Used Ford Escape vs Used Chevy Equinox

If you are in the market for used SUVs for sale in Indianapolis, then you have turned to the right place. Today, we will discuss two of the most popular used SUV models in the country. This is a head-to-head comparison of the used Ford Escape vs used Chevy Equinox. Since used is such a broad term when it comes to the auto industry, we will focus on specific generations for simplification. If you would like to inquire about a particular model that you already have in mind, please get in touch with our auto experts here at Online.cars.

Getting Off to a Strong Start

Both the Ford Escape and the Chevy Equinox have been around for roughly 15 to 20 years. The first generation of Ford Escapes was produced from 2001 until 2007. Meanwhile, the first generation of Chevrolet Equinox models didn’t roll out onto the market until 2005, and then the generation morphed in 2010. While this gives Ford a head start for perfecting the Escape, the two compact SUVs have both managed to gain rapid popularity over the years with small families.

From 2008 until 2012, the second generation of Ford Escape models saw plenty of upgrades, including the addition of the Sync infotainment system. Meanwhile, the second generation of Chevy Equinox models came onto the scene in 2010 and continued until 2017. These models featured their own advanced infotainment system known as the Chevrolet MyLink System. For the sake of this article and to keep things from getting confused, we will focus on the third generation of vehicles from this point on.

Third Generation Overview

Our experts here at Online.cars highly recommend the third generation of either vehicle. The reason we prefer these models is because they are newer used vehicles. That means that they most likely have less mileage and fewer problems. Mechanical and cosmetic issues are typically kept to a minimum unless the vehicle has been in some sort of accident. Plus, when you purchase a newer used vehicle, you will be getting all the advanced technology that comes along with it at a fraction of the price. The third generation of the Ford Escape spans from 2013 to 2019. Meanwhile, the third generation of the Chevy Equinox is still ongoing from 2017. Let’s take a closer look at each model year to learn more.

2013 Ford Escape

The very first third-generation Ford Escape came out in 2013. The available powertrains included a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that yielded 168 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque, a turbocharged 1.6-liter I-4 engine that pumped out 178 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 engine that produces 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission and either FWD or AWD, these models could pull 3,500 pounds. The average fuel economy comes out to about 25 mpg combined.

As for trim levels, the 2013 Ford Escape can be found in four different trims. The base S includes cruise control, air conditioning, power accessories, a CD player, an auxiliary jack, and a 6-speaker sound system. Next, the SE comes with the upgraded Sync infotainment system and Bluetooth connectivity. Then, the SEL gets dual-zone climate control, heated seats, leather upholstery, and the MyFord Touch interface with a 9-speaker stereo. Lastly, the Titanium model adds remote start technology, keyless ignition/entry, and a Sony sound system.

2014 Ford Escape

Looking at the 2014 production year, there weren’t many changes to be made. The powertrain lineup remained the same as the 2013 models, and the SEL trim level was removed from the fleet. Let’s look at what else was new for this model year.

The base S kept many of the same features from the 2013 production line. However, a few more things were added to the mix, including MyKey parental controls, a rearview camera, and the advanced Sync infotainment system with Bluetooth phone/audio connectivity. Next, the SE received a power-adjustable driver’s seat, satellite radio, and a keyless entry keypad. Finally, the Titanium trim level got an 8-inch touchscreen, a 110-volt power outlet, heated/leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, a navigation system, and ambient lighting.

2015 Ford Escape

The 2015 Ford Escape models didn’t see very many changes. The powertrains and trim levels carried over with only a few refreshes to note. The base S model stayed the same, and the SE got upgraded cloth upholstery. As for the Titanium, it received an auto-dimming rearview mirror and HD radio.

2016 Ford Escape

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. By 2016, the engineers at Ford were happy with the vehicle they had created. No significant changes were made to the trims or powertrains. A few additional safety systems were offered as stand-alone options, including rain-sensing wipers, blindspot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

2017 Ford Escape & Chevy Equinox

This was a big year for both Ford and Chevy. Changes were made to the Ford Escape, and Chevy kicked off the third generation of Equinox models. Finally, the two vehicles had caught up to one another.

One change to the Ford Escape came in the form of an engine. The previous 1.6-liter I-4 motor was replaced by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that generated 179 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. As for the trim levels, the base S model received cruise control and AppLink for smartphone integration. The SE and Titanium trims remained largely the same, and several packages and stand-alone options could be added.

Meanwhile, the first third-generation Equinox models came onto the scene. Two powertrains were available. The first was a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that made 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque, and the second was a 3.6-liter V6 that pumped out 301 hp and 272 lb-ft torque. Like the Ford Escape, these powertrains both used a 6-speed automatic transmission and FWD.

Available in four trims, the 2017 Chevy Equinox L came with cloth upholstery, air conditioning, cruise control, a rearview camera, and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Next, the LS added satellite radio to the mix. Then, the LT received the upgraded Chevy MyLink infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone integration. Finally, the Premier added leather upholstery, remote start technology, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

2018 Ford Escape and Chevy Equinox

The last two models to make our list today hail from 2018. While the Ford Escape stayed mostly the same, the Chevy Equinox had several tweaks made. Let’s look at Ford first.

The 2018 Ford Escape Titanium is the model that got an update. It received xenon headlights for enhanced visibility, front/back parking sensors for safety, and an automated parallel/perpendicular parking system for convenience. The other two trim levels had no notable changes.

Lastly, the 2018 Chevy Equinox got a whole new lineup of powertrains. First was the turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder motor that produced 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. Next was the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that generated 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the diesel 1.6-liter motor made 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque.

As for the 2018 Chevy equinox trims, the L and LS models remained largely the same. The LT got xenon headlights and rear privacy glass, and the Premium came with perforated leather seating, and hands-free liftgate, ambient lighting, and a wireless charging pad.

Find the Perfect Used SUV

If you are looking for used SUVs for sale in Indianapolis, our experts at Online.cars can help. We offer a nationwide search to help you locate the vehicle of your dreams. Get in touch with us today to learn more!