Starting at
Starting at
250 hp | Horsepower | 175 hp |
280 lb-ft | Torque | 203 lb-ft |
65.4 cu.ft. | Cargo Space | 63.9 cu.ft. |
If you've ever glanced around while you're stopped at a red light, you may have noticed that there are many compact SUVs on the road. That's because these vehicles are extremely versatile, easy to drive, and affordable. It's easy to choose a compact SUV when you need more space than a sedan can provide, whether you're transporting your family around town or commuting to the city for work. It's also easy to choose an SUV when you want a larger vehicle that offers more space and features for a reasonable price, and two of the favorites on streets across America are the Ford Escape and Chevy Equinox. These two powerhouse brands deliver something to drivers that they can't find in rivals, and when it comes to the 2024 Ford Escape vs 2024 Chevy Equinox, both vehicles bring the heat in this competition.
The 2024 Escape showcases some changes to its trim levels this year, with its alluring Active trim as its new base model, featuring a comfortable cabin space with second-row sliding seats and a power liftgate to elevate convenience on board. This base trim also boasts wireless smartphone capabilities, selectable drive modes, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot to intensify connectivity during your commute. For 2024, the Equinox doesn't showcase many new features. All you can expect out of this Chevy staple are a couple new paint colors and some additional safety features in its base trim. When it comes to performance, design, and convenience, it's obvious that one of these compact SUVs delivers more to its drivers, and at DePaula Ford, we're here to show you how one of these models will reinvent the way you travel.
When it comes to variety, Ford ensures that you have plenty of this with the 2024 Escape, especially with its available powertrains. The standard powertrain that you'll get to enjoy is the 1.5L EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder, which is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This option is especially appealing to those searching for fuel efficiency during their travels, as it can get an EPA-estimated 34 MPG on the highway. For those who wish for a bit more power, you'll find it with the 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, which charges forward with 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to tow a maximum of 3,500 lbs. You'll also find a selection of hybrid powertrains in the Escape's lineup, making choosing the engine combination that works best for your unique travel needs easy.
Unfortunately, the 2024 Equinox only gives you one choice when it comes to what engine resides beneath its hood--and it's not very impressive. Every Equinox is armed with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain offers 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Equinox to tow a maximum of 1,500 lbs--much less than you'll find with the Escape. The Equinox isn't as fuel efficient either, offering an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. If you're searching for power, capabilities, and efficiency, you'll find all of this in the Escape.
Both the 2024 Ford Escape and the 2024 Chevy Equinox offer all-wheel drive capabilities to enhance confidence behind the wheel during tricky driving situations. Whether you're navigating over slippery terrain or stuck in a surprise snowstorm, all-wheel drive comes in handy; however, these two models go about AWD in two different ways. The Escape offers All-Wheel Drive with AWD Disconnect, which switches all-wheel drive off during normal driving conditions to enhance efficiency, disconnecting the rear driveline so the front wheels can take over. The Equinox offers all-wheel drive; however, it's driver-activated, meaning that you need to be the one who initiates these capabilities. The last thing you want to worry about while you're traveling in bad weather is switching on AWD, but unfortunately, that's all the Equinox offers.
The ride quality in the 2024 Escape is confident, refined, and powerful. You can expect agility and stability, no matter what lies beneath your tires, and when it comes to catering to the terrain, the Escape is a pro. With standard selectable drive modes, you can coast over any road condition with ease. Launch into Eco Mode to improve efficiency, Sport Mode to elevate excitement on board, Slippery to help you navigate slick terrain, and Normal Mode to make the every day drive a more comfortable experience. Although the Equinox is easy to handle and responsive, its lack of power makes it a bit dull to drive. You also won't find multiple drive modes to add value to the drive, and when armed with larger wheels, it's reported to be a bit rough on the road, amplifying the bumps of the terrain and taking away from the overall comfort on board.
The interior of the 2024 Ford Escape emanates excellence with a variety of trims to appeal to any driver imaginable. Its ST-Line Series is alluring and athletic, with sport contour bucket seats, an aluminum foot pedal, and unique badging. For ultimate luxury, the Platinum trim won't disappoint, with ActiveX trimmed seats, a heated steering wheel, and high-end appointments to amplify your onboard experience. You can expect to enjoy an open experience inside the Escape, with plenty of legroom, no matter where you're seated. Over 40 inches of passenger legroom is available to provide all on board with a place to sit back and relax during the journey, and with an available Panoramic Vista Roof, you're able to gaze at the skies above, adding even more fulfillment to the experience.
