Are you considering getting behind the wheel of either the Ford Escape or the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox — but can’t figure out which compact crossover SUV is the better choice for you? For some clarity, take a look at this 2023 Ford Escape vs. 2023 Chevy Equinox comparison. With its various advantages, the Escape defeats the Equinox in six ways. 

2023 Ford Escape vs. 2023 Chevy Equinox

In this 2023 Ford Escape vs. 2023 Chevy Equinox crossover SUV comparison, we analyzed multiple areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

Escape vs. Equinox: Performance

With its more powerful engine options, the 2023 Ford Escape outmuscles the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. Buyers of the Escape have a choice of four engine options: a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (181 horsepower), a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (250 horsepower), a hybrid (210 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid (210 horsepower). In comparison, all Equinox models are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (175 horsepower).

Escape vs. Equinox: Gas mileage

For efficiency, the Escape has the advantage. The fully gas-powered Escape gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, and the Escape Hybrid gets a gas mileage of up to 41 combined mpg. Additionally, the Escape PHEV has a fuel efficiency of 105 combined MPGe when in electric mode and 40 combined mpg in hybrid mode. In comparison, the Equinox has an estimated gas mileage of up to 28 combined mpg.

Escape vs. Equinox: Towing

The 2023 Escape can tow more than the 2023 Equinox. It has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the Equinox.

Escape vs. Equinox: Off-road capabilities 

Neither crossover is a serious off-roader. However, both the Escape and Equinox offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, making them suitable for light off-road use and winter driving on snowy and icy roads. 

Escape vs. Equinox: Safety

Given its history, the Escape has the advantage for safety. For the previous model year, it earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. However, the Equinox didn’t receive any safety award from IIHS.

Escape vs. Equinox: Passenger and cargo space

Which crossover SUV is bigger: the Ford Escape or the Chevy Equinox? The 2023 Escape slightly edges out the 2023 Equinox for both passenger and cargo space. It provides a total passenger volume of 104 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 65.4 cu-ft. In comparison, the Equinox has a total passenger volume of 103.5 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 63.9 cu-ft.

Escape vs. Equinox: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, both Escape and Equinox have 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, unlike some other crossover SUVs, neither the Escape nor the Equinox offer a complimentary maintenance plan.

Escape vs. Equinox: Price

Which crossover costs more: the 2023 Escape or the 2023 Equinox? The starting price of the 2023 Escape ranges from $27,500 MSRP for the Base trim up to $38,500 MSRP for the PHEV trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2023 Equinox ranges from $26,300 MSRP for the LS trim up to $31,500 MSRP for the Premier trim.

2023 Ford Escape vs. 2023 Chevy Equinox: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Ford Escape vs. 2023 Chevy Equinox crossover SUV comparison, the 2023 Escape has advantages in six ways. This includes advantages for performance, gas mileage, towing, safety, passenger space, and cargo space. Conversely, the 2023 Equinox has the advantage of a lower price.