Ford and Chevy. They’re both known for their pickups, but also offer a full lineup of capable SUVs. From subcompact models to full-size SUVs donning a spacious third-row, each of these automakers understands what it takes to please those in the market for a new SUV. 

Of the two brands, though, which is better? Let’s find out. 

Ford’s lineup of SUVs

Just a few short years ago, Ford made the bold decision to focus less on sedans and, instead, direct its efforts toward its selection of trucks and SUVs. Though many questioned whether the automaker was making the right decision, it’s safe to say that it did.

With vehicles like the Ford EcoSport, Escape, Edge, Explorer, MACH-E, and the Ford Expedition included in this year’s lineup; Ford is bound to offer an SUV that’s able to satisfy all of your daily driving needs. Whether you need an SUV that’s driven by performance or one that can fulfill the needs of a growing family, Ford has got you covered.

We aren’t the only ones to think so either. J.D. Power tapped the 2020 Ford Escape as a performance award winner. WardsAuto also included it in its ‘2020 Wards 10 Best User Experiences’ list.

Kelley Blue Book recognized the 2020 Ford Expedition as the ‘Full-Size SUV Best Buy of 2020’ too. For three years running, the Ford Expedition has also secured the top spot on Kelley Blue Book’s list of ‘12 Best Family Cars.’ 

Chevy’s lineup of SUVs

Much like Ford, Chevy offers a broad selection of SUVs. Starting this year’s lineup is the Chevy Trailblazer, followed by the Trax, Equinox, Blazer, Traverse, Tahoe, and Suburban. Similar to Ford, Chevy has multiple award-winning SUVs in its lineup too.

The 2020 Equinox has been recognized by J.D. Power as ‘Most Dependable Compact SUV’ for three years running. Parents magazine also awarded it as one the ‘Best Family Cars’ of 2020. The magazine gave it the ‘Best Car for Teen Drivers 2020’ award too.

J.D. Power recognized the 2020 Blazer as a performance award winner as well. And when it comes to the full-size Chevy Tahoe? J.D. Power deemed it ‘Most Dependable Large SUV.’ The Tahoe isn’t just dependable either. According to Kelley Blue Book, it’s also the lowest cost to own among the full-size SUV segment.

How do these two brands compare?

When it comes to cost, Ford and Chevy are very similar. While Ford’s entry-level SUV, the 2020 EcoSport, is sold for a base price of $19,995, Chevy’s lowest-priced model is the all-new Trailblazer beginning at $19,000. For a top-of-the-line SUV from either brand, you can expect to pay at least $50,000.

Of course, you’re going to want to spend that hard-earned money of yours on an SUV from a reliable brand too. Fortunately, Consumer Reports and its car brand reliability rankings are more than able to help. This year, per Consumer Reports, Ford landed itself in the 16th spot on the list. Chevy, meanwhile, found itself ranking as the 25th most reliable car brand. 

As for safety? While both the Ford Edge and the new Escape have been recognized as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2020 Explorer was deemed a Top Safety Pick+. As for Chevy? The IIHS recognized only the 2020 Equinox as a Top Safety Pick.

Should you buy a Ford SUV? Or is Chevy the brand to go with?

Deciding between these two brands is tricky. On the one hand, both automakers offer plenty of SUV models to choose from. On the other hand, Ford ranks higher when it comes to reliability. In the end, choosing between these two brands will take getting behind the wheel and hitting the road for a few test drives.