Compare the2022 Ford ExplorerVS 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and middle seat shoulder belts of the Ford Explorer have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Chevrolet Equinox doesn’t offer pretensioners for the middle seat belts.

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Ford Explorer are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Chevrolet Equinox doesn’t offer height-adjustable front seat belts.

The Ford Explorer has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Equinox doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The Explorer has standard Post Collision Braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Equinox doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Explorer (except Base/XLT/Limited/Timberline) offers an optional Reverse Brake Assist that use rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Equinox doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Explorer 4WD’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Equinox doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The Explorer has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Equinox’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Explorer has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the Equinox.

The Explorer’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Equinox doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Explorer and the Equinox have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The Ford Explorer weighs 833 to 1695 pounds more than the Chevrolet Equinox. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Ford Explorer is safer than the Chevrolet Equinox:

	Explorer	Equinox
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	125	159
Neck Stress	167 lbs.	190 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	230/210 lbs.	363/349 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	318	376
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.6 inches

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Ford Explorer is safer than the Chevrolet Equinox:

	Explorer	Equinox
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	65	109
Chest Movement	.9 inches	1.1 inches
Abdominal Force	161 G’s	195 G’s
Hip Force	224 lbs.	357 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	86	288
Spine Acceleration	38 G’s	55 G’s
Hip Force	604 lbs.	630 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	13 inches
HIC	288	377
Spine Acceleration	39 G’s	40 G’s
Hip Force	573 lbs.	730 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Explorer is 1.3% to 3.8% less likely to roll over than the Equinox.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Explorer its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2021, a rating granted to only 74 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Equinox is only a standard “Top Pick” for 2021.

Warranty

The Explorer’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Equinox’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

Reliability

The Explorer has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The Equinox doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Explorer has a standard 760-amp battery. The Equinox’s 700-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

Engine

The Explorer’s standard 2.3 turbo 4-cylinder produces 130 more horsepower (300 vs. 170) and 107 lbs.-ft. more torque (310 vs. 203) than the Equinox’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The Explorer’s optional 3.3 DOHC V6 hybrid produces 148 more horsepower (318 vs. 170) and 119 lbs.-ft. more torque (322 vs. 203) than the Equinox’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The Explorer ST/Platinum/King Ranch/Timberline’s standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 230 more horsepower (400 vs. 170) and 212 lbs.-ft. more torque (415 vs. 203) than the Equinox’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Ford Explorer turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the Chevrolet Equinox:

	Explorer	Equinox
Zero to 60 MPH	6.2 sec	8.9 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	17.8 sec	26.8 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	7.2 sec	9.6 sec
Quarter Mile	14.9 sec	16.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	93 MPH	83 MPH
Top Speed	125 MPH	124 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

Regenerative brakes improve the Explorer Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Equinox doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The Explorer 2.3-liter’s standard fuel tank has 3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Equinox FWD’s standard fuel tank (17.9 vs. 14.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Explorer Hybrid’s standard fuel tank has 3.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Equinox FWD’s standard fuel tank (18 vs. 14.9 gallons). The Explorer V6 Turbo’s standard fuel tank has 4.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Equinox AWD’s standard fuel tank (20.2 vs. 15.6 gallons).

Transmission

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Ford Explorer, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Equinox.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Explorer’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Equinox:

	Explorer	Explorer ST	Equinox
Front Rotors	13.6 inches	14.3 inches	11.8 inches
Rear Rotors	12.4 inches	13.8 inches	11.3 inches

The Explorer ST’s optional front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Equinox are solid, not vented.

The Explorer stops much shorter than the Equinox:

	Explorer	Equinox
70 to 0 MPH	161 feet	182 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	114 feet	120 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	139 feet	145 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Explorer has larger standard tires than the Equinox (255/65R18 vs. 225/65R17). The Explorer’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Equinox (275/45R21 vs. 235/50R19).

The Explorer’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Equinox’s optional 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Explorer has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Equinox LS/LT. The Explorer’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels optional on the Equinox.

Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires available on the Explorer can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The Equinox doesn’t offer self-sealing tires.

Suspension and Handling

The Explorer has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Explorer flat and controlled during cornering. The Equinox’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Explorer has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Equinox doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

The Explorer’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Equinox doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Explorer’s wheelbase is 11.8 inches longer than on the Equinox (119.1 inches vs. 107.3 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Explorer is 4.7 inches wider in the front and 4.7 inches wider in the rear than on the Equinox.

The Explorer’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50% to 50%) than the Equinox’s (56% to 44%). This gives the Explorer more stable handling and braking.

The Explorer ST 4WD handles at .86 G’s, while the Equinox LT AWD pulls only .77 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Explorer ST 4WD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.7 seconds quicker than the Equinox LT AWD (26.4 seconds @ .72 average G’s vs. 28.1 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Explorer Timberline has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Equinox (8.7 vs. 7.9 inches), allowing the Explorer to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Passenger Space

The Explorer has standard seating for 7 passengers; the Equinox can only carry 5.

The Explorer has 49.5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Equinox (152.7 vs. 103.2).

The Explorer has .7 inches more front headroom, 2.1 inches more front legroom, 5 inches more front hip room, 4.6 inches more front shoulder room, 2 inches more rear headroom, 7.4 inches more rear hip room and 6.4 inches more rear shoulder room than the Equinox.

Cargo Capacity

The Explorer’s cargo area provides more volume than the Equinox.

	Explorer	Equinox
Third Seat Folded	47.9 cubic feet	n/a
Third Seat Removed	n/a	29.9 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	87.8 cubic feet	63.9 cubic feet

The Explorer’s cargo area is larger than the Equinox’s in every dimension:

	Explorer	Equinox
Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st)	20.8”/49.8”/83.9”	n.a./34.9”/67.4”
Max Width	59”	53.7”
Min Width	48.1”	40.7”
Height	33.7”	31”

A standard locking glovebox keeps your small valuables safer in the Explorer. The Equinox doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Towing

The Explorer’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Equinox’s (3000 vs. 1500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Chevrolet Equinox is only 1500 pounds. The Explorer offers up to a 5600 lbs. towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the Explorer is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Equinox. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The Explorer’s front power windows open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Equinox’s front passenger window doesn’t close automatically.

The Explorer Hybrid has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Equinox doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The Explorer’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The Equinox’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted. The Explorer Limited/ST-Line/King Ranch/ST/Platinum’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Explorer Platinum has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Equinox doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Explorer to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Equinox doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The Explorer ST/Platinum offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Equinox.

The Explorer has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning costs extra on the Equinox and isn’t available on the Equinox LS.

The Explorer’s standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The Equinox LS doesn’t offer automatic air conditioning.

The Explorer’s optional Active Park Assist 2.0 can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Equinox Premier’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park.

Economic Advantages

The Explorer will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Explorer will retain 48.3% to 56.28% of its original price after five years, while the Equinox only retains 42.36% to 47.88%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Explorer is less expensive to operate than the Equinox because it costs $373 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Explorer than the Equinox, including $203 less for a muffler, $165 less for front brake pads, $237 less for a starter, $265 less for fuel injection, $278 less for a fuel pump and $20 less for front struts.