Chevrolet and Ford compete in just about every vehicle class, and that battle is especially heated in the compact SUV segment with the Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape.

These two vehicles enjoy a long history, with Equinox helping pace Chevy sales for years and the Escape pushing Ford to be seen as a leader in the SUV market for decades. The two vehicles meet the needs of their target buyer as well as any offerings in the segment.

Let’s check out these crosstown rivals and see which is a better SUV for you.

2024 Chevrolet Equinox

The Equinox is Chevrolet’s top-selling vehicle that doesn’t have a truck bed behind it. The brand knows inexpensive transportation. It starts with the Equinox’s simple, clean exterior styling. It also features a spacious cabin, impressive technology, and good fuel economy.

Powered by a capable 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine putting out 175 horsepower through a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Chevrolet Equinox gets an EPA-estimated 28 combined mpg. All-wheel drive (AWD) is an option, which is available in four trim packages: LS, LT, RS, and Premier.

The cabin offers ample space for five people, and the styling is uncomplicated. The rear cargo space is not class-leading but more than sufficient. Pricing begins at $27,995, including destination charge. It’s worth noting that an all-new Chevrolet Equinox is on the way for the 2025 model year.

Chevrolet Equinox Highlights

Special editions: While Equinox’s exterior styling may not be cutting edge, upgrading to the Midnight Edition or Redline Edition appearance packages injects a dose of excitement.

Confidence & Convenience Package: Standard on all but the base LS trim, this package features a power liftgate, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and safety tech features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Chevy Safety Assist: This suite of advanced driver assistance technology features automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, a following distance indicator, and automatic high beams.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Equinox models near you.

2024 Ford Escape

For more than two decades, the Ford Escape has been a popular choice in the small SUV segment. It provides good value in a very attractive package. Until a redesign a few years back, it resembled a rugged little ute. Now, it projects a more European look with soft curves instead of hard edges.

This SUV features four powertrain options, including a hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV), that provide a mix of excellent power and fuel economy. It also offers ample room for passengers and cargo. In certain configurations, it tows up to 3,500 pounds, allowing for lighter sports machines or even a small boat.

The Ford Escape is available in six trim levels, in ascending order: Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and PHEV. Pricing for the Escape starts at $30,990, including destination fee.

Ford Escape Highlights

Powertrain choices: A 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder putting out 180 hp comes standard, but Ford offers plenty of options. If you want more power, try the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder EcoBoost and get 250 hp. The two hybrid options, conventional and plug-in, offer more power and better fuel economy than the base engine.

Tech forward: Ford not only made wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, but its SYNC 4 system allows the driver to handle a variety of tasks using the 13.2-inch touchscreen available on some models.

Great sound: If you require an amazing audio system, the optional B&O 10-speaker premium audio system brings your music to life and makes the cabin feel and sound like a more premium SUV.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Escape models near you.

Similarities

The Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Escape carry up to five people, feature simple exterior styling, and offer infotainment and safety technologies, enhancing their wide-ranging appeal. Offering an affordable price tag probably doesn’t hurt either.

Conclusion

These are two evenly matched choices, although the Chevrolet Equinox and its lower starting price certainly do give it an edge. Conversely, the Ford Escape offers a variety of powertrain options that can tailor a vehicle to a buyer’s needs. For this year, the Escape is the better choice since it has more modern tech, more cargo space, better fuel economy, and more variety under the hood. Either go with the Ford or wait for the all-new 2025 Chevrolet Equinox to arrive.