2021 Ford Escape vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

2021 Ford Escape
2021 Ford Escape
$25,555MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Toyota RAV4
2022 Toyota RAV4
$26,975MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Escape
$25,555MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Toyota RAV4
$26,975MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$25,555

MSRP

$26,975

Average price

$19,876

Average price

$27,708

Listings

1667

Listings

3083

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great ride quality
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Manual transmission not available
  • Stereo is lacking
  • Poor value for money

2021 Ford Escape Reviews Summary

The Ford Escape is the Blue Oval’s compact crossover SUV, and one of the most important models in the automaker’s lineup. It competes in one of the most popular market segments of the moment, against popular vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, and Subaru Forester.

Ford also views the Escape as the de facto choice for a large slice of its customers. After the automaker eliminated sedans and hatchbacks from its United States lineup, the Escape was left as the most logical choice for keeping existing Fusion and Focus owners in the Ford fold. So in a 2020 model year redesign, Ford gave the Escape more car-like styling, and emphasized fuel efficiency.

Following that redesign, the 2021 Escape is largely unchanged. The only differences are new appearance packages and exterior colors, an available tow package, and slightly improved fuel economy for the base powertrain. The trim-level lineup of S, SE, SEL, and Titanium carries over as well. So while we didn’t get a chance to drive a 2021 Escape, we can evaluate it based on our experience with the 2020 model.

2022 Toyota RAV4 Reviews Summary

Once dismissed as a “cute-ute,” the Toyota RAV4 has evolved into a compact SUV to reckon with. From a range of efficient powertrains to a roomy, flexible interior and stylish exterior, the RAV4 has the goods to compete with the best SUVs.
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.5L 181 hp I3

Engine

2.5L 203 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

MPG City

28

MPG City

27

MPG Highway

34

MPG Highway

35
2021 Ford Escape
2021 Ford Escape
$25,555MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Toyota RAV4
2022 Toyota RAV4
$26,975MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Escape
$25,555MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Toyota RAV4
$26,975MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$25,555
$26,975
Average price
$19,876
$27,708
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.5
4.3
Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10

Read full review

8.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great ride quality
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Manual transmission not available
  • Stereo is lacking
  • Poor value for money
Summary

The Ford Escape is the Blue Oval’s compact crossover SUV, and one of the most important models in the automaker’s lineup. It competes in one of the most popular market segments of the moment, against popular vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, and Subaru Forester.

Ford also views the Escape as the de facto choice for a large slice of its customers. After the automaker eliminated sedans and hatchbacks from its United States lineup, the Escape was left as the most logical choice for keeping existing Fusion and Focus owners in the Ford fold. So in a 2020 model year redesign, Ford gave the Escape more car-like styling, and emphasized fuel efficiency.

Following that redesign, the 2021 Escape is largely unchanged. The only differences are new appearance packages and exterior colors, an available tow package, and slightly improved fuel economy for the base powertrain. The trim-level lineup of S, SE, SEL, and Titanium carries over as well. So while we didn’t get a chance to drive a 2021 Escape, we can evaluate it based on our experience with the 2020 model.

Once dismissed as a “cute-ute,” the Toyota RAV4 has evolved into a compact SUV to reckon with. From a range of efficient powertrains to a roomy, flexible interior and stylish exterior, the RAV4 has the goods to compete with the best SUVs.
Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
1.5L 181 hp I3
2.5L 203 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
MPG City
28
27
MPG Highway
34
35
Look and feel
2021 Ford Escape
5/10
2022 Toyota RAV4
9/10

The 2021 Ford Escape, a fourth-generation model, presented a blend of SUV and hatchback aesthetics. Its design featured a curved snout and sleek roofline, giving it a less truck-like appearance compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Despite its unique exterior, the interior design choices were less cohesive, with some materials feeling low-rent. The Escape offered new appearance packages for 2021, enhancing its visual appeal with options like 19-inch alloy wheels and upgraded upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4, part of a lineage dating back to 1996, evolved into a mature crossover SUV. Its exterior design, while fitting in with current crossover trends, stood out with angular wheel arches and expressive headlights. The RAV4's interior boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and a well-placed touchscreen interface. The design incorporated unique elements like a circuit-board-inspired pattern, enhancing the overall aesthetic and quality feel of the vehicle.

Performance
2021 Ford Escape
6/10
2022 Toyota RAV4
8/10

The 2021 Ford Escape offered a variety of powertrains, including two gasoline engines and hybrid options. The base 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine produced 181 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. An upgrade to the 2.0-liter turbo-four engine increased output to 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, available only with AWD. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models combined a 2.5-liter engine with electric assist, delivering 200 hp. The plug-in hybrid's larger battery allowed for significant electric-only driving. Despite adequate engine performance, the Escape's chassis tuning was criticized for its sloppy suspension and steering.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth power delivery. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a similar engine with an electric motor, producing 217 hp and achieving impressive fuel economy ratings. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid delivered 302 hp and could run up to 42 miles on electricity alone. The RAV4's handling was praised for its car-like feel, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and dynamic torque vectoring enhancing its performance.

