Chevy or Ford, everyone has their favorite, and no matter who you talk to, loyalty to the brand can cloud one’s judgment over which automaker produces better vehicles. When it comes to an SUV, many drivers not only seek out a comfortable ride they also look for a style that has the potential to make any trek more exciting. After all, one of the main purposes for driving an SUV is the ability to get more out of your travels, and Chevy and Ford, as usual, both have some pretty incredible offerings in their lineups. If you’re wondering about your options from these two legendary brands, two SUVs have been known to do battle with each other. Comparing the 2021 Chevy Equinox vs 2021 Ford Escape, you’ll come to find out that no matter which team you’re rooting for, one vehicle is pulling ahead of the competition in a major way, and it’s undeniable.
2021 Chevy Equinox
Let’s start with the Equinox, known for its stunning performance, expertly laid-out cabin, and not to mention its reputation of dependability. The Chevy emblem has been donning vehicles for over a century, and as we discover the Equinox more in-depth, you’ll find that this vehicle proves to be a worthy competitor for the Escape. Armed with an efficient 1.5L turbo, the Equinox is able to prove its worth on any journey, getting up to 31 MPG on the highway, and with all-wheel drive available, taking your Equinox on new paths is easy. Its six-speed automatic transmission allows for a smooth and refined ride, no matter where you’re going, and with ultra-responsive steering, you’ll feel in absolute control in any environment.
The 2021 Equinox is extremely functional as well, offering up a carefully crafted cabin space that not only emanates sheer beauty but versatility too. You can expect to enjoy up to 63.9 cu.ft. of cargo space with tons of storage features throughout. Folding 60/40 split-bench seats, as well as hidden storage located under the cargo floor, make it easy to accommodate your haul, and an available hands-free power liftgate is perfect for those times when your hands are full. The Equinox is also very stylish, with multiple models to choose from to heighten your experience inside and out. Upgrades like Jet Black perforated leather-appointed seating, a power driver seat with lumbar control, and other luxurious elements can be found to elevate your ride like never before, creating the ambiance you desire in your travels.
And what’s a journey without top tech features? The 2021 Chevy Equinox is equipped with Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system, which provides you with access to an abundance of in-vehicle connectivity options to increase the efficiency of your ride. Due to the Equinox’s superior safety suite, the 2021 model has earned five stars from the NHTSA in crash testing. All in all, if you’re looking for a strong ride, a cozy cabin, and unbeatable tech, the 2021 Equinox will deliver a spectacular experience from the moment you step inside to the moment you arrive at your destination.
2021 Ford Escape
The 2021 Ford Escape is an excellent option as well, offering up a spirited ride and loads of ways to personalize your experience to meet your needs, but it does have its fair share of drawbacks. It’s equipped with a base 1.5L three-cylinder engine, which lacks some excitement during your ride. If you want more out of this exhausted machine, you’ll need to pay more for one of its more lively engines, which can be disappointing for some car shoppers.
We’d like to be able to feel more out of this SUV without having to pay to upgrade its engine. Not only isn’t it as exciting as most, it’s loud and rough on the road, which doesn’t make a lot of drivers feel comfortable during their commute. When you upgrade to one of its other engine options, however, you’ll get to enjoy a better ride with more capabilities.
Moving to the interior, you can expect to find a modern cabin accentuated by premium appointments in more expensive models. If you wish to stick with a base model, you’ll find chintzy materials and a lack of style throughout, almost forcing buyers to upgrade to enjoy some semblance of comfort within its confines. With the Escape’s higher starting price, we would really like more options for comfort and personalization out of its base models without feeling like we have to upgrade right away. Although the price is enticing, even if it is higher than the Equinox, what you get at that price point is extremely disappointing.
Another aspect that is lacking in the Escape is that you don’t have access to its intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system unless you choose a more expensive model. Its base options are only available with a 4.2-inch radio display, while its higher-level trims provide access to a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The bottom line about the Escape is this: yes, it does offer a lot of the same features as the Equinox offers, but without upgrading to pricier models, you won’t be able to enjoy any of them. If you are fine with an SUV that looks extremely budget-friendly, despite its higher price tag, then the base Ford Escape is perfect for you. However, if you want a level of refinement that you see in other vehicles, like the Equinox, be willing to put a bigger dent in your wallet.
And the Winner Is…
You may not be too surprised that we’re siding with the 2021 Chevy Equinox here. Not only does its engine deliver a smooth, confident ride, but its stunning style throughout any of its models provides drivers with a way to get the Equinox that really works with their lifestyle. With an easy-to-use infotainment system and impressive safety features, traveling anywhere in the Equinox is a dream. We like that you don’t have to upgrade right off the bat to get a vehicle that will deliver an inspiring ride, which makes the Equinox a top pick in our book.
Now don’t get us wrong, the 2021 Ford Escape isn’t a bad choice. It has a varied selection of engines to choose from, helping to make the most out of any journey, and it also showcases an upscale design in its more expensive trims. The key takeaway here is that you have to pay more right away to take advantage of its benefits. If you were to choose its base model, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy maximum efficiency with its engine, a comfortable ride in its cabin, or access to any of your favorite in-vehicle apps. Because of this, the Ford Escape just doesn’t make the cut.
2021 Chevy Equinox vs 2021 Ford Escape
If an SUV has always been on your wishlist, Chevy and Ford both offer a stunning selection of vehicles in all shapes and sizes to accommodate your travels. You may be a diehard Chevy fan already, or you’re standing on neutral ground, but nevertheless, it’s clear which vehicle wins here. With all the features you’re able to get without overpaying, it’s no surprise that the Equinox is a top pick among drivers everywhere. Not only are you able to take advantage of a controlled ride on any roadway, you get to do so from a carefully curated cabin with loads of space and features to maximize your ride. The 2021 Chevy Equinox is a versatile, safe, and enjoyable way to experience your journey, whether you’re taking off on the road trip of a lifetime or just savoring the silence on your way home from work.
