When you want to pack up your family and a week’s worth of luggage and hit the road in style, the 2019 Ford Edge and Chevrolet Equinox takes you wherever you want to go. But choosing between these two rugged American crossovers isn’t easy. That’s why our comparison guide is here to help. We delve into the details so you can make your best purchase.
Max Fuel Mileage: 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox has something that most other small crossovers simply don’t: an optional diesel engine. With it, you can achieve impressive EPA ratings of up to 28 city and 39 highway miles per gallon. For a small crossover, those figures are very good.
The Edge’s thriftiest engine is also its base engine, so you don’t have to pay extra to save money on fuel. But this midsize crossover isn’t as thrifty as the Equinox, earning up to 22 city and 29 highway mpg.
Most Fun to Drive: 2019 Ford Edge
The Edge’s smooth-but-powerful ride comes standard. The base engine is a doozy—a 250-horsepower, turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder that puts an emphasis on speed. And, if you want even more athleticism, you can always look into the performance-based Edge ST trim. Its twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 is a regular speed demon, giving you access to 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque.
The Equinox’s base engine isn’t quite as big and powerful, but this actually makes sense for a smaller crossover. We do say that its base turbocharged four-cylinder engine (170 horsepower) is quick to respond to your input, which at least gives you a sense of control. The line’s most powerful engine is more akin to the Edge’s base engine, but you end up spending more on the Equinox. And then there’s the Equinox’s aforementioned diesel option, which costs you more but helps you save big at the pump.
Comfiest People Hauler: 2019 Ford Edge
Its status as a midsize crossover makes the Ford Edge the big winner here, especially if you’re looking for a little extra rear-seat legroom. Cargo space is a major draw too, with 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 73.4 cubes max with the seats folded. Besides space, the Edge puts every luxury up for grabs, from cushy leather upholstery to ambient interior lighting.
In the compact Chevrolet Equinox, you get plenty of seating space, just not as much as you’d enjoy in the Edge. You’ll also have to pack a lot lighter, because there are only 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats (63.9 cubes max). Still, even in its smaller cabin, the Equinox puts an emphasis on style and comfort. You’ll find the usual range of luxuries on offer, including heated seating and fancy cabin trim.
Savviest Tech Features: 2019 Ford Edge
Whether you choose the 2019 Ford Edge or the Chevrolet Equinox, you can hit the road with smartphone integration options and savvy safety aids at your command. Both crossovers offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration features, so you can use apps like Maps and Music from the comfort of your central touchscreen.
However, the Edge is in fact the savviest of the pair. The new standard lineup includes all the latest driver safety aids. Items like forward collision warning with automatic braking aim to keep you safe – and at no extra cost. You can add a similar array of safety aids to your Equinox, but only if you pay extra to get them.
The Chevrolet Equinox has plenty of modern appeal, but the 2019 Ford Edge is the ultimate family hauler. Ford’s midsize crossover beats the Equinox for passenger space and rugged performance. It’s definitely the crossover you want on your family adventures.