New & Used: 9673 Kings Auto Mall Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249
Used: 435 E Galbraith Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45215
Sales:
(513) 741-1111
Service:
(513) 697-5200
Starting at
Starting at
| 252 hp | Horsepower | 245 hp |
| 3,500 lbs | Tow Capacity | 2,000 lbs |
| 28/39 | MPG | 23/30 |
What do you value in a crossover SUV? This is an important question for any prospective buyer to ask themselves since, without it, the offerings within the segment can be largely difficult to discern from one another. This is largely due to the over-saturation of the market with automakers competing to address a wider range of expectations than any other segment needs to answer for.
All-too-often it feels like a ‘kitchen-sink’ mentality is applied, with the understanding that a large portion of SUV customers are families. Despite its sport utility pedigree, growing demands of comfort and technology redistribute the priorities, while challenging designers and engineers to create an offering which is still price competitive, while retaining a compelling aesthetic.
With this in mind, the crossover SUV segment is one are where the likes of Toyota, Honda, and Mazda seem to excel with ease. So how do purely domestic offerings measure up? In comparing the 2018 Chevy Equinox vs 2018 Ford Escape in Cincinnati, OH, we gain plenty of assurance. Both Chevy and Ford navigate the inundated segment with ease, but one stands head and shoulders above the other. Let’s take a closer look.
Kicking things off, the 2018 Chevy Equinox is offered up in four trim levels: (base) L, LS, LT and top-of-the-line Premier. At the base level it is priced to start at $23,580 MSRP, but regardless of trim level, you gain the assurance of the Equinox standing as J.D. Power and Associates’ “Most Dependable Compact SUV.”
The Ford Escape is also served up in four trim levels: (base) S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. Falling in line with the Equinox, it is priced to start around $23,940 MSRP giving this comparison of the two compact crossovers a fair, and evenly-matched start.
Just as easily as we called the last category a tie, we can rule this one a win for Chevy. However, that’s not to say that Ford doesn’t deliver a nice package of technology. At the base level, the Bluetooth-enabled Escape offers an infotainment system built around a 4.2-inch (non-touchscreen) display and six-speaker sound system. The sound system offers CD and USB input, along with AppLink smartphone integration. Jumping trims delivers nice upgrades to almost every element of the system, and the Safe and Smart package delivers safety and driver assist features worth considering.
That said, it’s hard to beat Chevy in terms of available technologies. At the base level, the Equinox matches or exceeds everything served up in the escape. Its infotainment system boasts a 7-inch touchscreen interface and its sound system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. In addition, the option of OnStar introduces 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and safety features include Chevy’s Teen Driver watchdog mode. As one would expect, such features expand up to the Premier trim level to include wireless device charging, 360-degree parking camera system and a fully-overhauled seven-speaker Bose audio system.
Recognizing that any discussion of aesthetics (be it exterior or interior-related) is largely subjective, we turn our attention to cabin design. Both vehicles offer comfortable seating and driving position, with confident visibility and functional layout. Both offer a spacious environment depending on the configuration, and a confident choice of well-constructed materials.
That said, the offerings are closer enough to call a draw, decided ultimately by your personal preferences. Let’s call this one a tie.
Giving credit where it’s due, both Chevy and Ford excel at creating a truly configurable aesthetic for their lineups. Catering to a wide range of prospective crossover customers, the lineups are clearly based around a core aesthetic tastefully modified to fit their expectations. That said, both the Equinox and Escape feel completely on-brand as a result of the consistency.
What narrows the gap in this comparison are the striking similarities in their overall appearance. Despite slightly differences in the front and rear fascia, along with window layout, the Equinox and Escape feel a bit like distant cousins.
That said, the Equinox gains an advantage from some upmarket design choices. Such choices would include the connective design of the grille and elongated headlights, that lends it a sportier, more aggressive feel and the body contouring which delivers a more athletic stance. As a matter of personal preference, the wraparound feel of the rear-most windows makes the Equinox more appealing than the more restrictive design of the Escape.
Depending on the configuration selected, the Equinox comes with three different choices of engine, beginning with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Channeling 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, it’s a confident performer right off the bat. That said, it’s hard to argue the introduction of a 2.0-liter turbocharged variant, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, rated for 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. There is also the pending introduction of a more fuel-efficient offering, in the from of a 1.6-liter diesel paired with the six-speed automatic, offering up 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque.
Of these, the 2.0-liter is rated as one of the best engines in the class, offering competitive acceleration (6.4-second sprint from 0-60 mph), capable handling and confident braking. All in all, the Equinox is deserving of the high marks it receives in overall drivability.
The Escape kicks things off with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder under the hood. Paired to a six-speed automatic it offers 168 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the SE trim gains you a turbocharged alternative in a 1.5-liter engine that up the output to 179 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. And atop the line-up, the Titanium trim comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers 245 hp and 275 lb-ft.
In an apples-to-apples comparison of the turbocharged 2.0-liter options, the Escape gets from 0-60 mph in around 7.1 seconds making it quick, but slightly less-so than the Equinox. That said, it offers a confident and consistent driving experience that’s only just outshined by the Equinox.
While it’s almost difficult to choose a winner here, we have to give it to the Equinox for its better-realized lineup of engine configurations. By offering the diesel alternative and turbocharged gas options across the board, there’s a little bit of something for everyone here.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
