VS
At a Glance
Power
175hp @ 5600
180hp @ 6000
Torque
203lb-ft @ 2000-4000
199lb-ft @ 3000
Fuel
27 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Towing
—
2000lbs
Engine
—
1.5 L/91ci
Choosing between the Chevrolet Equinox and the Ford Escape is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Chevrolet Equinox delivers 175hp @ 5600 while the Ford Escape produces 180hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Equinox returns 27 mpg est. while the Escape uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $35,600 for the Equinox and $30,350 for the Escape. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Chevrolet EquinoxAWD 4dr ACTIV w/KDZ 2026 - From $35,600
Ford EscapeActive FWD 2026 - From $30,350
Performance
Power Output (hp)
175hp @ 5600
180hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
203lb-ft @ 2000-4000
199lb-ft @ 3000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
—
1.5 L/91ci
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
27 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
25mpg
27mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
34mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.6gal
14.8gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.2in
180.5in
Width (in)
74.9in
74.1in
Height (in)
65.6in
66.1in
Wheelbase (in)
107.5in
106.7in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3607lbs
3283lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
2000lbs
Safety
ABS
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ford Escape
4 / 4 categories
Performance
Escape
Fuel Economy
Escape
Value
Escape
Practicality
Escape
Pros & Cons
Chevrolet Equinox
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (27 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Ford Escape
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($30,350)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Equinox or Escape?
The Equinox gets 27 mpg est. and the Escape gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Escape is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Equinox or Escape?
The Equinox produces 175hp @ 5600 and 203lb-ft @ 2000-4000 of torque while the Escape delivers 180hp @ 6000 and 199lb-ft @ 3000 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Equinox and Escape?
The Equinox starts from $35,600 and the Escape from $30,350. The Escape is cheaper by $5,250 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Equinox or Escape?
The Equinox has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Escape can tow 2000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Equinox or the Escape?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.