Form and function
2021 Ford Escape
6/10
2022 Toyota RAV4
9/10

The 2021 Ford Escape offered competitive interior space, with near-top segment headroom and legroom. A sliding rear seat allowed for adjustable legroom or cargo space, with non-hybrid models providing 40.7 inches of rear legroom. Cargo space varied, with gasoline models offering up to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. However, hybrid models had reduced space due to battery placement. Despite its car-like styling, the Escape's cargo capacity was less than some competitors.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, provided 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. It offered a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models towing up to 3,500 pounds. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable, with ample storage options and seating for five. The front row provided generous space, while the second row was suitable for occasional use by five passengers.

Technology
2021 Ford Escape
7/10
2022 Toyota RAV4
8/10

The 2021 Ford Escape featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system, with base models equipped with a 4.2-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Upgrading to higher trims added an 8-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM radio, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. While Sync 3 was user-friendly, the Escape lacked some standard tech features found in competitors and missed out on wireless smartphone integration.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a robust technology suite, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen and six-speaker audio system. Standard features included smartphone integration, SiriusXM radio, and various connectivity options. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced tech, with multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a head-up display. The available bird’s-eye view camera system and ambient lighting added to its tech appeal.

Safety
2021 Ford Escape
8/10
2022 Toyota RAV4
9/10

The 2021 Ford Escape received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and child-seat anchor ease of use. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, offering blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota's Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking. It featured eight airbags and child-seat anchors. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, standard on all models, included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and parking assist. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid five-star ratings.

Cost Effectiveness
2021 Ford Escape
8/10
2022 Toyota RAV4
7/10
N/A

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Ford Escape is 6.7 out of 10, while the 2022 Toyota RAV4 scores 8.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 is the recommended choice, offering superior safety features, advanced technology, and better overall performance.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Ford Escape is 6.7 out of 10, while the 2022 Toyota RAV4 scores 8.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 is the recommended choice, offering superior safety features, advanced technology, and better overall performance.

CarGurus logo

By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

Popular vehicle comparisons

2023 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2023 Toyota RAV42023 Nissan Rogue vs 2024 Toyota RAV42023 Lexus GX vs 2024 Toyota RAV42023 Lexus NX vs 2023 Toyota RAV42023 Lincoln Aviator vs 2023 Toyota RAV42023 Volvo XC90 vs 2023 Toyota RAV42023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota RAV42023 Honda CR-V vs 2023 Toyota RAV42023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2023 Toyota RAV42023 Volvo XC40 vs 2023 Toyota RAV42023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport2023 Honda Odyssey vs 2023 Toyota RAV42023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Toyota RAV42023 Volvo XC90 vs 2024 Toyota RAV42023 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Toyota RAV42022 Nissan Rogue vs 2023 Toyota RAV42022 Buick Encore vs 2022 Ford Escape2022 Lexus NX vs 2023 Toyota RAV42022 Honda Odyssey vs 2023 Ford Escape2022 Lincoln Aviator vs 2023 Ford Escape2022 Honda CR-V vs 2023 Toyota RAV42022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2023 Ford Escape2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota RAV42022 MINI Countryman vs 2023 Toyota RAV42022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Ford Escape2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2023 Toyota RAV42022 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Ford Escape2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2023 Toyota RAV42022 Buick Enclave vs 2023 Toyota RAV42022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Ford Escape2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Lexus GX2021 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Ford Escape2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2022 Ford Escape2021 Buick Encore vs 2022 Ford Escape2021 Lexus NX vs 2022 Ford Escape2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Ford Escape2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Ford Escape2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Ford Escape2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Honda Odyssey2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Lincoln Aviator2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Ford Escape2020 Ford Escape vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator2020 Toyota RAV4 vs 2020 Nissan Rogue2020 MINI Countryman vs 2021 Toyota RAV42020 Ford Escape vs 2021 Volvo XC902020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Toyota RAV42020 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Toyota RAV42020 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Toyota RAV42020 Ford Escape vs 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport2020 Ford Escape vs 2021 Nissan Rogue2020 Ford Escape vs 2021 Volvo XC402020 Ford Escape vs 2021 MINI Countryman2020 Toyota RAV4 vs 2020 Buick Enclave2020 Toyota RAV4 vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator2020 Ford Escape vs 2021 Honda CR-V2019 Volvo XC90 vs 2020 Ford Escape2019 Nissan Rogue vs 2020 Toyota RAV42019 Ford Escape vs 2019 Nissan Rogue2019 Buick Enclave vs 2020 Toyota RAV42019 Lexus NX vs 2020 Ford Escape2019 Volvo XC90 vs 2020 Toyota RAV42019 Ford Escape vs 2019 Lexus RX Hybrid2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2020 Ford Escape2019 Lexus GX vs 2020 Ford Escape2019 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2020 Ford Escape2019 Lexus NX vs 2019 Ford Escape2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vs 2019 Ford Escape2019 MINI Countryman vs 2019 Ford Escape2019 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Toyota RAV4