Open Today Sales: 9 AM-8 PM
Starting at
Starting at
| 26 / 32 | MPG | 21 / 29 |
| 203 lb-ft | Torque | 170 lb-ft |
| 1,500 lbs | Tow Capacity | 1,500 lbs |
The 2018 Chevy Equinox vs. 2018 Ford Escape are two comparable SUVs when you look at their stats. Unless you look very closely, you might even mistake them for the same vehicle, as their visual appeal is striking in the same way. The average consumer might even have a difficult time distinguishing them overall, even if given the tools to know which one is their best bet. Both are stylish, fun to drive, and both are American made which means they will be similar in their engineering approaches.
But the Chevrolet Equinox is ultimately more fuel-efficient, even more, spacious in its interior, and ultimately it tows a bit more. It also seems to be a safer vehicle overall, with more standard safety features. For consumers looking for vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox for its affordability and what they receive, it may be the best choice. Like many other SUVs, upgrades are required for those exceptional features. However, in the Ford Escape, you would only ending up getting some extra cargo volume while spending quite a bit more.
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with an 8.0-inch unit available if the buyer upgrades. This is what car buyers have come to expect. Critics also are relieved to find Chevrolet’s MyLink, which is the most user-friendly and visible of all of similar standard entertainment units. Its convenient location on the dashboard is what makes it stand out among competitors.
Customers and critics alike are pleased and rarely disappointed with the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Bluetooth phone compatibility.
Safety features include lane assist, emergency braking, high-beams, and rear parking sensors. Rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring are welcome additions to any safety conscious driver. They are available with the LT model trim upgrade.
The 2018 Ford Escape stands out in its performance in government crash testing by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the nonprofit, independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, it should be noted that only models with the optional safety gear were the ones tested. Also, Ford’s ratings and safety equipment have leveled out since 2017 and hasn’t seen much updating.
The Escape’s SEL trim also includes rear parking sensors, but buyers must upgrade to Titanium models for enhanced parking assist. The Titanium upgrade is costly, and this is a feature you would find standard in other vehicles.
The 2018 Ford Escape does have standard airbags, child seats, and a spare tire.
And as a two-row vehicles, it has two sets of LATCH anchors, which is to be expected of most SUVs. These LATCH anchors are mounted on the outboard rear seats, while LATCH tethers are mounted on the back.
One major complaint buyers had of other manufacturers, was that the use of these LATCH anchors and tethers can be difficult. But in the 2018 Ford Escape, infant and child-seat installation is easy. This is due in part simply by the incorporation of tall, wide rear doors.
This additional space, however, impedes the other passengers with a notable lack of overall legroom.
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is designed for hauling and has a powerful engine that is fuel-efficient. The Ford Escape is comparable, but according to the numbers, falls short when it comes to horsepower
With two turbocharged four-cylinder and a standard six-speed automatic transmissions, you would think that the Ford Escape was leading in pickup and horsepower. Its EcoBoost helps, but critics noticed it is sometimes lethargic. This was true in 2017 and hasn’t changed in the 2018 model. If a buyer wants speed and power, their best bet is to upgrade to the more expensive SE and Titanium trims.
The Chevrolet Equinox stands out in the looks department. It is luxurious and turns customer’s heads. The Equinox and the Ford Escape are visually more comparable than other makes and models. They are both modern looking, and do not have the boxier look that is typically a turn off to car-buyers. So, it is difficult to split hairs as to which has the better style. However, the interior and exterior of the Ford Escape don’t seem have changed much in the last two years. The Equinox has seen changes here and there that customers and critics have noticed.
Customers are excited about the 2018 Equinox L because it is both affordable and luxurious. Chevrolet has figured out how to provide luxurious seating, comfort, user-friendliness, and doesn’t insist on multiple upgrades to accomplish this. Other makes and models, even the Ford Escape, require hefty upgrades to ensure the customer gets what they have come to expect. The 2018 Equinox has a more luxurious look compared to the sportier Escape.
Compared to some of its competitors, the Escape was considered one of the better-looking small crossovers in 2017. 2018 updates did see more standards, especially in the SE model, which now has roof rails, heated exterior mirrors, and a power liftgate. The new SEL trim has standard LED running lights, and Titanium models have HID headlights. However, critics never say anything positive about the front fender spears, which appear cheap, but keep showing up in redesigns.
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox The Ford Escape’s dimensions are 178″ L x 72″ W x 66″ H, which ultimately means you get an inch more in height and width, but you will end up losing out on overall length by at least 10”. As I mentioned, the cargo volume is where the Escape stands out; its cubic dimensions are intentionally set up, so you have a bit more seating in the back, which makes up for the lack of roominess in the front, which the Equinox has. The Equinox’s roominess and cabin space are unmatched. And even though the Escape has a bit more cargo capacity, it’s not by much. Again, upgrades are required for more roominess, and though the Escape appears larger from the outside, it is in fact smaller. With a crossover this size, consumers have come to expect there to be at least a fair amount of cargo space. And with the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, they would not be disappointed. Unfortunately, The Ford Escape does not especially go beyond expectation. Critics have noted that any cargo that is irregularly shaped makes the Escape appear even more confined. This is not an issue that arises with the Equinox. Most notably, the 2018 Ford Escape has not seen any changes in cargo space since its 2017 model. Both the 2017 and 2018 models have 60/40 folding rear seats.
*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.