Starting at
Starting at
| 27 / 33 MPG | Fuel Economy | 26 / 31 MPG |
| 190 - 280 HP | Horsepower | 170 - 252 HP |
| 3,500 LBS | Towing Capacity | 3,500 LBS |
When it comes to compact crossovers, there are so many to choose from that it can get a bit confusing at times. We are going to make it a bit easier for you to make an educated decision on which petite SUV model is right for you in this comparison between the 2020 Ford Escape vs 2020 Chevy Equinox. These two vehicles are about to go head-to-head in a battle of performance, features, and style.
The first thing we will touch on is the space. While both crossovers can carry five passengers comfortably, there is a difference in the amount of cargo room available. The 2020 Ford Escape boasts 37.5 cubic feet of space in the back with all five seats in use. Its maximum cargo area expands to 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The 2020 Chevy Equinox is quite a bit smaller with only 29.9 cubic feet of room behind the back row. However, the maximum cargo area is comparable at 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.
Another similarity between the Escape and the Equinox is that they both have Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This has become a necessity in newer vehicles across all classes due to safety reasons.
Let’s jump into the main difference between these two compact crossovers!
With SUVs of any size, folks have become accustomed to having more than one powertrain to choose from. This is mainly because not everyone needs the same amount of power. It’s not a one-size-fits-all deal. Some people simply want an SUV to get their kids to school and extracurricular activities. Others enjoy heading off into the wild on weekend adventures. That’s why having more than one engine to choose from is so important.
Luckily, the 2020 Ford Escape is available with four various powertrains to satisfy the soccer moms and thriller-seekers alike. First is a turbocharged 1.5L Ecoboost I-3 motor mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. It pumps out 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque and gets an impressive 30 mpg combined (27 city/33 highway). The second gasoline option is a turbocharged 2.0L Ecoboost I-4 that produces 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic SelectShift transmission and front-wheel drive, it has a slightly lower fuel economy set at 26 mpg combined (23 city/31highway).
The Ford Escape is also available with two hybrid powertrain choices. Both use the 2.5L iVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4, but one is a hybrid, and the other is a plug-in hybrid. The difference is in the sizes of the battery packs. The average fuel economy for these is about 40 mpg combined (44 city/37 highway), which is amazing for an SUV. Towing capacity for the Escape is maxed out at 1,500 pounds.
As with the cargo room, the 2020 Chevy Equinox also lacks a bit in the powertrain department. It is only available with two engine options, and neither of those options is eco-friendly. The standard powertrain is a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Together, they generate 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. The estimated fuel economy is set at 28 mpg combined (26 city/31 highway). If you want a little more power, you can opt for the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission, it pushes out 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It also comes equipped with Tow/Haul mode, which enables the Equinox to tow up to 3,500 pounds. You should also keep in mind that FWD is standard, but every trim can be equipped with AWD except for the base model.
Slipping behind the wheel of a new 2020 Ford Escape is an experience all on its own. Even the base S model is impressive with an advanced infotainment system and numerous safety features. It comes with Sync, a 6-speaker stereo system, and a trio of power outlets for charging your mobile devices. Equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite, it also comes standard with rear cross-traffic alert, blindspot monitoring, pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, emergency braking, and a rearview camera.
Next is the SE version includes heated seats for comfort during the colder months, the upgraded Sync 3 infotainment interface, and satellite radio. Taking a half-step up to the SE Sport Hybrid will get you a larger instrument panel. Everything else on this trim is essentially the same as the SE.
Then we have the SEL model. It’s a bit more luxurious with a heated. leather-wrapped steering wheel, SiriusXM Radio, and Travel Link. It also comes with durable ActiveX upholstery that can withstand heavy traffic. That makes the SEL a great choice for athletic families. The fifth and final trim is called the Titanium. This premium model includes leather-trimmed seating, dual-zone climate control, and a top-of-the-line 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo. A subwoofer has also been added for enhanced sound. It even comes with remote start and Active Park Assist 2.0 for parallel street parking.
Again, the Chevy Equinox comes up a bit short with only four trims to choose from as opposed to the Escape’s five trims. However, each trim is well-appointed. The base L includes a height-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless ignition/entry, and a 6-speaker stereo system. The infotainment interface is displayed on a 7-inch touchscreen and comes with its own 4G LTE Wifi hotspot. Standard safety features include forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, emergency braking, automatic high beams, and a rearview camera.
The second trim is known as the LS. It’s a great choice for families with teen drivers. Equipped with Teen Driver Technology, this system will disable the stereo if the seatbelt has not been fastened. It also provides parents with a report card of the teen’s driving habits.
Next is the LT version, which adds heated front seats, a power liftgate, and satellite radio. Blindspot monitoring has also been added to this level. Lastly, the Premier model includes luxury features like heated leather seats, a wireless charging pad, and a hands-free power liftgate. Optional at this level is a Bose stereo system and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.
Just like with the interior features, the exterior styling elements on these two crossovers vary depending on the trim.
The 2020 Escape S base model rides on 17-inch wheels and has been fitted with skid plates to protect the underside from damage. Black accents on the beltline moldings, window moldings, side mirrors, spoiler, and grille give it a sleek appearance. If you want a chrome look, you should choose the SE. It has a chrome grille and chrome accents on the beltline and window moldings. It also features LED lights and a body-colored spoiler. The SE Sport Hybrid gets black-painted wheels, and the SEL rolls on larger 18-inch wheels with a black mesh grille and foglights. Finally, the Titanium version boasts a chrome grille, black roof rails, and chrome moldings.
As for the new Equinox, the exterior styling elements don’t vary much. This is because many of the exterior features come standard and carry across the higher trims. These features include LED daytime running lights, heated side mirrors, and automatic headlamps. The LS model can also be equipped with rear privacy glass to prevent passersby from looking inside the vehicle.
Lastly, let’s look at the paint options. The Escape is available in 10 gorgeous shades, including Star White, Rapid Red, Velocity Blue, Agate Black, Dark Persian Green, Magnetic, Oxford White, Sedona Orange, Ingot silver, and Desert Gold. The newest hue is Desert Gold. You won’t see many of them driving around just yet.
On the other hand, the Equinox is also available in 10 colors, including Summit White, Iridescent Pearl Tricoat, Mosaic Black Metallic, Midnight Blue Metallic, Nightfall Gray Metallic, Pacific Blue Metallic, Silver Ice Metallic, Chocolate Metallic, Cayenne Orange Metallic, and Cajun Red Tintcoat.
If you are looking for a vehicle at a competitive price, head on down to Kings Ford here in Cincinnati, OH. Our team of experienced auto experts can help you select the perfect set of wheels to suit your needs. With customer satisfaction as our top priority, we want you to drive off the lot in your new ride with a big ole smile on your face. Whether you are searching for a new or pre-owned vehicle, our inventory is loaded with amazing options. Even if you only have a vague idea of what you want, our experts can assist you in finding the perfect match. Give our office a call or stop by Kings Ford today to take one of our vehicles out for a spin.
*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.
