2022 Chevrolet Equinox

Above Average: Standard safety features; roomy rear seat; optional all-wheel drive.

Below Average: Cargo space; single engine/transmission choice; sporty RS doesn't mean more power.

Consensus: Chevy's best-selling SUV, the 2022 Equinox offers good space for passengers, comfortable driving manners, and ample standard safety features. Maximum cargo space is a bit small compared to some competitors, and it offers only one engine option.

2022 Ford Escape

Above Average: Numerous engine options, including a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid; good standard features; spacious for its size.

Below Average: Not terribly fun to drive; bland interior; weak base engine.

Consensus: Roomy for a compact crossover, the 2022 Ford Escape offers a choice of engines, including a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. It's not terribly fun to drive, however, and the interior is plain.

Above Average: Numerous engine options, including a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid; good standard features; spacious for its size.

Below Average: Not terribly fun to drive; bland interior; weak base engine.

Consensus: Roomy for a compact crossover, the 2022 Ford Escape offers a choice of engines, including a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. It's not terribly fun to drive, however, and the interior is plain.

Equinox vs. Escape: Family Compacts

Chevrolet Equinox

Despite the 2-row compact crossover segment being one of the more crowded, the 2022 Equinox has been a good seller for Chevrolet due to its low price, popular standard features, and comfortable driving manners. A 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine sends power to either the front or all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic. Its 170 horsepower may not seem like much, but it's plenty to keep the compact moving, and the Equinox can even tow up to 1,500 pounds.

With an update for 2022, the exterior has a wider and more aggressive grille and a more rugged rear look as well. Higher trims get such things as bigger wheels and a gloss black grille.

Inside, the seats are comfortable and supportive, and a touchscreen sits in the center. We also like that buttons and knobs control climate and audio functions. It features good legroom in the rear, and the bench reclines. Cargo space is a fair 63.9 cubic feet with all seats folded, although that's small compared to its competitors.

Standard features are pretty basic and include cloth seats, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, four USB ports, and OnStar. Safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Upper trims get such things as leather seats, adaptive cruise control, more safety features, and premium audio system.

Ford Escape

The best thing about the 2022 Ford Escape is that it's offered with four engine choices, including a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. The worst thing is that the lower trims get a weak 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine. Couple that with a ride focused primarily on comfort and the Escape isn't terribly fun to drive. This engine is the only choice in the lower two trims, although the SEL is eligible for the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo with considerably more juice. Most trims are eligible for all-wheel drive, although the base S trim and the plug-in hybrid are front-wheel drive only.

Inside, the Escape is impressively roomy for a compact crossover, with 40.7 inches of maximum rear legroom and comfortable seats. The interior is rather bland, and we would strongly suggest avoiding the base S trim, which lacks not only Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration but has a rather ludicrous 4.2-inch infotainment screen. Base safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert.

Only $2,000 more gets you the SE trim, with keyless entry, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, as well as optional all-wheel drive. Above that, the SEL adds simulated leather upholstery, the option of the larger engine, more safety features, and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.

The hybrid trims are equipped similarly to their gasoline counterparts, with both making 200 horsepower. The regular hybrid returns 44 mpg in the city, and the plug-in makes an impressive 105 MPGe along with a 37-mile battery-only range.

Similarities

Starting price; cargo space; optional all-wheel drive; safety rating.

2022 Chevrolet Equinox Advantages

Nicer cabin; better looks; stronger base engine; better to drive.

2022 Ford Escape Advantages

Choice of engines; fuel economy; optional hybrid.

Which One is Right for Me?

It may only offer a single engine choice, but the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox still makes ample power and is fun to drive. Even the base model has decent features and a handsome interior, and there are plenty of options for leather and more upscale amenities as you ascend through the trim levels.

There's much to like about the 2022 Ford Escape, including its comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and standard features. Numerous engine choices include two hybrids, but the base engine is weak and pointless.