We know what you’re thinking. Every auto manufacturer seems to have one, two, sometimes even three compact crossovers to choose from. With so many options, it can be easy to get decision fatigue.
Luckily, we’re here to help. We’re going to take a closer look at two of the most popular models dominating roadways, the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2022 Ford Escape, and break down what sets these crossovers apart.
Exterior
Let’s start from the outside and work our way in. Both the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 Ford Escape offer that contemporary style that you want with chiseled lines, an athletic stance, and available 19-inch wheels. While these are both classified as compact crossovers, the new Chevy Equinox is longer than its rival, measuring in at 183.1 inches versus the Ford Escape’s 181.3 inches.
These compact crossovers are available with a number of features, including hands-free gesture liftgates that open when you wave your foot below the rear bumper. Both vehicles also offer contemporary color palettes and feature heated side-view mirrors to keep winter’s chill at bay.
We can’t forget about the headlights though. The new 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is paired with standard LED headlights that cast light farther than traditional bulbs, while the new Ford Escape features projector-beam halogen headlights.
Advantage of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox
- LED headlights standard on all trim levels
- Longer than the Ford Escape
Interior
As we move into the interior, we’ll find that the new 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 Ford Escape share many of the features you want in a modern vehicle. These compact crossovers are decked out in soft-touch materials, easy-to-reach dials, and sculpted dashboards that enhance your comfort levels.
The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 Ford Escape are closely matched in second-row legroom – 39.9 inches in the Equinox and 40.7 inches in the Escape – and seat up to five people. These compact crossovers boast 60/40 split-folding rear seats that can be lower to expand the cargo space to 63.9 cubic feet in the Equinox and 65.4 cubic feet in the Escape.
When it comes to interior amenities, you’ll find all the features you’d expect. Both crossovers are available with dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. However, it’s worth noting that only the Chevy Equinox is available with ventilated front seats that keep you cool on hot summer days.
Advantage of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox
- Available with ventilated front seats
Technology
When it comes to advanced technology, the new 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 Ford Escape weren’t going to be outdone by one another. Both these compact crossovers offer smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, so you can stream music, answer calls, look up directions, and more from the infotainment touchscreens.
Chevy and Ford both offer their respective crossovers with 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspots (data plan required) that keeps you and your passengers connected. They also feature built-in Amazon Alexa that let you take advantage of your favorite Alexa features while on the go.
They didn’t completely copy each other in terms of tech though. When it comes to sound systems, the new 2022 Chevrolet Equinox features an available seven-speaker Bose® premium audio system while the 2022 Ford Escape offers a B&O sound system by Bang and Olufsen.
Safety
Both the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 Ford Escape were named IIHS top safety picks and it’s easy to see why. These compact crossovers are available with loads of advanced safety features that up your safe-driving game, such as:
- Forward-collision alert
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane keep assist
- Lane-departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane change alert
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear park assist
The Chevy Equinox and Ford Escape also share an available automatic park assist feature that can identify a suitable parallel or perpendicular parking spot and then guide you into it. You control gear shifts, accelerating, and braking, while the system handles the steering. On both vehicles, you’ll also find a standard rearview camera, though only the Equinox is available with an HD surround vision camera that shows a bird’s-eye view of the area around the vehicle.
Advantage of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox
- Available with an HD surround vision camera
Performance
The new 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2021 Ford Escape differ the most when it comes to what they offer under the hood.
Chevy keeps things simple with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that kicks out 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. With this engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, the new Equinox achieves up to 31 mpg highway. The Equinox is also available with switchable all-wheel drive that allows you to switch between front-wheel and all-wheel drive to optimize fuel efficiency when all-wheel drive isn’t necessary.
On the Ford end of things, you’ll have a choice between a 1.5-liter EcoBoost® engine with an eight-speed transmission and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost with a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity. The new Escape is also available in either a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid variation. Like the Equinox, the new Escape is available with all-wheel drive and offers selectable drive modes to maximum traction in a variety of settings.
Which Should You Choose?
This is a tight race but we have to give it to the new 2022 Chevrolet Equinox in the end. While the new Ford Escape may offer hybrid engine variations, the new Equinox can keep you cool during the summer with available ventilated front seats. The Chevy Equinox also offers LED headlights standard on all trim levels and features an available HD surround vision camera that makes navigating in and out of tight parking spots a breeze.
You don’t have to just take our word for it though. Experience the new 2022 Chevrolet Equinox today by scheduling a test drive at Garber Chevrolet Midland by calling (989) 839-9944. Or stop in to see us at 1700 N Saginaw Rd, Midland, MI 48640.
