2026 Ford Escape® vs. Chevy Equinox | Two-Row SUV Comparison in Dundee, MI
If you’re in the market for a compact SUV that is ready to handle your active lifestyle, consider either the 2026 Ford Escape® or the 2026 Chevy Equinox. Both two-row models blend fuel-efficient performance with a thoughtfully designed interior and next-generation technologies for a comfortable, connected, and confident driving experience. Learn more about each model with this detailed comparison guide prepared by the team at Spirit Ford.
For a more in-depth overview of the Ford Escape and its key features, refer to our comprehensive Ford Escape review.
Browse through our Ford Escape inventory to find your preferred trim at our dealership in Dundee, MI; match it with an attractive lease offer to lock in a competitive rate. Our Ford experts are here to answer any questions you may have — give us a call at (734) 529-5521 or contact us online.
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2026 Ford Escape
2026 Ford Escape® vs. Chevy Equinox Engines & Performance
The 2026 Ford Escape and 2026 Chevy Equinox both offer capable, fuel-conscious engine options. The Ford Escape presents a choice of four powertrains — including two gas, one hybrid, and one plug-in hybrid — that range from 180 to 250 horsepower. Both Ford Escape gas engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid configurations are mated with an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT). The Chevy Equinox is powered by a 1.5L turbo four-cylinder engine, which provides 175 horsepower and is matched with a CVT or eight-speed automatic transmission, depending on the drivetrain. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options in the Ford Escape will appeal to eco-conscious drivers who prioritize fuel efficiency, compared to the gas engine Chevy Equinox.
Both models offer front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) capabilities.
Compare engine specifications for both models in the accompanying table.
| 2026 Ford Escape | Model | 2026 Chevy Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Four | Engine Options | One |
| 180 / 250 HP | Horsepower (Standard/Max) | 175 HP |
| 199 / 280 lb.-ft. | Torque (Standard/Max) | 203 lb.-ft. |
| Eight-speed automatic or eCVT | Transmission Options | CVT / eight-speed automatic |
| FWD / AWD | Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| 3,500 lbs. | Max. Towing | 1,500 lbs. |
| 101 combined MPGe | Max. MPG (City/Hwy) | 26 / 29 |
2026 Ford Escape® vs. Chevy Equinox Exterior Design
Turn heads throughout your daily commutes with the sleek contours and bold styling of the 2026 Ford Escape and the 2026 Chevy Equinox. The Escape features a range of 17-, 18-, and 19-inch wheel options, compared to the 17-, 19-, or 20-inch wheels available on the Equinox. LED exterior lighting is standard on both models, with the Escape upgrading to reflector headlamps with Autolamp and signature lighting, LED fog lamps, and a front LED light bar. An available power liftgate on both models simplifies access to your rear cargo space.
Available shared exterior features include:
- Power liftgate
- Power, heated exterior mirrors
- Roof-mounted side rails
- Rainsensing automatic windshield wipers
- Automatic high-beam headlamps
Available Escape exterior features include:
- 17-, 18-, or 19-in. wheels
- LED reflector headlamps with Autolamp and signature lighting
- LED fog lamps
- Configurable daytime running lamps
- Headlamps with LED light bar
- Dual chrome exhaust tips
- Unique rear skid plate
Available Equinox exterior features include:
- 17-, 19-, or 20-in. wheels
- All-terrain tires
- Fog lamps
- Two-tone roof combinations
- Heated wiper park
2026 Ford Escape
2026 Ford Escape® vs. Chevy Equinox Interior Design & Technology
Settle into refined comfort inside the 2026 Ford Escape and 2026 Chevy Equinox. Find unique cloth, vinyl and cloth, or ActiveX® seat upholstery in the Ford Escape and premium cloth, Evotex, or sueded microfiber seat upholstery in the Chevy Equinox. Both models feature an available heated steering wheel and heated front seats, but the Equinox also offers available ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats.
Cutting-edge technologies keep you connected and entertained in either model. The Escape features an optional 12.3-inch driver information display and the SYNC® 4 infotainment system with an available 13.2-inch center touchscreen display; an 11-inch digital cluster display and an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in are standard in the Equinox. A six-speaker audio system is standard in each vehicle, with a ten-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® upgrade optional in the Ford Escape.
