Drivers in Brampton shopping for a compact SUV face no shortage of choices, but one vehicle stands apart when you examine the complete picture. The 2026 Ford Escape goes head-to-head with the 2026 Nissan Rogue and 2026 Chevrolet Equinox—and when you compare powertrain flexibility, towing muscle, and interior versatility, the Escape delivers advantages the competition simply cannot match.
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Shop NowFrom electrified efficiency to cargo adaptability and genuine hauling capability, the Escape offers something neither rival can claim: choice. With four distinct powertrains, towing capacity that more than doubles the Rogue and Equinox, and sliding second-row seats found on no competitor, the Escape gives Ontario families the freedom to configure their SUV around their actual needs. Let's examine how these three vehicles stack up across the criteria that matter most to Brampton drivers.
|
Specification |
2026 Ford Escape |
2026 Nissan Rogue |
2026 Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Powertrain Options |
4 (Gas, Turbo, Hybrid, PHEV) |
2 (Gas, PHEV only) |
1 (Gas only) |
|
Max Towing |
1,587 kg (3,500 lbs) |
680 kg (1,500 lbs) |
680 kg (1,500 lbs) |
|
Hybrid Available |
Yes (192 hp system) |
No |
No |
|
Plug-In Hybrid |
Yes (210 hp system) |
Yes (248 hp system) |
No |
|
Cargo (Seats Up) |
~949 L |
895–1,033 L |
845 L |
|
Cargo (Seats Down) |
1,852 L |
2,098 L |
1,799 L |
|
Sliding Second Row |
Yes (150 mm adjustment) |
No |
No |
|
Top Engine Power |
250 hp |
201 hp (gas) / 248 hp (PHEV) |
175 hp |
|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 (7 in PHEV) |
5 |
The Escape delivers 1,852 L of maximum cargo capacity with the rear seats folded flat, providing ample room for weekend gear, sports equipment, or home improvement supplies. What sets the Escape apart is its sliding 60/40 split-folding second row—a feature neither the Rogue nor Equinox offers. These seats slide up to 150 mm forward or back, letting you prioritize rear legroom for passengers or maximize cargo space behind them depending on the situation. This on-the-fly adaptability makes the Escape genuinely versatile rather than forcing you to choose one configuration.
Front-row passengers enjoy over 1,016 mm of legroom, while the sliding rear seats allow second-row passengers to customize their own space. The available power liftgate provides hands-free access to the cargo area.
Escape Cargo Advantages:
The Rogue offers 895 L of cargo space behind the second row in its forward-most position, expanding to 1,033 L with the available Divide-N-Hide system. Maximum cargo capacity reaches 2,098 L with the second row folded—the largest raw number in this comparison, though the Rogue lacks the Escape's sliding seat flexibility. The Rogue's three-row plug-in hybrid variant adds a third seating row for seven-passenger capacity, but this reduces cargo volume significantly to just 362 L behind the third row.
The Equinox provides 845 L of cargo space behind the second row and 1,799 L with the seats folded—the smallest capacity in this comparison. Like the Rogue, it lacks sliding rear seats, meaning you cannot adjust the balance between passenger legroom and cargo space without folding seats down entirely.
The Escape stands alone with three electrified powertrain choices—more than both competitors combined. Buyers who want hybrid efficiency without plugging in can choose the 2.5 L hybrid system, which delivers 192 horsepower and approximately 5.6 L/100 km city and 6.5 L/100 km highway. For drivers seeking electric-only commuting capability, the plug-in hybrid offers 210 horsepower and 60 km of electric-only range—enough to cover most daily driving on battery power alone.
Traditional gasoline options include a 1.5 L EcoBoost engine rated at 8.9 L/100 km city and 6.9 L/100 km highway in front-wheel drive, or 9.2 L/100 km city and 7.4 L/100 km highway with all-wheel drive. The turbocharged 2.0 L EcoBoost delivers approximately 10.4 L/100 km city and 7.6 L/100 km highway with all-wheel drive—and unlocks towing capacity the competitors cannot approach.
Escape Efficiency Advantages:
The Rogue forces buyers into an either/or choice: the standard 1.5 L Variable Compression Turbo engine at 201 horsepower, or jump directly to the plug-in hybrid at 248 horsepower. No traditional hybrid option exists. If you want electrified efficiency without the higher cost and complexity of a PHEV, the Rogue cannot accommodate you.
