Used Chevy Equinox vs Ford Escape: Which Is the Best Value?

If you’re shopping for a pre-owned vehicle, you’re probably looking to get the best value possible. You’re already opting out of new-vehicle depreciation, which lets you hang onto more value that will come in handy when you’re ready to trade in for something different. However, to maximize value, picking the right model is also important. Not all vehicles are built to the same standards; each option will have a unique value proposition.

As your go-to place to find a used Chevy Equinox for sale near Troy, we don’t just want you to take our word that this model is a great, reliable, and affordable option. You’re a savvy shopper, and you deserve to look at all your options. So today, we will pit this compact SUV against another competitor in its class: the Ford Escape.

Which model is the better deal? Let’s dig into the details and find out. To keep things focused and fair, we’re going to look specifically at the third-generation Equinox (model years 2018-2024) and the fourth-generation Escape (model years 2020-present) which line up nicely with each other and represent the best options for shoppers who don’t want to get a model that’s too far out of date and will require extra maintenance due to age.

Infotainment Technology

Even though the third generation of the Equinox debuted two model years earlier than the fourth generation of the Escape, it comes standard with a better array of tech features. While the 2020 Escape can be had with an infotainment system that has all of the amenities modern drivers are looking for, like an eight-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, the base trim is stuck with only a tiny 4.2-inch display and an AM/FM radio as the sole entertainment option. This continued to be the situation until a significant refresh for the 2023 model year, giving shoppers a smaller pool of well-appointed options.

On the other hand, the 2018 Equinox comes standard with smartphone mirroring and 4G LTE connectivity with onboard Wi-Fi. The only difference between base trim levels and higher-level trims is whether the touchscreen display will be seven or eight inches, a much smaller difference than the wide gap on the 2020-2022 Ford. Since the generation started earlier, you have a wide range of choices that offer these convenient tech features, sure to improve your experience as you drive around Troy and beyond.

Reliability & Long-Term Satisfaction

Reliability is a primary concern for shoppers looking for a used model, but price isn’t all that matters if you want a good value. You want something that will last a long time and not require too much pricey service during the years you own it. In a place like Troy, which has cold winters that can be hard on any vehicle, it’s essential to consider reliability. To keep our comparison fair in this topic, we’ll turn to a trusted third party: Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports offers two relevant metrics: a reliability verdict (on a scale of 1 to 100) and an owner satisfaction score (on a scale of one to five). Looking across the years of the Escape’s fourth generation, some truly concerning scores exist. The 2020 and 2021 models get a 1/5 rating for owner satisfaction, with the 2021 model also getting a dramatically low 17/100 reliability verdict. While there are certainly model years that do better, having potential pitfalls that are so dramatically poorly rated can be anxiety-inducing. None of the third-generation Equinox models have such low scores.

Looking at the highlights, the Escape does have the strongest single reliability verdict: 79/100 for the 2022 model. The Equinox comes close with a 75/100 for the 2019 model and a 70/100 for the 2024 model. Taking the models from across each vehicle’s generation and averaging them out tells a different story, with the Escape getting an average of 47.5. At the same time, the Equinox has an average of 58. The fact that these are each on opposite ends of 50/100 is telling: the Equinox is more likely to be satisfactory, while the Escape is more likely to leave you wanting.

Original Price

Pricing is more complicated for used vehicles than for new ones because more factors are needed. All new vehicles are essentially the same shape and have more or less the same mileage, with the only real wear and tear coming from short test drives. With used models, each vehicle has a unique past. Some are one-owner vehicles, and some have changed hands several times. Mileage and model year don’t always align, and both can affect the price in unique ways.

While all of these factors can affect the price of a particular used model, looking at a vehicle’s original price when it was new can still be helpful. After all, this is still the starting point for these calculations, and it isn’t completely irrelevant. A used luxury model will still typically be more expensive than a used entry-level model, and two vehicles with reasonably equivalent wear and tear will have different prices based on what they were both going for when they were new.

So it’s worth noting that the Equinox is the more affordable option when you line up the same model years side by side. Even in the 2020 model year, with the Escape base trim that doesn’t have a modern infotainment system, the starting price for the Chevy is $23,800, while the starting price for the Ford is $24,885. This price gap continues up and down the trim levels, with the most luxurious Escape costing more than the top-tier Equinox trim. This gives you a better shot at a great price with the Equinox.

Generational Differences

You might think that the current model year of a vehicle is entirely irrelevant to someone shopping for a used model. But that’s not always the case. When a new generation of a model debuts, it generally drives down the price of the previous generation. The old generation doesn’t somehow become worse, but because of human psychology, it feels more like “old news,” making it easier to get a great deal.

The Equinox entered a new generation for the 2025 model year, meaning even a very recent 2024 model can be obtained for a great price, getting you the best value possible. And since the previous generation started way back in 2018, there are many great options for you to choose from.

Escape is still in its fourth generation at the time of writing, meaning there are no extra savings on models dating back to the 2020 model year. Not only do you have a slimmer selection, but it won’t be priced the same as an old generation. These compounding factors mean that it’s just more challenging to get an exceptional value on a Ford Escape.

A Used Equinox Offers Plenty of Bang for Your Buck

Well-constructed and built to last, a Chevy Equinox is an ideal choice for a used car shopper. While the Ford Escape isn’t bad, it has fewer quality options, giving you less freedom to find your perfect fit. Overall, the Equinox represents a value proposition that is too good to resist.

No matter your chosen model, you can get a great deal on a used SUV here at DePaula Chevrolet. With our Pre-Owned Promise, you get perks like a comprehensive limited warranty, free annual New York State inspections for life, a thorough multi-point inspection with documentation, and more. Take the quick trip from Troy today to see what we have in store for you.