2020 Ford Edge vs 2020 Chevy Equinox – Albany, NY

• 2020 Ford Edge

  

  Starting at

  $31,100

  2020 Chevy Equinox

  

  Starting at

  $23,800

  250 - 335	Horsepower (HP)	170 - 252
  275 - 380	Torque (lb-ft)	203 - 260
  73.4	Max Cargo Space (cu.ft.)	63.9

  Compact crossovers have become the bread and butter of American family life, especially during summer and vacations. It’s only fitting that the two top American automakers go head-to-head in this class. If you are searching for the perfect set of wheels for your next adventure, then you should take a moment to compare the 2020 Ford Edge vs 2020 Chevy Equinox. Both vehicles have a lot to offer, and they hail from the two top auto brands in the nation. So, let’s take a closer look!

  Since we are on the subject of families, most want a vehicle that has enough space for every member of the family plus their belongings. Some people may be wary of purchasing a compact crossover because they think it will be too small. However, these vehicles will surprise you. Both seat five people, and the 2020 Ford Edge offers 39.2 cubic feet of room in the back. If you find yourself in need of more space, simply fold down the second row of seating to expand the cargo area to 73.4 cubic feet. On the other hand, the 2020 Chevy Equinox only offers 29.9 cubic feet of room in the back, and it has a maximum cargo area of just 63.9 cubic feet. That's about 10 cubic feet less than the Ford Edge on both fronts. If space is a major factor for your family, the Edge wins this round hands-down.

  Now that the battle between the American compact crossovers is underway, we can begin to explore other aspects of each vehicle.

• Performance

  

  The 2020 Ford Edge

  One of the best things about compact crossovers is that they get great gas mileage without losing their athleticism. Resting under the hood of the 2020 Ford Edge is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission and FWD. Together, they generate 250 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque and can haul up to 1,500 pounds. For better handling while off-roading, you can opt for AWD as well and increase the towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. The estimated fuel economy is set at 24 MPG combined (21 city/29 highway), which is quite good for an SUV.

  If you need enhanced performance, you can always opt for the ST trim. This particular model was the first SUV to be added to the Ford Performance Team. Powered by a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 engine, it produces 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The maximum towing capacity with this engine is 3,500 pounds, but the average fuel economy has dropped down to 21 MPG combined (19 city/26 highway).

  The 2020 Chevy Equinox

  On the flip side, the 2020 Chevy Equinox is quite a bit weaker. The standard powertrain uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and FWD to produce a 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. That’s similar to the output of a car. The maximum towing capacity is set at 1,500 pounds, and the average fuel economy is about 28 MPG combined (26 city/31 highway). While this engine will get more to the gallon, it can't tow as much as the Ford Edge's 2.0L engine.

  There is a second engine option that will put the performance closer to the standard Edge powertrain. It’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission and either FWD or AWD. This powertrain generates 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and FWD models get up to 25 MPG combined (22 city/29 highway). It also pushes the towing limit to 3,500 pounds. Even with the more powerful engine, the 2020 Ford Edge’s standard powertrain is more powerful, which is ideal for active families.

• Interior

  

  Going the rounds yet again, we are taking a peek inside both vehicles to see which one reigns supreme!

  The 2020 Ford Edge

  Let’s begin with the base Ford Edge SE model. It is extremely well equipped for a base level trim. It has the Sync 3 infotainment system displayed on a large 8-inch touchscreen monitor. This system operates with Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker stereo, and a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot. OnStar telematics is also included and will notify emergency service in the event of an accident. Advanced safety features such as rear cross-traffic alert, blindspot monitoring, emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning have been added as well for your peace of mind.

  The SEL mid-range trim adds a few more sleek features such as leatherette upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The seats are power-adjustable for convenience as well. The high-performance ST trim gets more than just a different engine. It also gets upgraded leather/suede upholstery for a sophisticated look inside the cabin.

  Finally, the top-tier trim is known as the Titanium. Full leather seating is included, along with heated seats for comfort during the winter. Also, a navigation system has been added for your convenience, and ambient lighting helps to set the mood for your trip.

  The 2020 Chevy Equinox

  Slipping behind the wheel of the Chevy Equinox is a bit different. It, too, is available in four trims, but it is missing a comparable performance trim like the Edge ST.

  The base level is called the L model. Its infotainment interface is displayed on a smaller 7-inch touchscreen and operates with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a six-speaker stereo, and a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot. Aside from the size of the screen, the Edge SE and the Equinox L are similarly matched. The Equinox base model also has a few advanced safety features like emergency braking, lane-departure warning, pedestrian detection, and forward collisions warning. It is missing the rear cross-traffic alert and blindspot monitoring that the Edge SE has.

  Stepping up to the LS adds Teen Driver Technology, which allows parents to receive report cards on how their teenage drivers are performing behind the wheel. The upper mid-level LT model adds heated front seats and blindspot monitoring. Lastly, the top-of-the-line Premier trim offers heated leather seats and a wireless charging pad. You can also add a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a premium Bose sound system as stand-alone options.

  At the end of the day, the Ford Edge has better safety features starting from the base level. It also gives you a sporty trim option, whereas the Equinox does not.

• Exterior

  

  While we may not judge a book by its cover, we certainly do judge vehicles by their outward appearance. Even color selection can be a dealbreaker for some folks. For our final battle round, we will take a look at the exterior styling elements for both models to see which one comes out on top.

  The 2020 Ford Edge

  Starting with the 2020 Ford Edge SE, this base model rolls on 18-inch wheels and comes with rear privacy glass to prevent passersby from peeking inside. It also features body-colored door handles, black mirror caps, stainless steel dual exhaust tips, a body-colored rear spoiler, and LED exterior lighting. As for the SEL, it adds a power liftgate, roof rails, and heated side mirrors with LED turn signal indicators. The black mirror caps are also replaced with body-colored ones. The sporty ST model gets unique badging, and the top-tier Titanium trim adds body-colored accents and fog lamps with LED bulbs.

  The 2020 Chevy Equinox

  Switching gears for a moment, we will take a look at the 2020 Chevy Equinox. Many of the exterior features remain the same throughout each trim level. There isn’t much to differentiate between. For example, every model comes with heated side mirrors, automatic headlights, and LED daytime running lamps. Once you get to the LS trim, each model from here up will also include rear privacy glass.

  Available Exterior Color Choices for the 2020 Edge and 2020 Equinox

  Finally, the Edge is available in 9 paint colors, including Rapid Red, Dark Persian Green, Agate Black, Burgundy Velvet, Iconic Silver, Star White, Atlas Blue, Desert Gold, and Magnetic. Meanwhile, the Equinox is offered in 10 shades. These include Cajun Red Tintcoat, Orange Metallic, Chocolate Metallic, Cayenne Orange Metallic, Silver Ice Metallic, Pacific Blue Metallic, Midnight Blue Metallic, Nightfall Grey Metallic, Mosaic Black Metallic, Summit White, and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat.

Visit us at DePaula Ford!