2021 Ford Escape vs 2022 Toyota RAV4
Overview | |
MSRP$25,555 | MSRP$26,975 |
Average price$19,876 | Average price$27,708 |
Listings1667 | Listings3083 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2021 Ford Escape Reviews SummaryThe 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 SummaryOnce 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 | |
Engine1.5L 181 hp I3 | Engine2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
MPG City28 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway35 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.5L 181 hp I3 | Engine Name2.5L 203 hp I4 |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City28 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway35 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space37.5 cu ft | Cargo Space37.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight3302 lbs | Curb Weight3380 lbs |
Height66.1 in | Height67.0 in |
Length180.5 in | Length180.9 in |
Width85.6 in | Width73.0 in |
Wheelbase106.7 in | Wheelbase105.9 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1230 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $25,555 | $26,975 |
Average price | $19,876 | $27,708 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 6.7 out of 10Read full review | 8.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
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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 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.5L 181 hp I3 | 2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 28 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 34 | 35 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 37.5 cu ft | 37.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3302 lbs | 3380 lbs |
Height | 66.1 in | 67.0 in |
Length | 180.5 in | 180.9 in |
Width | 85.6 in | 73.0 in |
Wheelbase | 106.7 in | 105.9 in |
Maximum Payload | 1230 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 1500 lbs | |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CarGurus highlights
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.
Choose the 2021 Ford Escape if:
- You prefer a vehicle with a variety of powertrain options, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.
- You value a sliding rear seat for adjustable legroom or cargo space.
- You are looking for a vehicle with a user-friendly infotainment system.
Choose the 2022 Toyota RAV4 if:
- You want a vehicle with a strong reputation for safety and a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features.
- You need a crossover with impressive fuel economy and the option for a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
- You appreciate a well-designed interior with advanced technology and ample cargo space.
CarGurus highlights
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.
Choose the 2021 Ford Escape if:
Shop Now- You prefer a vehicle with a variety of powertrain options, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.
- You value a sliding rear seat for adjustable legroom or cargo space.
- You are looking for a vehicle with a user-friendly infotainment system.
Choose the 2022 Toyota RAV4 if:
Shop Now- You want a vehicle with a strong reputation for safety and a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features.
- You need a crossover with impressive fuel economy and the option for a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
- You appreciate a well-designed interior with advanced technology and ample cargo space.
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.