Ford Edge vs Chevy Equinox: A Comparison of Two Family SUVs
Are you torn between the Ford Edge and the Chevy Equinox? You're not alone. These two SUVs are among the most popular choices for families who need space comfort and tech without breaking the bank. But which one is right for you? Here we dive deep into the key differences pros and cons of each model to help you make an informed decision.
Ford and Chevrolet have been long-standing rivals in the automotive world and their midsize and compact SUVs the Ford Edge and Chevy Equinox respectively continue this trend. Both are American-made vehicles with strong reputations but when you're trying to decide which one deserves a spot in your driveway it's important to understand what each SUV offers. Here's a comprehensive review comparing the Ford Edge and the Chevy Equinox across several dimensions: performance comfort technology safety and more.
A Quick Overview: Ford Edge vs Chevy Equinox
To begin let's get a quick snapshot of each vehicle before diving deeper into the details.
The Ford Edge
The Ford Edge is a midsize SUV that's been a staple in Ford's lineup for years. With a sleek design spacious cabin and an array of engine choices the Edge aims to balance style performance and practicality. It's also equipped with advanced safety features and a good amount of cargo space making it a popular pick for families.
Key Specs:
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Engine Options: Turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder (base) V6 (Edge ST)
- Cargo Space: Up to 73.4 cubic feet
- MPG: Around 21/28 city/highway for base models
The Chevy Equinox
The Chevy Equinox sits in the compact SUV category designed for those who want maneuverability without sacrificing too much on space. Known for its reliability and strong fuel economy the Equinox is ideal for drivers who need a daily commuter that can also handle weekend family trips.
Key Specs:
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Engine Options: 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Cargo Space: Up to 63.9 cubic feet
- MPG: Around 26/31 city/highway for base models
Performance and Handling
Performance can be a dealbreaker especially if you love a car that responds well on the road. Both the Ford Edge and Chevy Equinox offer unique driving experiences but there are some key differences.
Ford Edge Performance
The Ford Edge is known for its powerful engine options especially with the available V6 in the Edge ST trim which delivers up to 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. This makes the Edge one of the more powerful midsize SUVs in its segment offering plenty of get-up-and-go for highway merging or passing.
- 2.0L Turbocharged I-4: The base engine provides a balanced blend of power and efficiency with 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.
- Edge ST Performance: If you're looking for a more thrilling drive the Edge ST comes with a sport-tuned suspension for a sportier feel on the road.
While the Edge offers a comfortable drive it's not exactly nimble around tight turns. The Edge is heavier than the Equinox so while it’s steady on the highway its handling in city driving or parking can feel a bit more bulky.
Chevy Equinox Performance
The Chevy Equinox offers a single-engine option but it's geared more towards fuel efficiency and ease of handling rather than outright power.
- 1.5L Turbocharged I-4: This engine outputs 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it won't make you feel like you're driving a sports car it's more than enough for most daily drives.
The lighter body of the Equinox makes it more nimble than the Edge and its compact size helps with maneuverability in tight spaces. However some drivers might find the engine to be a bit underwhelming especially if they’re used to a car with more pep.
Pros and Cons of Performance:
Ford Edge
- Pros: Stronger engine options especially the V6. Smooth highway performance.
- Cons: Feels bulky around tight corners. Lower fuel efficiency.
Chevy Equinox
- Pros: Excellent fuel economy. Easier handling in city driving.
- Cons: Less powerful engine. Not designed for performance enthusiasts.
Interior Comfort and Space
Space and comfort are crucial factors especially if you’re using your SUV for family road trips or daily commuting. Here’s how the interiors compare.
Ford Edge Interior
The Ford Edge boasts a roomy interior with plenty of space for both front and rear passengers. The materials are of high quality and the design is clean and user-friendly.
- Cargo Space: With the rear seats folded the Edge offers up to 73.4 cubic feet of space making it a great choice for those who need to haul sports gear groceries or even small furniture.
- Comfortable Seating: The Edge's seats are praised for their comfort and support and even taller passengers will appreciate the headroom and legroom.
However some drivers note that the infotainment system can be a bit clunky to use and the button placement isn’t always intuitive.
Chevy Equinox Interior
The Equinox offers a cozy interior though it's more compact compared to the Edge. The materials are nice but some critics feel that it doesn't quite match the premium feel found in the Edge.
- Cargo Space: Offering up to 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down the Equinox provides ample room for most daily needs although it’s less spacious than the Edge.
- Seating and Comfort: While the Equinox's seats are generally comfortable the rear seats can feel a bit cramped for taller passengers. The overall interior layout is straightforward and easy to navigate.
Pros and Cons of Interior:
Ford Edge
- Pros: Spacious cabin. High-quality materials.
- Cons: Infotainment could be improved. Bulkier to navigate in tight spaces.
Chevy Equinox
- Pros: Cozy and compact for easy driving. Simple and user-friendly layout.
