If you’re in the market for a new small SUV, chances are you’ve come across both the 2021 Chevy Equinox and 2021 Ford Escape while researching your options. On the surface, these two contenders for your business offer many of the same features that make deciding a tedious task. In hopes of alleviating the stress of determining which is the best fit for you and your lifestyle, we’ll examine what makes each vehicle worth purchasing.
What makes the Equinox special?
In one corner, we’ve got the 2021 Chevy Equinox. Starting at $24,999, this small SUV gets exceptional mileage at 26/31 mpg city/highway, offers a surprisingly spacious interior, and plenty of available trims to provide you with the combination of functionality and financial commitment that’s just right for you.
Although Chevy won’t be doing a refresh of the model until 2022 due to COVID, the 2021 Equinox still provides a high-value package for buyers. One of the most appealing parts of said package is the interior, offering impressive space and style. Passengers can also enjoy a 7” touchscreen display featuring Chevy’s MyLink user-friendly infotainment system, as well as standard bluetooth connectivity and onboard Wi-Fi.
If you’re looking for a safe set of wheels, the Equinox has you covered in that department as well. Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane keep assist are standard, and adaptive cruise control can be added for an extra level of high-tech protection. All of that helped the 2021 Chevy Equinox earn a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Worried about what’s under the hood? The optional 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine offers exceptional power while still keeping you from spending too much time and money at the pumps.
How about the Escape?
One of the top competitors of the Chevy Equinox, Ford’s popular small SUV has plenty to offer while starting around $26,000.
Similar to the Equinox, the 2021 Ford Escape didn’t undergo a facelift as manufacturing was hindered due to the current pandemic. The standard 1.5L three-cylinder engine provides less power, but is slightly more fuel efficient — estimates come in at 28mph in the city and 33mph on the highway.
While the Escape is similarly spacious, it boasts far more plastic than any driver should have to endure. On top of that, it doesn’t offer quite as much storage space as the Equinox. The standard trim only provides passengers with 4.2” radio display and an AM/FM radio, meaning that you’ll need to pony up for an 8” touchscreen display with Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system, which comes with the SE trim level and above.
The 2021 Ford Escape does come with outstanding safety features. Standard are the forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane keep assist and blind-spot monitoring, all included in Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 safety suite. Those helped the 2021 Escape also earn the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s five-star rating.
The verdict?
With all of that said, the edge goes to 2021 Chevy Equinox. Boasting superior interior quality and space, a lower cost, more standard technology features and a beefier engine, the value lies in the latest iteration of Chevy’s small SUV. Especially with the mid-range LT trim — the perfect mix of upgrades without breaking the bank — you’re sure to get your money’s worth.
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