Chevy and Ford have a long-standing rivalry that has gone back for years, and it’s hard to decide which automaker builds the most dependable vehicle. Whether it’s the F-150 and the Silverado, or the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 vs the Chevy Corvette, consumers have been divided about which is truly the superior automaker. The same can be said for the Ford Escape and the Chevy Equinox, which are rivals in the SUV division.

The Ford Escape

Now that Ford has laid the groundwork to end production on all its sedan models, Ford is counting on its SUVs and trucks to make a good first impression. The Escape, as one of the cheaper options Ford has, is crucial in keeping Ford afloat. That’s why Ford has gone all out on the redesigned 2020 model.

There have been several changes, starting with the body, to draw new consumers in. One of the biggest has been to the windows. They’re now bigger than ever and provide superior visibility. There have also been other changes to the body.

Rather than the boxy shape that so many SUVs are known for, the new 2020 Escape has more of a hatchback look. It’s now wider, longer, and sits lower than the 2019 model. Car and Driver reports, “The expansive greenhouse combined with the plunging nose can give this Ford the look of a swollen hatchback on stilts, yet the overall design is hardly offensive.”

There are also several new changes to the engine. The base model S and the SE come standard with a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-three that gives it 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. This allows the Escape to reach speeds of 60 mph in a mere 7.7 seconds, making it one of the fastest small crossovers in its division.

To further draw in consumers, Ford is offering five trim levels, including two options for a gasoline-powered engine, a hybrid option, and a plug-in hybrid engine. This opens the door to draw in consumers from all walks of life.

Car and Driver had only one issue with the Escape, and didn’t consider it a deal-breaker. “Our one complaint is some faint boominess inside the cabin when the cylinder-deactivation system occasionally kicks in and idles one of the cylinders.” 

The price range for the 2020 Escape starts at $26,080. The fully loaded trims like the Titanium are closer to $40,000. 

The Chevy Equinox

Car and Driver was not a fan of the 2020 Equinox. There were several factors that contributed to the score it received three out of five. While it has earned its share of awards, some consumers are already complaining about some problems it faces. 

There are two engine options since Chevy is no longer offering a diesel engine. The standard engine is a lackluster 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that tends to stutter when the gas is pressed. It also only has 170 hp. The 2.0-liter turbo engine is definitely much better, but you have to upgrade to a higher trim level in order to get it.

The Equinox comes with four trim levels as opposed to the Escape’s five. It has the L, LS, LT, and the Premier configurations. There is plenty of space, but Car and Driver thinks that the Equinox is lacking in charm. The starting price begins at $23,800, and the Premier trim level costs $35,700. 

Which is the best vehicle?

While both have some great features, there can only be one winner. The Chevy Equinox easily beats out the Escape in terms of price, but that’s the only area it’s superior in. The Ford Focus has a better engine, is faster, and has a wider array of options.