- Cons: Less cargo space. Rear seating can feel tight.
Technology and Infotainment
Staying connected on the road is more important than ever. Both the Ford Edge and Chevy Equinox come packed with tech features but they take slightly different approaches.
Ford Edge Tech Features
The Ford Edge comes equipped with Ford’s Sync 4A infotainment system which features a large touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Standard and Available Features: Voice-activated navigation wireless charging pad Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Driver Assistance: The Edge offers Ford's Co-Pilot360 safety suite which includes features like lane-keeping assist adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking.
While the tech is robust some users find the system to be a bit slower to respond compared to other competitors.
Chevy Equinox Tech Features
The Chevy Equinox uses Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 System which is known for its simplicity and quick responsiveness. It also includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but unlike the Edge it doesn’t offer a wireless charging pad on all trims.
- Standard and Available Features: 7-inch touchscreen (upgradable to 8-inch) Bluetooth Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Driver Assistance: The Equinox offers the Chevy Safety Assist package which includes features like automatic emergency braking lane-keep assist and front pedestrian braking.
While the infotainment is easy to use it may feel a bit basic to some drivers who are looking for more advanced connectivity options.
Pros and Cons of Technology:
Ford Edge
- Pros: Larger touchscreen. Comprehensive safety suite.
- Cons: Infotainment system can be slow to respond.
Chevy Equinox
- Pros: Responsive and simple infotainment system. Good standard safety features.
- Cons: Smaller touchscreen. Lacks some advanced tech options.
Safety and Reliability
When choosing a family SUV safety is often a top priority. Here's how the Ford Edge and Chevy Equinox stack up.
Ford Edge Safety
The Ford Edge has consistently received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. With the Co-Pilot360 package drivers get a comprehensive suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control blind-spot monitoring and a rearview camera.
Chevy Equinox Safety
The Chevy Equinox also scores well in safety tests with standard features like automatic emergency braking forward collision alert and lane-keeping assist. The Equinox provides solid reliability but some drivers have reported issues with the transmission over time which can be a concern for those planning to keep the vehicle long-term.
Pros and Cons of Safety:
Ford Edge
- Pros: High safety ratings. Full suite of driver-assist features.
- Cons: Some features only available on higher trims.
Chevy Equinox
- Pros: Good standard safety features. Generally reliable.
- Cons: Transmission issues reported in some models.
Pricing and Value for Money
Price is always an important factor so let's break down how these two SUVs compare in terms of value.
Ford Edge Pricing
The Ford Edge generally starts at a higher price point than the Chevy Equinox but it comes with more standard features. The higher-end trims can get quite pricey especially if you opt for the sport-oriented Edge ST.
Chevy Equinox Pricing
The Chevy Equinox is more budget-friendly and offers good value for its price. However as you climb the trim levels adding more features can bring the cost closer to that of a base Edge.
Pros and Cons of Pricing:
Ford Edge
- Pros: Lots of standard features. Good value for the features offered.
- Cons: Higher starting price. Can get expensive in higher trims.
Chevy Equinox
- Pros: Affordable base price. Good value for money.
- Cons: Adding features can quickly raise the price.
Real User Feedback: Alex Collantes Weighs In
Alex Collantes an SUV enthusiast shares his experience:
"I went back and forth between the Edge and Equinox for months. In the end I went with the Ford Edge because of the power and space. But I'll admit sometimes I wish I had the Equinox for city driving. The Edge can feel big in tight spaces."
Final Thoughts: Which SUV is Right for You?
Choosing between the Ford Edge and the Chevy Equinox ultimately comes down to your lifestyle and needs.
- Choose the Ford Edge if... You want a midsize SUV with a powerful engine more cargo space and don’t mind paying a bit more for added features.
- Choose the Chevy Equinox if... You prefer a compact SUV that’s more affordable offers better fuel efficiency and is easier to handle around town.
Both SUVs have their drawbacks and advantages but they also offer solid performance comfort and technology for family and everyday use. Whether you go for the versatility and power of the Ford Edge or the practicality and efficiency of the Chevy Equinox you'll be getting a reliable American-made SUV that can fit a variety of needs.
FAQs
-
Which SUV has better fuel economy?
- The Chevy Equinox generally offers better fuel economy especially in city driving.
-
Which SUV has more cargo space?
- The Ford Edge has more cargo space making it a better choice for those who need to haul larger items.
-
Is the Ford Edge more expensive than the Chevy Equinox?
- Yes the Ford Edge typically has a higher starting price but it also comes with more standard features.
References
- Ford USA Official Site - www.ford.com
- Chevrolet USA Official Site - www.chevrolet.com
- NHTSA Safety Ratings - www.nhtsa.gov
Now that you've read our detailed comparison of the Ford Edge vs Chevy Equinox we hope you have a clearer idea of which SUV suits your needs best. Happy driving!