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Starting at
Starting at
| Yes | EV Option | No |
| 288 | Horsepower | 250 |
| 17.7 in | Screen Size | 13.2 in |
Can you guess the most competitive segment in the automotive industry? Compact SUVs rule the road, competition is fierce, and automakers work overtime to introduce new models that offer broad appeal with more engaging powertrains and value-oriented packaging. Yet, not all compact SUVs are created equal, and comparing the 2025 Chevy Equinox vs 2025 Ford Escape proves as much.
Chevrolet and Ford have been integral in shaping the American automotive landscape, with models like the Equinox and Escape contributing to and continuing that legacy today. The Chevrolet-Ford rivalry has been at the forefront of the industry for over a century, but, more importantly, the competition benefits drivers across the country. Chevrolet and Ford consistently look for ways to up the ante and outdo one another. For 2025, Chevrolet takes the lead with the newly redesigned Equinox that overshadows and outperforms its Blue Oval rival.
A long-term leader in the compact SUV segment, the 2025 Equinox boasts new head-turning styling, an engaging powertrain lineup, and cutting-edge technologies that defy expectations. The gas-powered Equinox starts at $28,600, with the all-electric Equinox EV boasting a budget-friendly price of $33,600.[a] For comparison, the 2025 Escape starts at $28,150 and doesn’t offer an electric powertrain. Instead, the closest you can get is the Escape Plug-In Hybrid, which will set you back $38,400.
How else do the models differ? What gives the 2025 Equinox an undeniable lead over the 2025 Escape? We’re here with those answers and more as we dive into four key areas where these compact SUVs differ.
Chevrolet and Ford take very different approaches to their trim lineups. Where Chevrolet focuses on value and offers the 2025 Equinox with three distinct personalities, Ford oversaturated the Escape’s family with six trims. The 2025 Escape starts with the Active and progresses to the ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, ST-Line Elite, and Plug-In Hybrid. Alternatively, the 2025 Equinox family includes the LT, RS, and ACTIV. So, what’s the difference?
The Escape Active serves as the SUV’s base trim for 2025, rolling off Ford’s production line with a 1.5L EcoBoost under its hood, the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an eight-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen display. The ST-Line offers an optional hybrid powertrain and sportier design details, like a flat-bottom steering wheel and black roof-rack rails. The ST-Line Select swaps the 1.5L EcoBoost for a 2.0L version and makes all-wheel drive, heated front seats, and a power liftgate standard features.
Climbing the Escape’s family tree sees a progressive list of improvements and updates. For example, drivers have more powertrain options with Ford’s 2.5L Atkinson Cycle hybrid and 2.0L EcoBoost engines. There are also more premium features, like a larger touchscreen, navigation, wireless charging, and heated seats trimmed in ActiveX. But is the Escape’s top-tier pricing of $38,400 worth it?
The 2025 Equinox proves it isn’t, with Chevrolet giving drivers more value for their money. The base Equinox LT comes with heated front seats and an expansive 11.3-inch center touchscreen that complements the 11-inch Driver Information Center. The sportier RS adds black design elements and performance-oriented components, while the ACTIV is adventurous with its all-terrain tires and Evotex microfiber seating. The 2025 Equinox EV far outshines the Escape, from its 17.7-inch center touchscreen display with Google Built-In to the comprehensive Chevy Safety Assist suite with enhanced driver-assist technologies that defy the model’s modest starting price.
Chevrolet and Ford are recognized for their engaging powertrain lineups, and the 2025 Equinox and 2025 Escape are no exceptions. As compact SUVs, the Equinox and Escape are efficient and responsive, with the automakers capitalizing on that performance in distinct ways.
The 2025 Escape offers a four-engine lineup with two gas powertrains, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid. The base engine is a 1.5L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-three that Ford pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission to produce 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. This modest output sets the baseline, but some drivers turn to the optional 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-four because it makes 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
Climbing the Escape’s powertrain lineup means spending more money on a top-tier trim with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain. Ford’s 2.5L inline-four hybrid powertrain works with a continuously variable transmission to produce 192 horsepower. As a plug-in hybrid, the Escape PHEV sees a slight increase in output to 210 horsepower.
Like the Equinox’s simplified trim lineup, Chevrolet cuts straight to the chase with your powertrain options. The 2025 Equinox is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged inline-four engine that works seamlessly with a continuously variable transmission or an eight-speed automatic. The engine makes 175 horsepower and up to 203 lb-ft of torque. Yet, the real showstopper is the Equinox EV.
