How does the 2025 Ford Escape stack up against the 2025 Chevy Equinox? Which compact crossover SUV is the most efficient commuter? Which comes at the lowest price? Our comparison guide answers these questions and more!
Key Takeaways
- Thanks to its available hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the Escape is the most efficient commuter!
- For the smoothest ride and greater luxury options, choose the 2025 Escape.
- Both compact crossovers deliver cutting-edge technology, but we think the Escape’s features are more user-friendly.
- Looking for the lowest price? You’ll like the 2025 Equinox!
Everyday Efficiency: 2025 Ford Escape
Thanks to its four available powertrains, you can build an Escape that’s both stronger and more efficient than the Equinox. The Escape PHEV trim model delivers the biggest fuel savings, thanks to a 210-horsepower plug-in hybrid powertrain that helps you earn up to 101 MPGe combined! If you prefer a thrifty SUV that doesn’t need recharging, check out the available hybrid powertrain, which produces 192 horses and earns 39 mpg combined!
2025 Ford Escape Performance Options
- Active, ST-Line: Turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder engine (180 horsepower, 199 lb-ft of torque)
- ST-Line Select and up: Turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 280 lb-ft)
- Optional for ST-Line and up: 2.5L hybrid powertrain (192 hp, 155 lb-ft)
- PHEV: 2.5L plug-in hybrid powertrain (210 hp, 155 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Continuously variable transmission (with hybrid or plug-in hybrid)
- Front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
The Chevy Equinox offers only one engine option, limiting drivers to 175 horses and max EPA ratings of 27 mpg combined. But there is some good news. Like the Escape, this small crossover offers sporty all-wheel drive. Add this performance technology to improve performance on icy winter highways and untamed backroads alike.
2025 Chevy Equinox Performance Options
- Turbo 1.5L four-cylinder engine (175 hp, 184 lb-ft)
- Continuously variable transmission
- Available eight-speed automatic transmission (included with all-wheel drive)
- Front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
Cruising Comfort: 2025 Ford Escape
The Escape has a noticeable edge when it comes to comfort. You’ll love its cushy seats, all of which are contoured for lasting support. Plus, your commute feels smooth and secure, compliments of the Escape’s excellent suspension tuning. This compact crossover even keeps road and wind noise at bay, treating you to a zen-like space to travel to and from work!
With its supportive seating and comfort-tuned suspension, the Equinox actually has a lot in common with the Escape. Chevy’s small SUV even makes an effort to keep noise from seeping into your quiet ride. So what gives the Escape the overall edge? At highway speeds, the Equinox can sometimes feel bouncy, interrupting your calm commute with a little too much cabin vibration.
Modern Technology: 2025 Ford Escape
The Escape comes standard with the friendliest list of convenience features, making your life easier with items like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and ignition, and a power liftgate. Compared to the Equinox, the Escape also delivers the most user-friendly infotainment setup. The SYNC 4 menus are intuitive and the system is quick to do what you want. Plus, this compact crossover comes standard with a robust safety lineup, keeping danger at bay with systems like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist.
With its own high-tech standard lineup, the Equinox is a close second place. Every trim model keeps you connected with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system also includes Google built-in technology and an 11.3-inch central touchscreen, all of which is pretty easy to use (if not quite as fast-acting as its Ford counterpart). And the Equinox also aims to help you stay safe, with a similar suite of standard safety aids.
Lowest Price: 2025 Chevy Equinox
While these compact crossovers are competitively priced, the Equinox ekes out the lowest starting price, with an MSRP of $28,600. However, it’s pretty unlikely that the Escape’s $29,150 MSRP will raise your monthly payment much by comparison. But if you’re cutting corners, the Equinox is a great option.
The Most for Your Money
Not only is the 2025 Ford Escape the most efficient commuter, but it also bolsters your busy North Carolina lifestyle with its modern creature comforts and technology. Choose this compact crossover SUV for the best all-around daily drive! To get started, call or text us at Lafayette Ford in Fayetteville to schedule a test-drive.