2022 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2022 Ford Escape: Price, Fuel Economy, and Features Compared
As Ford and Chevrolet compete for the same compact crossover buyers, the automakers take different approaches with their respective offerings.
Ford/Chevrolet
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Compact crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) are unquestionably a popular vehicle segment that saw strong sales last year despite the pandemic. Two five-seat choices stand out as stalwart sales champions for domestic automakers in this category: the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2022 Ford Escape.
The third-generation Chevy Equinox receives a mid-cycle refresh for the 2022 model year. The 2022 Ford Escape is the same as the 2021 version, aside from three new exterior paint options. Here’s how the two compact CUVs differ in price, fuel economy, and features.
Price
A gas-powered front-wheel drive 2022 Ford Escape starts at $27,255 with destination fees. All-wheel drive is a $1,500 option. Getting one with a gas-electric hybrid powertrain pushes the starting price to $29,740, while the FWD-only plug-in hybrid Escape starts at $34,785.
The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox starts at $26,995 with four-wheel drive (FWD) and $28,595 with all-wheel drive (AWD). Only a single gasoline engine is available, with the most expensive Premier AWD trim starting at $33,795.
Fuel Economy
The Equinox’s turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine produces 170 hp. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, FWD models deliver estimated fuel economy ratings of 26 mpg city/31 mpg highway by the Environmental Protection Agency, while AWD versions score 1 mpg less in both categories.
Because of its different powertrain options, the Escape’s fuel economy numbers take a bit more space to explain. The most efficient is the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which gets 105 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) when it’s fully charged up. It also has the ability to drive up to 37 miles on electricity alone. When the battery is depleted, the Escape gets 40 mpg combined city and highway. The next-best option is the FWD hybrid, which gets 44 city/37 highway mpg. The AWD version does 1 mpg worse in the city rating but keeps the 37 mpg on the highway. Both electrified Escapes use a 2.5L four-cylinder and electric motor making a combined 200 hp.
Of the two gas engines available, the 1.5L three-cylinder produces 181 hp and is rated at 28/34 mpg (FWD) or 26/31 mpg (AWD). The AWD-only 2.0L four-cylinder makes 250 hp and scores estimates of 23/31 mpg. Both gas engines use an eight-speed automatic, while the hybrids employ an electronic continuously variable automatic transmission.
Features
All versions of the 2022 Equinox and Escape are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. When it comes to safety, the Equinox comes standard with the Chevy Safety Assist suite that includes forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Ford offers its Co-Pilot360 driver assist technology standard in the Escape with a similar suite of features. Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, which adds technologies like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and evasive steering assistance, is available on all trims other than the entry-level S version.
There are 38 cu.-ft. of cargo room behind the second row in the gas-only Escapes and 34 cu.-ft. in the hybrid and PHEV. The Equinox offers 30 cu.-ft. of cargo room behind its rear seats. The Escape can tow a maximum of 3,500 lbs, while the Equinox can tow at most 1,500 lbs.