The all-electric Equinox EV steals the spotlight with its single and dual-motor powertrain configurations that offer drivers a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with impressive driving ranges. When powered by the standard 85 kWh battery with a single motor, the 2025 Equinox EV produces 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of instant torque. The dual-motor version pushes that output higher to 288 horsepower and an impressive 346 lb-ft of instant torque. You won’t find this output or level of engagement in the Escape lineup.
Technology is at the forefront of the automotive industry. Vehicles like the 2025 Equinox and 2025 Escape rely heavily on cutting-edge software to run smoothly as we navigate the world ahead of us. This technology works behind the scenes, but Chevrolet and Ford recognize another level of tech-related needs in the driver’s seat. Drivers need to stay connected, engaged, and informed.
The 2025 Equinox and 2025 Escape offer outstanding connectivity features via their infotainment systems. But what differentiates the models if both offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth compatibility? The differences are in the details, with Chevrolet offering more value across its lineup while Ford requires drivers to spend more without necessarily getting more.
The 2025 Escape is equipped with a standard eight-inch center touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth compatibility, and voice recognition. However, Chevrolet upped the ante and made its expansive 11.3-inch center touchscreen standard across the Equinox lineup for 2025. The display is angled slightly toward the driver and complements the 11-inch configurable driver information center, which provides vital performance insights and alerts from the Equinox’s safety and driver-assist suite.
Enjoying a larger touchscreen in the 2025 Escape means paying a premium for a top-tier trim equipped with the available 13.2-inch infotainment system. Alternatively, drivers can save money and adopt an all-electric lifestyle with the 2025 Equinox EV. Chevrolet’s electric powerhouse boasts an impressive electric heartbeat, but it’s also equipped with a standard 17.7-inch center touchscreen. The addition of Google Built-In across the Equinox lineup, from the gas-powered SUV to its all-electric sibling, offers another layer of value by outfitting the SUV with a virtual assistant that can respond to text messages, answer calls, navigate the fastest route, stream your favorite music, and control your smart home devices with a simple, “Hey Google.”
There’s no question that driver safety is a priority for Chevrolet and Ford, with the 2025 Equinox and 2025 Escape built around high-strength frames engineered to minimize injury in a collision. The SUVs are laden with active and passive safety features that optimize your situational awareness and proactively mitigate the potential of an accident. The difference, however, is the extensiveness of those suites as Chevrolet makes more features standard and gives the 2025 Equinox an undeniable advantage over its Ford rival.
The 2025 Escape is no slouch when it comes to safety, thanks to the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. The suite is standard across the Escape’s lineup, with Ford adding more features to top-tier trims. Technologies like the Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, a Lane Keeping System, a rearview camera, and Hill Descent Control make up the heart of the suite. Additional tools include Evasive Steering Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control.
While safety regulations require automakers to make certain technologies standard, manufacturers like Chevrolet go above and beyond. The 2025 Equinox features the Chevy Safety Assist suite, which equips every trim with Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, a Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and IntelliBeam headlights. The standard technologies are comprehensive, but Chevrolet doesn’t stop there.
Depending on the trim and package, the 2025 Equinox’s safety features extend to provide complete coverage. Rear-facing technologies, like Rear Pedestrian Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and Rear Park Assist, make navigating the Equinox in reverse more manageable. Additionally, side-related monitoring via Side Bicyclist Alert and HD Surround Vision minimizes the potential for side impacts. You’ll also find Adaptive Cruise Control and exclusive technologies like Teen Driver.
Did you initially start your search expecting to fall in love with the 2025 Escape? If so, you aren’t alone. The Escape has a strong history in the compact SUV segment, but a lack of updates over the last few years has left the Escape vulnerable to more substantial, value-packed rivals like the 2025 Equinox. Chevrolet’s compact SUV outshines and outperforms its rival, from its gas-powered heartbeat to its all-electric capability.
Models like the Equinox fuel our excitement here at DePaula Chevrolet because they showcase Chevrolet’s steadfast commitment to exceeding expectations. The redesigned Equinox debuted for 2025 as a value-oriented road warrior engineered to give drivers more for their hard-earned money. Chevrolet has adopted this approach for the last century, and our customers reap the benefits.
We look forward to riding along for your first test drive and helping you navigate your purchase. More importantly, we’re honored to partner with you. As a full-service automotive center, we’re here to help bring your Chevy dreams to life and maximize your investment mile after mile.
*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.