You could say that this is just another Chevy vs Ford debate, and in some ways, you’d be correct; however, when you look closely, it’s more than that, especially when it comes to commuting. People who have to drive to work every day know that it’s not always easy, and the car you’re in definitely makes a difference during this stressful process. Fortunately, both Chevy and Ford offer great choices for commuters everywhere, whether the commute is short or long. When it comes to the 2022 Chevy Equinox vs 2022 Ford Escape, which car should commuters choose? Well, it all comes down to what everyday travelers are searching for and how these two rivals deliver in a few key areas.
What Makes a Good Commuter Car?
Between bumper-to-bumper traffic and feverishly watching the minutes tick by on the dashboard clock, it’s easy to see why commuters tend to be stressed. After all, traveling to and from work takes a lot out of you mentally, as you need to always be on your game, watching out for other drivers and paying attention to your own actions. This means that the vehicle you’re driving must meet certain criteria. From maneuverability to efficiency, comfort to safety, if your vehicle isn’t meeting these needs, it’s not delivering the ride quality you need for your everyday commute.
It’s important to think about what’s crucial to you when you’re driving to and from work. Is it connectivity so that you’re able to tune into the conference call that’s already started, or is it advanced safety features to help you navigate through traffic effectively? Maybe it’s a cozy interior to help you relax on your way home from a hectic day at the office or features designed to take your ride to the next level. No matter what commuters are looking for in their ride, narrowing it down to four major components can help you decide on a vehicle.
Handling and Ride Quality
It’s not recommended to drive a cumbersome vehicle during the commute to work because they are difficult to maneuver in and out of traffic and are challenging to park in those tiny spaces at the office. That’s why commuters tend to gravitate toward more manageable options, like sedans and compact SUVs. Both the Equinox and the Escape are favorably sized to be able to handle effectively throughout the commute, and there’s a reason why the Equinox is a top seller in the Chevy SUV lineup.
The Equinox is a great size, and with its 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, its ride quality is excellent. It’s smooth, easy to handle, and responsive, and with available switchable all-wheel drive, navigating inclement weather is simple, allowing commuters to have more confidence behind the wheel. Although the Ford Escape is also a pleasant size, its base engine is notorious for being a bit unenjoyable, with a louder ride and less finesse on the road. This has the potential to really impact your ride, especially when it comes to hectic city driving. Ride quality is a big deal for commuters, and having a vehicle that doesn’t perform here can have a negative effect on your travels.
Fuel Efficiency
Commuting can mean a lot of stop-and-go traffic, which can really affect your vehicle’s efficiency. This, in turn, means that you may be spending more time and more money at the pump than you desire. Not only do you want to get to work on time without having to stop and fill up, but you also want to maximize your travels by enjoying a fuel-efficient car. This is another reason why commuters typically choose sedans or small SUVs because these particular models tend to perform better when fuel economy is concerned.
The 2022 Chevy Equinox keeps it simple with one engine, which showcases exceptional fuel efficiency, getting up to 31 MPG on the highway and 26 MPG in the city. This makes it easy to commute across town or even to the next town without worrying about needing to get gas. Although the Ford Escape’s base engine is much in line with the Equinox regarding fuel efficiency, due to its less-refined ride quality, it’s advised to upgrade to its more powerful and enjoyable 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder. Unfortunately, you lose out a bit when fuel efficiency is concerned, only getting up to 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. So, you have to ask yourself, do you want an uncomfortable ride with better fuel efficiency, or do you want to enjoy the ride but sacrifice efficiency? Sadly, the Escape can’t offer you both.
Cabin Comfort
Regardless of whether you have a five-minute commute to work or an hour-long commute, it’s only natural to want to remain comfortable throughout the duration. This means a satisfying interior cabin space and cozy appointments so that you’re able to settle into the ride ahead and enjoy a better driving experience, even if it’s a bit chaotic outside of your vehicle. The best part about choosing one of these compact SUVs is that there are a multitude of trims available so that you’re able to find the model that offers the comfort level you need for your daily commute.
The reason why the Equinox continues to be a best-seller in its class is due to the fact that its interior cabin is nicely appointed, versatile, and spacious. You can expect loads of legroom, perfect for when you’re on carpool duty, and plenty of cargo space, ideal for transporting materials for work. Plus, when you opt for higher-level trims, like the Premier, you get to take advantage of premium appointments like French-stitched accents, leather-appointed seating, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, and more luxurious upgrades. The Escape offers many trims to choose from; however, its base models tend to be overly simple, so if you’re looking for enhanced comfort, upgrading to a more expensive trim is almost a given.
Safety You Can Count On
You may have a lot on your mind during your commute, which means that driving a car that’s watching out for you can really help out. This is where advanced safety systems come in to save the day, allowing for maximum focus on the road, no matter how dense the traffic may be that day. From a standard Rear Vision Camera to OnStar Safety and Security features, the 2022 Chevy Equinox takes everything into consideration during your ride. Available HD Surround Vision provides an all-around view of your vehicle for better maneuverability in traffic, while optional Front and Rear Park Assist helps you navigate into tricky street-side parking spaces with precision.
Ford has its own safety suite for the Escape through Co-Pilot360. From Blind Spot Monitoring to Active Park Assist 2.0, you’ll find a number of standard and available features in the 2022 Ford Escape. Both vehicles showcase strong builds and plenty of features designed to make your time in the driver’s seat as safe as possible, even when traffic gets a bit hectic.
A Commuter’s Pick
When you take everything that we’ve just discussed into consideration, it’s clear that the 2022 Chevy Equinox outperforms the 2022 Ford Escape when it comes to everyday commuting. Its smooth-operating powertrain provides exceptional ride quality, while its compact stature makes it easy to handle in city traffic. It’s also incredibly fuel-efficient and safe, which are key factors that commuters need to keep in mind about their vehicle. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it’s carefully designed to offer immense comfort so that your drive to and from work feels like you’re gliding on air. Unfortunately, the Escape falls short in a few crucial areas, mainly when it comes to the comfort of the ride, which is why our recommendation for commuters is the best-selling Chevy Equinox.
