2020 Ford Edge vs 2020 Chevy Equinox – Albany, NY

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. 

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. 

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.