The standard engine delivers 8.3 L/100 km city and 6.8 L/100 km highway with all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid offers 61 km of electric range and an estimated 3.6 L/100 km combined rating.
The Equinox offers no electrified options whatsoever. Buyers receive a single 1.5 L turbocharged engine across all trims, rated at 175 horsepower. Front-wheel drive models achieve 9.2 L/100 km city and 8.1 L/100 km highway, while all-wheel drive variants return 9.6 L/100 km city and 8.1 L/100 km highway. For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency or considering electrification, the Equinox provides no path forward.
The Escape offers the broadest powertrain lineup and the strongest towing capability in this comparison—by a significant margin. The base 1.5 L EcoBoost engine delivers 180 horsepower and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard, with all-wheel drive available.
Drivers who tow trailers, boats, or recreational equipment will find the 2.0 L twin-scroll EcoBoost engine indispensable. It produces 250 horsepower and comes exclusively with all-wheel drive, enabling a maximum towing capacity of 1,587 kg (3,500 lbs) when properly equipped. This is more than double what either the Rogue or Equinox can manage—a decisive advantage for active Ontario families.
The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models prioritize efficiency while maintaining respectable performance at 192 and 210 horsepower respectively.
Escape Performance Advantages:
The Rogue's standard 1.5 L VC-Turbo engine produces 201 horsepower and 305 Nm of torque. The plug-in hybrid variant offers 248 horsepower through its dual-motor system. However, towing capacity remains limited to just 680 kg (1,500 lbs) across all Rogue models—less than half the Escape's capability. Buyers who anticipate towing anything more substantial than a small utility trailer will find the Rogue inadequate.
The Equinox uses a single 1.5 L turbocharged engine across all trims, producing 175 horsepower—the lowest in this comparison. Maximum towing capacity reaches only 680 kg (1,500 lbs), matching the Rogue's limitation. With no performance-oriented powertrain option available, the Equinox offers no upgrade path for buyers who discover they need more capability down the road.
The Escape offers an available 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen with SYNC 4, providing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is also available, creating a modern, customizable interface. The rotary gear shift dial frees up console space for additional storage and USB ports. Available features include a panoramic Vista Roof, wireless charging pad, and B&O Sound System with 10 speakers.
Standard Rogue models feature an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Platinum trim upgrades to a 12.3-inch display with Google built-in. The plug-in hybrid includes a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and 10-inch head-up display as standard equipment.
The Equinox includes an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment across all trims. An 11-inch Driver Information Centre provides customizable displays.
When you examine powertrain flexibility, towing capability, and interior versatility together, one vehicle clearly leads this comparison.
The 2026 Ford Escape offers advantages neither competitor can match. It is the only compact SUV here with both a traditional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid option, giving buyers the ability to choose their level of electrification. Its 1,587 kg (3,500 lbs) towing capacity more than doubles what the Rogue and Equinox offer—a difference that matters for families who tow boats, trailers, or recreational equipment. And its sliding second-row seats provide day-to-day flexibility that fixed-seat competitors simply cannot replicate. For drivers in Brampton who want capability without compromise, the Escape delivers.
The 2026 Nissan Rogue leads in raw maximum cargo space at 2,098 L and offers a three-row plug-in hybrid variant. However, it lacks a traditional hybrid option, limits towing to 680 kg, and does not offer sliding rear seats.
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox provides accessible pricing with its single engine option. However, with no electrified powertrains, the lowest maximum power, limited towing capacity, and the smallest cargo space in this comparison, it offers the fewest options for buyers whose needs may evolve.
The 2026 Ford Escape delivers flexible space, multiple efficient powertrains, and towing capability that outpaces the competition by a wide margin. From the fuel-efficient hybrid to the powerful 2.0 L EcoBoost, the Escape adapts to your driving needs rather than asking you to adapt to its limitations. Visit Mayfield Ford in Brampton to explore the full Escape lineup, compare trims, and experience how the sliding second-row seats and available electrified powertrains can enhance your daily drive.
You might also be interested in these blogs: Ford Escape, Ford Bronco Sport, Escape PHEV: Which Ford SUV Is Best for Your Lifestyle?, Which Powertrain Suits You Best in the 2025 Ford Escape?, How the 2024 Ford Escape Compares with the 2024 Bronco Sport
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