When you're looking for your next family-friendly vehicle, you've probably come across the 2021 Ford Escape and the Chevy Equinox. That's because both SUVs are great choices for your daily drives around Geneva, Canandaigua, or Rochester, New York, and our team at Friendly Ford is here to tell you why.
In this vehicle comparison of the Escape and the Equinox, we'll give you all the details on both rides, like interior features, engine options, fuel economy, and more, so you can decide for yourself which one will work better for you and your family.
Let's get started!
Interior space is an important spec to consider when deciding on your next SUV. The 2021 Escape and the Equinox both offer seating for five with plenty of space for all passengers, back-seat riders included:
Ford Escape
Front Headroom: 40 inches
Rear Headroom: 39.3 inches
Front Legroom: 42.4 inches
Rear Legroom: 40.7 inches
Chevy Equinox
Front Headroom: 40 inches
Rear Headroom: 38.5 inches
Front Legroom: 40.9 inches
Rear Legroom: 39.9 inches
As you can see, while the Escape and the Equinox have the same amount of front-row headroom, this is where their similarities end. Overall, the Escape has much more space to offer all five passengers, helping you stretch out on long commutes.
And if cargo room is of concern, the Escape takes the lead here once again. With 37.5 cubic feet of space behind the second row, you can fit in everyone's sports gear for the next big game. Unfortunately, the Equinox falls behind with just 29.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear row, so it may be a tight fit.
When it comes to the latest technology, both models are tied. You'll get great, easy-to-use available 8-inch infotainment systems along with available Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ so you'll always be connected on those longer drives.
Simply plug your compatible device into the USB port and you’ll gain access to a world of entertainment from your podcast library to your favorite audio-streaming services. You may have an easier time hearing your audiobooks in the Escape, though, since it’s available with a 10-speaker B&O™ Sound System by Bang & Olufsen.
The Equinox is also available with a premium sound system, but it maxes out at only seven speakers.
When looking at power in the 2021 Escape and the Equinox, you'll find dynamic motors that blend brawn and efficiency. The Ford Escape ensures there’s a powertrain for every driver with the following options:
Engine Option |
Horsepower |
Torque |
1.5-liter EcoBoost® I-3 |
181 HP |
190 lb-ft |
2.0-liter EcoBoost® I-4 |
250 HP |
280 lb-ft |
2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle I-4 hybrid |
165 HP |
155 lb-ft |
2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle I-4 plug-in hybrid |
165 HP |
155 lb-ft |
You won’t have the freedom to choose the power you crave with the Chevy Equinox, though, since only a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is available. Plus, with only 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, it falls short of the performance generated by the Escape.
You'll also be able to pull around a lightweight camper or some jet skis with the Escape thanks to a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. However, you may need to leave some items behind with the Equinox since its towing capability tops out at 1,500 pounds.
While a smooth yet strong performance is a necessity in your next SUV, you’ll also want to pay attention to the fuel ratings. Each of the commanding powertrains in the 2021 Ford Escape offers up some exciting efficiency for you to enjoy:
Clearly, the Escape is built to help you run all your after-work errands or take a thrilling road trip with minimal gas station interruptions. With the addition of hybrid motor options as well, you can really make the most out of your fuel tank.
The sole engine in the Equinox is efficient with an EPA-estimated 26 city/31 highway MPG, but it can’t compete with the alternative fuel options offered by its competition.
One of the most important aspects to consider when searching for your next SUV is the type of protection it provides. Whether you’re staying local to indulge at a new steakhouse or taking your close friends away for the weekend, you want to know you’re fully protected at every turn.
The 2021 Ford Escape and the Chevy Equinox are designed to help keep you safe with Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking coming standard. This system measures the distance between your vehicle and frontal obstacles to let you know when you’re following too closely. If needed, it will even apply the brakes to help avoid a collision.
To provide even more protection, the Escape is also standardly equipped with a BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert. When you’re traveling on the highway, it lets you know when another car is in your side blind zone so you can safely make a lane change. It also lends a hand with parking by alerting you to approaching cars when in reverse.
While this feature comes on even the base model of the Escape, you’ll need to upgrade to a higher trim level to make it available on the Equinox.
Not only do you want to be safe on the fast-paced highway, but you also want to park securely and with ease. To make even the most complex parallel parking maneuvers easier, the Escape is available with Active Park Assist 2.0 with Reverse Parking Aid and Front Parking Aid. It intelligently steers into spaces for you and warns when you’re too close to rear or frontal obstacles.
The Equinox does have a parking aid to offer available Front and Rear Park Assist. However, it won’t steer your SUV for you, so you’ll still need to park the old-fashioned way.
Although both the Escape and the Equinox are great vehicles to choose as your next family SUV, we really like the Escape's extra cargo room and awesome engine options, making this our pick for a test drive!
If you’re in the area of Geneva, Canandaigua, or Rochester, NY, and would like to learn more about the 2021 Ford Escape, contact us at Friendly Ford today!