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Whether you’re navigating the daily commute through Forest Lake or packing up for a weekend at the cabin, choosing the right compact SUV is all about balancing versatility with value. Two of the most popular contenders on the road today are the Chevy Equinox and the Ford Escape. While both offer modern styling and efficient performance, one of them brings a bit more “standard” to the table. Morrie’s Forest Lake Chevrolet has put together this guide to help you decide which SUV earns the spot in your driveway.
When it comes to what’s under the hood, these two SUVs take different approaches. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox keeps things simple and reliable with a standard 1.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It delivers a balanced 175 horsepower and up to 203 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic on AWD models for a smooth, composed ride.
The Ford Escape offers more variety, but you’ll often have to climb the trim ladder to get it. Its base engine is a 1.5L 3-cylinder, which offers similar power but can feel a bit more strained under heavy acceleration compared to the Chevy’s 4-cylinder. While the Escape does offer a powerful 250-hp 2.0L engine on higher trims, the Equinox focuses on providing a consistent, punchy experience across its entire lineup.
2026 Chevy Equinox Performance Highlights:
Standard 1.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder: 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque (AWD).
Transmission Options: Smooth-shifting CVT (FWD) or a rugged 8-speed automatic (AWD).
Drive Mode Selector: Includes a dedicated Snow Mode (and Off-Road mode on the ACTIV trim) to handle Minnesota winters with ease.
An SUV is only as good as what it can carry. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox was redesigned with a wider, more athletic stance that translates to a very usable interior. While the Ford Escape technically offers slightly more raw cargo volume, the Equinox focuses on smart storage. With the 60/40 split-folding rear seats down, you have 63.5 cubic feet of space, plus hidden storage compartments under the rear floor to keep your valuables out of sight.
If you have a pair of jet skis or a small utility trailer, both of these SUVs are ready to work. The Equinox offers a respectable 1,500-pound towing capacity when equipped with AWD, making it perfect for light hauling duties around St. Paul.
Comparison at a Glance:
Chevy Equinox Cargo: 29.8 cu. ft. (seats up) / 63.5 cu. ft. (seats down)
Ford Escape Cargo: 37.5 cu. ft. (seats up) / 65.4 cu. ft. (seats down)
Equinox Towing: Up to 1,500 lbs—ideal for small trailers and recreational gear.
Escape Towing: Ranges from 2,000 to 3,500 lbs depending on the engine and tow package.
This is where the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox really starts to pull away from the competition. Inside the Equinox, you are greeted by a massive 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen as standard equipment. In contrast, the Ford Escape starts you off with a much smaller 8-inch screen; you have to pay significantly more to upgrade to their larger display.
Chevy also understands that living in the North means you need a little extra warmth. That’s why the Equinox comes standard with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel—features that are often optional or locked behind expensive packages on the Escape.
Standard 2026 Equinox Tech & Safety:
11.3-inch Infotainment Screen: Features Google built-in for seamless navigation and apps.
11-inch Digital Gauge Cluster: A fully customizable display for the driver.
Chevy Safety Assist: A suite of six advanced safety features, including Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist.
Standard Heated Amenities: Keep the Minnesota chill at bay without checking extra boxes on the order form.
While the Ford Escape offers plenty of configurations, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox wins on value by giving you more of the features you actually want—like a giant screen and heated seats—right from the start.
Ready to see how the new Equinox handles the roads of Forest Lake? Visit us at Morrie’s Forest Lake Chevrolet to explore our inventory, compare trims like the rugged ACTIV or the sporty RS, and take a test drive. Contact us online or give us a call to get started!
