2023 Ford Escape vs 2023 Chevrolet Equinox

Every loving family wants the perfect SUV designed for both fun and comfort. That usually translates to quality seats with all the best technology, and a smooth ride for the occasional road trip. In that case, Ford and Chevrolet are worthy contenders with their latest Escape and Equinox models. However, only one of them gives a better all-around experience. Today, the experts at Essential Ford of Stuart are comparing the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. 

2023 Ford Escape vs. 2023 Chevrolet Equinox

What does every family look for in their dream SUV? The driver might prefer a powerful engine with great mileage for fewer pit stops during road trips, their passenger-seat companion likely appreciates comfortable seating, and the younger ones in the back will want to be entertained the entire way. Which SUV meets all these criteria? The 2023 Ford Escape seems to be the most likely winner in this scenario.


Performance

It’s easy to forget that the Maverick is technically a hybrid since it gives the same impression as any other Ford truck, but it does have the wonderful benefits that come with supporting a full hybrid engine and the ability to upgrade to an EcoBoost engine. The 2.5L full hybrid engine comes standard in every 2023 Maverick model with 191 horsepower and 500 miles of range. With the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and all-wheel drive, the horsepower jumps up to 250. And since the Maverick is a pickup truck first and foremost, you can expect an impressive payload capability of 1,500 pounds and an available towing package that lets you pull up to 4,000 pounds. But getting back to the hybrid aspect, the mileage rating is definitely something to brag about with 42 in-city and 33 highway miles per gallon.

You can choose your own power output and fuel economy with the Escape's three distinct engine types. The base engine is a 1.5L EcoBoost with 181 horsepower which is already very substantial and with a great mileage rating of 27 in-city and 33 highway miles per gallon. Upgrading to the 2.0L EcoBoost engine will get you the highest horsepower for the Equinox at 250, or you can go with the 2.5L iVCT hybrid engine for greater range and fewer emissions. Each trim comes standard with selectable drive modes for various road conditions and driving preferences like Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Normal. If you want improved handling, you can include available all-wheel drive. The ST-Line trim is also able to support Sport Handling Suspension for a more improved drive feel.

The new Equinox only comes in one engine type, and it’s a 1.5L Turbo at 175 horsepower with no option to upgrade the power to surpass the Escape’s standard engine. The fuel economy isn’t much better with 24 in-city and 30 highway miles per gallon. And while the Escape has an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Equinox is only a 6-speed.

Safety & Features

Ford Co-Pilot360 is the brand’s dedicated safety package that includes both standard and available features. The list of technology is already pretty extensive, but the Escape is also able to support a head-up display to project your important information directly onto the windshield as well as a 360-degree camera that uses cameras from all sides of the Escape to give you a split view and overhead shot of the vehicle.

The new Equinox comes equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, but it doesn’t include quite as much as what’s in the Ford Co-Pilot360. You can also utilize a rear vision camera and rear seat reminder, but those are basic features that have already been around for ages.

Ford Co-Pilot360

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
• BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking
• Rear View Camera
• Evasive Steering Assist
• Lane Keeping System
• Auto High-Beam Headlamps
• Available Active Park Assist 2.0
• Available Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control
• Available Connected Built-In Navigation

 
Chevy Safety Assist

• Forward Collison Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking
• Front Pedestrian Braking
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Following Distance Indicator
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Intellibeam Auto High Beam Assist

 

Interior

The cabin experience is where the new Escape really shines, although it has been impressing us enough already. The seating truly accommodates everyone as the legroom is adjustable. For instance, the second row can slide back and forth to allow an extra 5.9 inches of space wherever it’s needed. In total, the Escape has a maximum cargo allowance of 65.4 cubic feet. It also helps that the rear seats have 60/40 folding capability to prioritize cargo over passengers and vice versa. The front passenger alone can have over 40 inches of available space to stretch their legs during long drives, and upgrading to the ST-Line trim will transform the seats into sport contour bucket seats with attractive contrast stitching elements. In the tech department, you’ll be absolutely amazed at the screen sizes with 12.3 inches for the digital gauge cluster and 13.2 inches for the center touchscreen. These available screens are much larger than what comes in your average SUV, and you can pair an available B&O sound system with 10 speakers to turn your little party into a full rave.

Unfortunately, the new Equinox comes up short in many aspects. The digital information cluster only goes up to 4.2 inches and the center touchscreen can only go up to 8 inches. Not even breaking the double digits, these screen sizes are incredibly underwhelming next to the Escape. Not to mention, the available Bose speaker system only comes with seven speakers.


Bottom Line

For a drive that keeps everyone comfortable and entertained, you’ll have a much grander time in the 2023 Ford Escape with better engine power, mileage, safety features, and interior technology. No matter how hard Chevrolet tries, the Equinox just doesn’t even come close.

Ask Essential Ford of Stuart About the 2023 Ford Escape!

Interested in the new 2023 Ford Escape? Just contact your local Ford experts at Essential Ford of Stuart! Call (727) 287-0955 today for more information on the latest Ford Escape and how you can get your own.