 175 |
| 39 | Fuel Economy (MPG) | 28 |
| 13.2 | Screen Size (in) | 8 |
Choosing the right compact crossover model can seem like an enormous task; you have so many different vehicles to choose from that trying to compare them all quickly becomes overwhelming. Fortunately, it does not have to be this way since you cannot go wrong by choosing the 2023 Ford Escape, one of the most impressive compact models out there. Of course, you do not have to simply take our word for it. When we compare the 2023 Ford Escape vs 2023 Chevy Equinox, you will see for yourself just how remarkable the Escape truly is.
For example, the 2023 Equinox, which is a very popular compact crossover, has just one engine available that delivers a mere 175 hp and comes with an older six-speed automatic transmission. The 2023 Ford Escape, on the other hand, has four different engine options that you can choose from, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. Even setting aside the two hybrid choices, you still have a pair of amazing engines available from Ford, including a 250-hp beauty that comes paired with an eight-speed automatic. This provides you with a far better driving experience than the Equinox, plus you can get superior fuel economy to go further with fewer stops for gas.
Beyond the remarkable engines available for the Ford Escape, it remains a better option in every way. You have much better towing capability with the Escape, along with a larger rear cargo area and more overall cargo volume than the Chevy Equinox. The kinds of features you can find inside these two models also put the Ford option ahead with a larger infotainment screen and a wider range of amazing technology that gives you a better experience every time you get behind the wheel. Combine all of that with terrific standard and available safety features, and you have a crossover that cannot be beat.
So much of your driving experience depends on your engine that it is something you should always focus on and consider before choosing a vehicle. This is something that Ford clearly understands since it offers an incredible selection of powertrains for the 2023 Escape, whereas Chevy has fallen behind with the Equinox. Chevy offers just one engine for the Equinox, which might be fine if it was exceptional, but it is not. The 2023 Equinox comes with a 1.5L four-cylinder engine that offers just 175 hp and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission for unremarkable overall performance.
With the 2023 Ford Escape, however, you have four different engine options to choose from, with tremendous differences between them. Even if you go with the base engine, you will get a 1.5L EcoBoost that delivers 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. This is pretty comparable to Chevy’s engine, but you can also choose a 2.0L EcoBoost that increases performance up to 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, you have a truly exceptional driving experience with incredible power. Plus, both of these engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission for a smoother and more responsive drive.
What is truly remarkable, however, is that Ford not only gives you options with far superior power but also much greater efficiency. The 2023 Equinox gets an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. By comparison, the standard engine in the 2023 Escape gets an EPA-estimated 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. If you choose the available 2.5L Hybrid engine for the Escape, you get an EPA-estimated 42 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway for truly incredible fuel economy. There is also a plug-in hybrid version of the Escape that can get an estimated 37 miles of all-electric range without ever touching the gas tank, proving that Ford offers incredible options overall.
You might imagine that the interior of most vehicles is much the same since there are only so many ways to arrange the space. However, how this space is approached can vary greatly from one manufacturer to the next. While both the Ford Escape and the Chevy Equinox are compact crossover models, there are some significant differences in how they have been designed. This is not to say that the Equinox is awful, simply that the Escape has been created in a more mindful way that focuses on your needs.
For starters, there are some important differences in the amount of usable space you will find within these two vehicles. These are both two-row crossovers with seating for up to five passengers. However, the 2023 Equinox has 29.9 cu.ft. of rear cargo volume for you to take advantage of and 63.9 cu.ft. of total cargo space behind the front seats. The amount of space inside the 2023 Ford Escape depends on whether you choose a hybrid or gas model. Hybrid models have 34.4 cu.ft. of rear cargo space and 60.8 cu.ft. of total space, but an Escape with an EcoBoost engine provides you with 37.5 cu.ft. of rear cargo volume and 65.4 cu.ft. of total space. You get significantly more space to use in the back of the Escape, no matter which model you choose.
In terms of comfort, both of these models have impressive standard and available options, but the Ford Escape comes out on top every time. Looking at the starting trims, you will find cloth seating in both models with air conditioning and other comfort features. But the Equinox starts with four-way manually-adjustable front seats, while the Ford Escape comes with a six-way manual driver’s seat standard. You can see this trend continue in the higher trims. The Equinox Premier has an eight-way power driver’s seat and four-way manual front-passenger seat, while the Escape Platinum comes with a 10-way power driver’s seat and six-way power front-passenger seat. Across the board, the Ford model simply gives you more.
These days, the technology packed into your vehicle is just as important as its performance features and cabin design. You want to choose a compact crossover that is loaded with innovative technology designed to make your drive each day easier and help ensure you and your loved ones stay safe. While the Chevy Equinox has some decent technology available, it falls short of what the Ford Escape delivers.
Standard tech features in the 2023 Equinox include a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker sound system, and a 3.5-inch black-and-white driver information display. Looking at the highest Equinox trim, the Premier, we find a slightly larger eight-inch infotainment screen, the same sound system, and a multi-color driver display that is only a bit bigger at 4.2 inches. In terms of driver-assist tech, Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning are all standard. However, tools like Adaptive Cruise Control require an extra package, even on the highest trim.
With the 2023 Ford Escape, you get exceptional technology at every level, including an eight-inch infotainment display, an eight-inch color instrument cluster for the driver, and a six-speaker sound system, all standard on the base trim. Going up to the highest trim, the Platinum, you will find a stunning 13.2-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and an available 10-speaker B&O sound system. Every 2023 Escape comes with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist technologies, including Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and a Blind Spot Information System with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert to warn you when someone is approaching as you are backing up. The Platinum trim comes with Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, and Speed Sign Recognition, plus available Active Park Assist 2.0, which can handle getting into and out of parking spots for you to make your life even easier.
Even a quick look at what these two vehicles have to offer makes it clear that while the Chevy Equinox is a decent crossover model, it simply cannot compare with what you can get from Ford. The Ford Escape is a fantastic vehicle that has been getting better with each passing year, and the 2023 model illustrates that perfectly. Whether you are most interested in the stunning assortment of engines or simply like the gorgeous style and spacious interior that the Escape brings to the road, Ford has you covered. No matter what you are looking for in your next compact crossover, we are here to make sure you drive off in the perfect vehicle.
At Newton Ford South, we have worked hard to assemble a fantastic team of people who are ready to assist you with everything you need, from our friendly and knowledgeable salespeople who will take you through the Ford lineup to our helpful financing experts who are ready to answer all your questions and ensure you get the right financing for your situation. Plus, with our certified service center and genuine Ford parts department, we will be here to help you with anything you need as you enjoy your vehicle for many years ahead. Call or come visit us at Newton Ford South today to learn more, and let us show you how easy it can be to find the right Ford with everything you have been looking for!
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
