How should you choose between the 2024 Ford Escape and 2024 Chevy Equinox? Our comparison guide examines their strengths, leaving you to decide which small crossover is the best fit for your lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- To spend less on an entry-level crossover, the Equinox is the best option.
- Compared to the Equinox, the Escape comes standard with a much longer list of standard features.
- Both crossovers get high marks for ride comfort and passenger space, but the Escape offers a much roomier cargo hold.
- To balance sporty capabilities with excellent fuel economy, choose the Ford Escape.
Thriftiest Price: 2024 Chevy Equinox
For the absolute best price on a brand new compact crossover, put the Equinox at the top of your wish list. This Chevy starts at $26,600, a great price for such a handsomely equipped entry-level crossover. At that price, you’ll enjoy standard features like touchscreen infotainment, driver safety aids, and LED headlamps.
However, the 2024 Escape is not much more expensive, with a competitive MSRP of $29,495. And as we’ll see, the Escape makes up for the price jump with an even longer list of standard features.
For the 2024 model year, Ford canceled the Escape’s Base trim model, making the mid-grade Active the barrier to entry. Technically, this means that the Escape comes standard with more features than the Equinox. And that’s especially apparent in the comfort and convenience department!
Both the 2024 Ford Escape and Chevy Equinox come standard with these features:
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Two front-seat USB ports
- Six-speaker sound system
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Forward collision mitigation
- Lane-keeping assistance
Compared to the Equinox, though, the entry-level Escape is an upgrade, adding these standard features:
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Rear-seat USB ports
- Satellite radio
- Power liftgate
- Blind-spot monitoring
Maximum Space & Comfort: 2024 Ford Escape
When it comes to ride comfort, these crossovers definitely give one another a run for their money! Besides being the better-equipped crossover, the Escape also treats you to supportive seating and a smooth ride. Then again, the Equinox is also known for its comfortable ride! In terms of passenger space, both crossovers deliver plenty of room for you and your loved ones.
If you’re planning a few road trips this year, you should check out the Escape first and foremost. It provides more room for your luggage, with 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. By comparison, the Equinox’s offers 29.9 cubic feet for your stuff.
Swift Performance: 2024 Ford Escape
When it comes to power, the Escape is rare in the compact crossover segment. Not only does the Escape deliver a smooth, agile performance, but it also offers your choice of four engine options! With its hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Escape earns around 40 mpg combined. On the other hand, with its turbo, 250-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, the Escape is also the quicker option!
Here’s a look at the Escape’s many 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
Like most models in this segment, the Equinox is only available with one engine option. In terms of power, this turbo four-cylinder engine is comparable to the Escape’s base engine, and it has no problem keeping up with traffic. However, with only one engine option, anyone interested in a thriftier or more powerful performance is out of luck. With front-wheel drive, the Equinox earns up to 28 mpg combined. The 2024 Equinox’s powertrain isn’t exciting, but it gets the job done. 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
The Best Crossover for You
To save money, the 2024 Chevy Equinox is a fine choice. But to go above and beyond, with an incredible standard lineup, more power (or greater efficiency), and excellent cargo space, the 2023 Ford Escape is really the best choice.