The 2017 Ford Escape vs 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. What's Your Choice?
Serving Chattanooga, Nashville, and Dalton, TN
Compact crossovers began to emerge when more customers preferred to have vehicles that possess the roominess of SUVs and fuel efficiency of sedans, but at a smaller and less intimidating size. The Ford Escape has always been a compact crossover since it was introduced in 2000, and for the 2017 model year, it comes with a bevy of changes and enhancements to keep it among the segment’s top choices.
The 2017 model year also marks the one in which Chevrolet shrank the Equinox from midsize. Unlike the Escape, though, it does not have any significant changes—and that ultimately helps in playing second fiddle to Ford’s popular offering. Let’s see how the 2017 Ford Escape compares to the Chevrolet Equinox.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency
The introduction of a turbocharged 1.5-liter EcoBoost inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine makes the Ford Escape better than ever for city driving. Small yet sprightly, the engine is designed for optimizing fuel efficiency, while providing more than enough power for remarkable acceleration. It comes with auto start-stop technology, which means that the engine shuts down when coming to a stop and turns back on when you resume driving. This cuts down engine idling, thereby conserving energy. Auto start-stop is especially helpful in urban or densely populated areas, where there’s constant stopping and going. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, the 1.5-liter EcoBoost I4 can provide 23 mpg in city fuel economy. That’s 2 more mpg than the 2017 Equinox, which has a larger, 2.4-liter I4 for its standard engine.
Safety
The 2017 Ford Escape appears to be more child-friendly than the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox in terms of safety. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Escape ranks as “Marginal” for ease of use of the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) mounting system for child safety seats. While the rating is far from the highest possible level, it is better than having no rating at all, which is what has befallen the 2017 Equinox. There’s no way to determine how easy or difficult it is to use the LATCH system on Chevy’s compact crossover.
Features
The 2017 Ford Escape, more so than the 2017 Chevy Equinox, is praised for its standard and optional tech features. New for the model year is SYNC® Connect, which is standard on the top-level Titanium trim for unlocking and starting your car with your smartphone. Also new for the model year is the availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which enables you to use your smartphone to control the car’s SYNC® voice-recognition communication and entertainment system. Safety-wise, the Escape has advanced components like an SOS post-crash alert system, an electronic Curve Control system that adjusts your speed when making a curve, and roll mitigation that accompanies the standard electronic vehicle stability system. And also on the aforementioned Titanium are features like a garage door opener, push-button engine start, auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote vehicle start, and a 10-speaker Sony audio system.
Ready to try out the 2017 Ford Escape for yourself, rather than the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox? Then come to our Ford dealership in Chattanooga, Tennessee. With our sterling reputation for customer service, our robust collection of cars, and a well-trained and experienced staff, you are guaranteed to have a great experience picking exactly what you want. Call us today to set up an appointment.
MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at MSRP refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.
All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.