Available shared interior and technology features include:
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Dual-zone automatic temperature control
- Six-speaker audio system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- Bluetooth®
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio capability
- Wi-Fi® hotspot capability
- Wireless charging
Available Escape interior and technology features include:
- Unique cloth, vinyl and cloth, or ActiveX seat upholstery
- Front sport contour bucket seats
- Ten-way power driver’s seat
- Six-way power front passenger’s seat
- Panoramic Vista Roof® with power shade
- 8- or 12.3-in. driver information display
- SYNC 4 infotainment system with 8- or 13.2-in. touchscreen
- Ten-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
- Ice Blue® instrument panel cluster lighting
- Head-up display
Available Chevy Equinox interior and technology features include:
- Premium cloth, Evotex, or sueded microfiber seat upholstery
- Eight-way power front seats
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated rear outboard seats
- Dual-pane power sunroof
- 11-in. driver information center
- 11.3-in. advanced color display with Google built-in
2026 Ford Escape
2026 Ford Escape® vs. Chevy Equinox Size & Cargo Capacity
Discover generous passenger comfort and flexible cargo space in the 2026 Ford Escape and 2026 Chevy Equinox. Both two-row SUVs accommodate up to five passengers. The overall length of the Ford Escape is approximately 3-inches shorter than the Equinox, yet the Escape offers slightly increased front legroom. The Ford Escape boasts 65.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, which decreases to 60.8 cubic feet in the Escape hybrid model. The Equinox offers 63.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row in the Escape edges out the 29.8 cubic feet in the Equinox.
Compare interior specifications in the accompanying table.
| Ford Escape | Ford Escape Hybrid | 2026 Model | Chevy Equinox |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180.1 / 74.1 / 66 in. | Exterior Length / Width / Height | 183.2 / 74.9 / 65.6 in. | |
| Five | Seating | Five | |
| 104 cu.-ft. | 102.2 cu.-ft. | Passenger Volume | 104.3 cu.-ft. |
| 40 / 39.3 in. | Headroom (Front/Rear) | 40 / 39.2 in. | |
| 42.4 / 40.7 in. | 42.4 / 38.9 in. | Legroom (Front/Rear) | 40.9 / 39.9 in. |
| 65.4 / 37.5 cu.-ft. | 60.8 / 34.4 cu.-ft. | Cargo Space (Max./Behind Second Row) | 63.5 / 29.8 cu.-ft. |
2026 Ford Escape
2026 Ford Escape® vs. Chevy Equinox Safety Features
Both the 2026 Ford Escape and 2026 Chevy Equinox come standard with advanced driver assist technologies designed to enhance awareness and peace of mind. Each model features its own unique suite of standard safety features. Additional shared safety tech includes advanced cruise control, surround view and rearview cameras, and forward collision alerts.
Available shared safety features include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Automatic high beams
- Lane-keeping assist
- Pedestrian detection
- Following distance indicator
- Front pedestrian and bicyclist braking
- Rear cross-traffic braking
- Surround view camera system
- Rearview camera
- Rear seat reminder
- Traffic sign recognition
Available Escape safety features include:
- Ford Co-Pilot360 technology suite
- BLIS® (blind spot information system)
- Intersection assist
- Evasive steering assist
- Rear parking sensors
- Reverse brake assist
- SecuriCode® keyless entry keypad
Available Equinox safety features include:
- Chevy Safety Assist suite
- Blind zone steering assist
- Safety alert seat
- Teen Driver technology
2026 Ford Escape
Additional Ford Escape Comparisons
The specialists at Spirit Ford have prepared a selection of comparison pages for the Ford Escape, each showing how this vehicle stacks up against other popular SUVs, highlighting differences in performance, interior amenities, technology, and safety features. Each comparison is designed to assist you in choosing the model that best fits your specific lifestyle and driving needs.
* Pricing - All vehicle pricing shown is assumed to be correct and accurate. Incentives, credit restrictions, qualifying programs, residency, and fees may raise, lower, or otherwise augment monthly payments. Additionally, incentives offered by the manufacturer are subject to change and may fluctuate or differ based on region and other considerations. Unless otherwise noted or specified, pricing shown does not include title, registration, dealer installed options, or tax fees and costs. * MPG - Vehicle information, as well as features and other inclusions, may vary by model and are based exclusively on standard equipment. No claims, warranties, or guarantees have been made related to the accuracy of customer payments, model equipment, or vehicle pricing. Please call with any questions you might have and to reassert the accuracy of any information presented here. A/Z Plan Pin required to be eligible for new car pricing being advertised