You can expect the interior of the 2024 Chevy Equinox to offer a pleasant experience; however, if you're looking for style, the RS trim is probably your best bet. With available leather-appointed seating, red stitching throughout, and Black Ice chrome accents, the RS showcases an athletic appeal that speaks to certain drivers. Plenty of space can be found on board as well, making the Equinox a worthy competitor when it comes to the interior cabin experience, but it will definitely cost you extra.
From the moment it pulls up to you on the streets, the Escape's available Coast-to-Coast LED light bar captures your attention, and when you choose a sporty trim, like one of the ST-Line models, you'll be in for bold features that will mesmerize you. From 19-inch machined-face Ebony-painted wheels to a specialized grille design and more sporty elements, the ST-Line Series is absolutely inspiring. The Platinum trim adds chrome molding and LED fog lamps to intensify its presence, and with its modern appearance, showcasing clean lines and a durable stance, the Escape continues to appeal to all types of drivers searching for an everyday vehicle they can trust.
Again, if you want to stand out in the Equinox, it's best to choose its RS trim or one of its special editions. With the RS, you can make a statement with 19-inch dark-painted wheels, black badging, and black roof rails. Opting for a special edition, like the Redline Edition, gets you black wheels with red accents, specialized Redline decals, and black door handles to add a mysterious air to this cost-conscious traveler. The Equinox is highly affordable, and you can tell from its design. It's not flashy or luxurious, but it gets the job done, making it a worthy opponent in the ever-competitive compact SUV segment. However, if you want more style, even in base trims, the Escape will deliver this with its stylish Active trim, showcasing 17-inch Shadow Silver-painted wheels, a black rear bumper, and a black grille with chrome accents.
Compact SUVs are impressive, especially when it comes to how you handle everything that's joining you for the ride. Despite their small sizes, these vehicles can accommodate more than you may realize, and when it comes to the 2024 Ford Escape, you'll be impressed by how it handles your travel belongings. Providing you with 65.4 cu.ft. of space, the Escape makes it easy to take more with you during the journey, and with sliding second-row seats, which split 60/40-style, you'll be able to take on even more gear without affecting the comfort of your passengers. Its rotary gear shifter even maximizes space in the front, with more room for devices, cups, cables, and more. You'll also get to take advantage of a power liftgate to help you load up with ease, responding to the press of a button either on the liftgate or your key fob.
The 2024 Chevy Equinox offers plenty of flexible cargo space inside; however, it's not quite up to the standards set by the Escape. Only being able to accommodate up to 63.9 cu.ft. of gear, you're slightly limited in this Chevy favorite. You'll also get to add on an available power liftgate to make loading and unloading easier, especially when your hands are full. We wish there was a bit more space for everything accompanying you on the ride since rivals, like the Escape, can offer ample space for items like luggage, backpacks, sports equipment, work materials, and anything else you can pack inside.
When it comes to making the ride better, you can expect just that in the 2024 Escape, which is armed with innovative tech that drivers require during any ride. From standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to an available 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, the Escape offers everything you could want in your vehicle to make your time behind the wheel extraordinary. Intuitive SYNC 4 technology allows you to remain connected to your day, and with available Alexa capabilities, adding convenience to your ride is easy for this Ford staple. Play your favorite music, add items to your shopping list, or even unlock your front door from the road when Alexa is in charge of your journey. You'll also have access to an available 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, wireless charging, a 360-degree camera system, and parking assistance to enhance your time on the road like never before.
You won't find the level of innovation in the 2024 Equinox that you'll get to enjoy in the Escape. First of all, the largest touchscreen offered is an 8-inch option. You also won't get to take advantage of standard wireless smartphone capabilities. There are some available features that are appreciated, including front and rear parking assistance, an HD Surround Vision system, and an available Wi-Fi Hotspot to remain connected to your day, but it can't compete with what is offered in the Escape.