Compare the Ford Escape and the Chevrolet Equinox

Ford Escape at Taylor Ford

Compare the 2025 Ford Escape vs the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

If you're in the market for a compact SUV that handles Michigan's unpredictable weather and diverse road conditions, the 2025 Ford Escape and the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox are two solid options. Both SUVs offer modern features, excellent tech, and ample cargo space, but each has its own unique advantages. Let’s break down how the Ford Escape and Chevrolet Equinox stack up against each other, highlighting why the Ford Escape may be the better choice for Michigan drivers.

Performance for Michigan Roads

For Michigan drivers navigating challenging road conditions and unpredictable weather, choosing the right compact SUV is crucial. The 2025 Ford Escape and Chevrolet Equinox both offer compelling features, but the Escape stands out as an exceptional choice for Michigan's demanding driving environment.

2025 Ford Escape

  • Engine Options:
    • Standard 1.5L EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder: 180 horsepower
    • Available 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder: 250 horsepower
  • Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System:
    • Advanced traction control specifically engineered for challenging road conditions
    • Adaptive suspension that responds to Michigan's notorious road imperfections
    • Snow/Mud/Ruts drive mode for enhanced winter performance
2025 Ford Escape

2025 Chevrolet Equinox

  • Engine Options:
    • 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder: 175 horsepower
  • All-Wheel Drive System:
    • Less sophisticated all-wheel drive system
    • Limited drive mode selections

Winter-Ready Technology

Michigan winters can be harsh, and ensuring your vehicle is equipped with the right winter-ready features is vital for safe driving during the season. The 2025 Ford Escape offers a more comprehensive cold-weather package and additional visibility features to make driving in snow and ice safer.

2025 Ford Escape

  • Cold Weather Package:
    • Heated steering wheel
    • Heated front seats with multiple temperature settings
    • Windshield wiper de-icer
    • Advanced remote start with climate pre-conditioning
  • Enhanced Visibility Features:
    • Heated side mirrors
    • Rain-sensing wipers
    • Automatic headlights with improved visibility in snow and fog

2025 Chevrolet Equinox

  • Cold Weather Package:
    • Basic heated seat options
  • Winter Features:
    • Standard winter features, but less comprehensive than the Escape

Interior & Technology

2025 Ford Escape: The Escape’s interior is sleek and practical, offering an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an intuitive 8-inch or 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SYNC® 4. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ for seamless connectivity, ensuring Michigan drivers stay connected even during long drives during the winter. Available features include a premium Bang & Olufsen® sound system and dual-zone automatic climate control for extra comfort in all seasons.

Interior of the 2025 Ford EscapeInterior of the 2025 Ford Escape

2025 Chevrolet Equinox: The Equinox offers a 7-inch or available 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. While the infotainment system is user-friendly, it doesn’t quite match the Escape’s tech-forward approach, with a smaller digital display and fewer customization options. Higher trims offer a premium audio system, but the standard features on the Ford Escape give it a slight edge in terms of technology offerings.

Cargo Space

When choosing a compact SUV, cargo capacity is an important consideration for those who frequently take road trips or need to haul gear around Michigan's varied landscapes.

2025 Ford Escape: The Ford Escape provides 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and up to 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This is ideal for Michigan families, whether you’re heading out on a weekend adventure or simply need extra space for groceries or gear. The optional hands-free power liftgate makes it even easier to load and unload, particularly helpful during snowy Michigan winters when you might have your hands full.

Cargo Space of the 2025 Ford Escape

2025 Chevrolet Equinox: The Equinox offers 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 63.9 cubic feet with the seats down. While this is still ample, it falls short compared to the Escape’s capacity. The Equinox also offers a power liftgate, but the Escape’s additional storage space and hands-free liftgate provide more convenience for active lifestyles.

Fuel Economy

2025 Ford Escape:

1.5L EcoBoost® Engine

  • City: 27 mpg
  • Highway: 33 mpg

2.5L Hybrid

  • City: 44 mpg
  • Highway: 37 mpg

For Michigan drivers, the Ford Escape’s hybrid option stands out as the perfect solution for reducing fuel costs, especially on long trips across the state or during those frequent commutes to work in urban areas like Detroit.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox:

1.5L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder

  • City: 26 mpg
  • Highway: 31 mpg

The Equinox is slightly less efficient than the Escape, especially when you compare the hybrid’s superior mileage and the fact that the Escape offers a better overall balance of power and fuel economy.

Safety Features

2025 Ford Escape: The Escape is equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360™ technology, which includes pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The available Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ adds adaptive cruise control, enhanced parking assist, and a 360-degree camera system, making it an excellent choice for navigating Michigan’s busy streets and harsh weather conditions.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox: The Equinox comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision alert. However, it lacks the more advanced features available in the Ford Escape, such as the 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control.

Why the 2025 Ford Escape is a Great Choice for Michigan Drivers

The 2025 Ford Escape excels in offering a combination of advanced technology, excellent fuel efficiency, and practical design, making it the perfect fit for Michigan drivers. Whether you're tackling snowy winters, exploring the Upper Peninsula, or simply commuting through the state’s varying terrains, the Ford Escape delivers with its all-wheel drive options, efficient powertrains, and ample cargo space. With superior tech and safety features designed to navigate harsh conditions, the 2025 Ford Escape is a versatile and reliable choice for those who want a vehicle ready for any Michigan challenge.