My mom picked up an 07 CR-V EX and after driving it for a week I can say if it could tow my boat I’d buy one to replace the Expedition in a second. That is just one really nice vehicle.
But since you have to have an American company car probably assembled in Canada or Mexico I’d say Escape. The Escape is a decent vehicle, best of the small utes from the big 3, but not really on the same playing field as the CR-V. I wouldn’t suggest an Equinox even to an enemy. PS… the CR-V is assembled in Ohio.