2021 Ford Escape vs Toyota Rav4
Choosing between the 2021 Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 isn’t easy. Both compact crossovers treat you to thrifty performance, high-tech cabins, and roomy seating. But our comparison guide is here to help. We’ll show you how these crossovers differ, so you can choose the one that’s right for you.
Sporty Capabilities: 2021 Ford Escape
If you’re eager to zoom around town, the Escape offers some powertrain options that you’ll love. The sportiest option is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. With its 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, this Escape engine helps you surge ahead of the RAV4.
Every RAV4 features the same engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that supplies 203 horses and 184 pound-feet of torque. It’s not quite as powerful as the Escape’s top engine, but it does a good job of getting you up to speed.
Everyday Efficiency: 2021 Ford Escape
In addition to being the sportier crossover, the Escape also gives you the edge in the efficiency department. With its 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain (standard for the Titanium and optional for the SE and SEL models), the Escape treats you to 41 mpg combined (44 city/37 highway mpg).
The RAV4 offers both a hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, but you’ll find them in separate models, the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime, respectively. With its gas-powered 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the 2021 RAV4 earns up to 30 mpg combined (28/35 mpg).
Modern Comfort: 2021 Ford Escape
The Escape is also our first choice for everyday comfort. The front seats are cushy yet supportive, perfect for commuting. And you’ll be pleased with this crossover’s upscale options, including power-adjustable front seats and supple leather upholstery. The backseats are also accommodating, so your loved ones can count on a comfy road trip. You’ll also appreciate how the Escape conducts itself, smoothing out bumps in the road for one last touch on your pleasure cruise.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is also tuned to blend sporty performance with interior comfort. Like the Escape, the RAV4 comes standard with padded, nicely contoured front seats. The seat bottoms, however, are on the flat side, which can test you on long drives. We also wish the front passenger seat offered more adjustments to accommodate a wider range of passenger heights.
Safety Aids: It’s a Tie!
Both compact crossover SUVs are nicely equipped with high-tech safety systems. Each comes standard with a number of driver aids that are specially designed to help you avoid on-road trouble. For example, their forward collision mitigation systems can actively apply the brakes to pull these respective crossovers to a quick stop. And both also come standard with lane departure mitigation, technology that senses accidental lane drift and automatically corrects course.
Endnotes
The 2021 Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 have a lot in common, especially when it comes to tech features. Ultimately, though, it’s the Escape that will win you over. Ford’s compact crossover has the potential to treat you to a sportier performance, greater efficiency, and rich everyday comfort.