2025 Ford Escape vs. Chevrolet Equinox

The 2025 Ford Escape showcases a modern and sporty exterior with design updates that add both functionality and style. The available ST-Line trim adds unique 18 or 19-inch wheels, a mesh grille, and a rear spoiler, creating a bolder, athletic appearance. With customizable color options and distinct styling for each trim, the Escape offers flexibility for drivers who prioritize aesthetics.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox features a rugged look with a chiseled hood and squared-off wheel arches. While the Equinox offers 17-inch wheels on most trims and a 19-inch option for the RS trim, its design is somewhat conventional, especially compared to the Escape’s dynamic lines and premium options. The Equinox’s trims focus on practicality, but the Escape’s tailored trims allow buyers to emphasize either sportiness or sophistication. Overall, the Escape’s attention to detail, such as its body-colored cladding and multiple grille options, offers a more refined approach to exterior customization.

Design and Exterior specs for the 2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2025 Ford Escape offers versatile powertrain choices to suit various driving needs, including a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivering 180 horsepower and a robust 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 250 horsepower. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, the Escape also offers a 2.5L hybrid engine with an estimated 42 mpg in the city and 36 mpg highway.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, on the other hand, features a single 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower, which can feel underpowered compared to its rivals. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in front-wheel-drive models and an 8-speed automatic transmission in all-wheel-drive versions. While functional for daily commuting, the Equinox’s engine lacks the higher power output and hybrid options available in the Escape, making it less adaptable for those seeking high performance or enhanced fuel economy. Additionally, the Escape’s towing capacity peaks at 3,500 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine, while the Equinox maxes out at 1,500 pounds, limiting its utility for heavier loads.

Performance and Powertrain Options for the 2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2025 Ford Escape's interior emphasizes both space and modern technology, offering up to 104 cubic feet of passenger volume and 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 65.4 cubic feet when folded. The Escape’s infotainment system includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC 4 interface, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Higher trims come with a larger 13.2-inch screen, and a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system, providing a premium feel at every trim level.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox’s cabin provides 104.3 cubic feet of passenger volume and 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 63.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. While equipped with an 11.3-inch touchscreen on all trims and Google-based software, the Equinox’s infotainment lacks a head-up display or premium audio upgrade. Additionally, the Equinox’s materials are largely standard across trims, whereas the Escape offers a range of finishes and accents, including ActiveX-trimmed upholstery and red contrast stitching in the ST-Line trims. For convenience, both models have USB ports and available wireless charging, but the Escape’s customizable interior offers a broader selection of comfort and tech options.

Interior Features and Technology for the 2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2025 Ford Escape prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of standard and available driver-assistance technologies. Every Escape comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Advanced safety upgrades on higher trims include adaptive cruise control with lane centering, evasive steering assist, and a 360-degree camera, adding layers of security and convenience.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox also provides a strong safety offering through the standard Chevy Safety Assist suite, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. Optional features include rear cross-traffic braking, rear pedestrian alert, and a 360-degree camera. However, the Equinox lacks advanced options like evasive steering assist. While both models offer essential safety features, the Escape’s extensive driver-assistance options make it a compelling choice for those prioritizing comprehensive safety technology.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance for the 2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2025 Ford Escape offers a range of efficient powertrains, providing competitive fuel economy for both city and highway driving. The standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine achieves up to 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway for all-wheel-drive models. The Escape’s hybrid variant is particularly efficient, with an estimated 42 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, catering to drivers seeking maximum fuel savings.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, with its single 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, offers EPA estimates of 26 mpg city and 28 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models, slightly trailing the Escape’s base engine in both city and highway efficiency. All-wheel-drive Equinox models see similar fuel economy, with a combined rating of 27 mpg. Notably, the Equinox lacks a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option, which limits its fuel-saving potential compared to the Escape’s multiple fuel-efficient configurations. For drivers focused on fuel economy, especially for city driving, the Escape provides more versatile and economical choices across its lineup.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency for the 2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2025 Ford Escape and Chevrolet Equinox each offer versatile trims and pricing to cater to a range of buyer needs. Starting with the Escape, the lineup begins at $28,150 for the entry-level Active trim in FWD, while upgrading to AWD brings the price to $31,740. The sporty ST-Line trim starting at $29,145 for the base ST-Line and reaching $34,420 for the ST-Line Select AWD. At the premium end, the Platinum trim offers both AWD gas and hybrid models, starting at $35,400 and $35,615. The range-topping Plug-In Hybrid model, starts at $38,400.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offers three trims—LT, RS, and ACTIV—each available in both FWD and AWD. Pricing begins at $29,995 for the LT FWD, with the AWD version priced at $31,995. The RS and ACTIV trims, each with unique styling cues and additional features like the 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, start at $34,395 for FWD and increase to $36,395 for AWD. Unlike the Escape, the Equinox does not offer hybrid or plug-in hybrid options, focusing instead on its gas powertrain options and distinct styling across trims.

Both vehicles cater to varied buyer needs, with the Escape providing extensive hybrid and plug-in options, and the Equinox delivering straightforward, well-equipped trims. This range of choices allows buyers to find an option that fits their performance, efficiency, and feature preferences.

Pricing and Trim Levels for the 2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2025 Ford Escape and Chevrolet Equinox each provide compelling options in the competitive compact SUV market. The Ford Escape shines with a diverse range of powertrains, including standard gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options, making it an ideal choice for drivers who prioritize fuel efficiency and the flexibility of electric power. Its comprehensive lineup, from the affordable Active trim to the premium Platinum and plug-in hybrid models, offers versatile choices for families, commuters, and eco-conscious drivers alike.

The Chevrolet Equinox, on the other hand, appeals to buyers with its streamlined gas-only powertrain options, upscale tech integrations like Google-based infotainment, and practical interior features. With standard AWD in its upper trims and a distinct look across its LT, RS, and ACTIV trims, the Equinox suits those who appreciate a well-equipped and stylish SUV with straightforward powertrain options. However, drivers seeking a broader range of powertrain choices may find the Escape's lineup a better match.

For buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency, advanced safety, and a range of customization options, the 2025 Ford Escape is an excellent choice. Visit Dorian Ford today to experience the Escape firsthand and discover which model best meets your driving needs. Schedule a test drive to explore its innovative features and dynamic performance.

Final Verdict: Which Vehicle is Right for You?