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The Toyota RAV4 and the Ford Escape are five-seat compact crossover SUVs with virtually identical starting prices. But a few differences might make one a better choice overall for your next vehicle in Jacksonville, Florida. If you want to be sure you’re buying the best SUV for your money, check out our comparison below between the 2023 Toyota RAV4 and the 2023 Ford Escape.
RAV4 vs. Escape: Interior Comfort Features
The 2023 RAV4 and Escape have cabins with various compartments and bins for storage. All the buttons and functions are easy to identify and use. The RAV4 includes plenty of convenient functions even at the lowest trim level, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilting and telescopic steering wheel, and a height-adjustable false floor for the cargo area. Moving up the trim level adds options such as heated front and rear seats, ambient interior lighting, and enhanced SofTex imitation-leather upholstery.
In comparison, the Ford Escape’s cabin is elegantly styled and roomy in both rows. While lower-end trims have some cheap plastic panels, the pricier ST-Line and Platinum variants look more premium. Textured fabric seat upholstery is standard, while faux-leather seating surfaces are only standard on the top-level Platinum. While both vehicles bring plenty of value and diverse choices, we think you’ll find the comfort you want at a lower trim level and price with the Toyota RAV4.
RAV4 vs. Escape: Performance
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 outperforms the 2023 Ford Escape in terms of starting engines and maximum output potential. The RAV4 has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 hp or a hybrid engine with 219 hp. In contrast, the Escape has a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque, or if you’re willing to spend enough, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.
The 2023 RAV4 and the 2023 Escape can tow small or midsize trailers. The RAV4 Hybrid XSE model has a towing capacity of 1,750 lbs. Both crossover SUVs have the same standard-engine towing capacity of 1,500 lbs., with a maximum towing capability of 3,500 lbs. In terms of efficiency, the gasoline RAV4 gets up to 30 combined mpg, just like the Escape. The hybrid performance is similar, giving only a small edge to the Escape.
Both vehicles have solid power ratings that increase depending on your choices. Comparing base-level gasoline versions, however, the RAV4 brings more power for the price.
RAV4 vs. Escape: Off-Road Capabilities
Although not heavily focused on off-roading, both SUVs have what it takes to handle light to moderate off-road challenges and trails. Both crossovers have all-wheel-drive technology for increased traction. The RAV4 offers more ground clearance at 8.6 inches versus the Escape’s 7.8 inches, a useful trait when driving through rough terrain.
Unlike the Escape, the RAV4 features several off-road-focused trims, such as the TRD Off-Road, Hybrid Woodland Edition, and Adventure. The RAV4 is also more maneuverable than the Escape, thanks to its smaller turning circle, sharper steering, and poised handling.
RAV4 vs. Escape: Passenger and Cargo Space
You might wonder whether the 2023 RAV4 or the 2023 Escape is roomier. The RAV4 has good space for passengers and cargo, with 37.8 inches of legroom in the second row and 36.6 cubic feet of space behind that row. When you remove the RAV4’s rear seats, the total cargo space increases to 69.8 cubic feet. While the Ford Escape has slightly larger front and rear legroom and a cargo area of 37.5 cubic feet, the total available cargo area with the seats down is smaller at only 65.4 cubic feet.
RAV4 vs. Escape: Infotainment Features
The RAV4 LE and XLE trims have an 8.0-inch infotainment display secured in the dashboard, while the XSE and Limited versions have a 10.5-inch screen. All trims include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. Most versions also have a 7.0-inch digital gauge display. A larger 12.3-inch display is standard on the Limited and Prime XSE trims and optional on the XLE Premium. You can add navigation and an 11-speaker JBL sound system if you wish. Otherwise, you’ll get a six-speaker system and easy connectivity to your preferred phone navigation apps.
While base 2023 Ford Escape models include an 8.0-inch infotainment system, the Active and higher trims have an optional 13.2-inch touch-screen display. Both screens use Ford’s latest SYNC 4 infotainment interface and support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on every trim. In-dash navigation, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a head-up display, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display are also available.
So, for infotainment features, the RAV4 offers more competitive sound systems and display technologies as standard features on different trim levels. The Escape only offers equivalent features on certain trims if you add them through packages.
RAV4 vs. Escape: Safety Features
The Toyota RAV4 includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, with features such as lane departure warning with steering assist, lane tracing assist, and road sign recognition. It also has front collision warning with automated emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with automatic braking and rear cross-traffic alerts, and front and rear park assist.
The Escape offers a similar package through its Co-Pilot360 bundle, which can include Ford’s semi-autonomous hands-free highway driving mode. However, this feature has limited access throughout the United States and requires the most expensive trim levels. In contrast, all 2023 RAV4 models have adaptive cruise control that operates at all speeds. The Escape only offers this option on the Active trim or higher.
RAV4 vs. Ford Escape: The Winner
Both the new Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape are high-quality crossovers that are relaxing to ride in and fun to drive. But because of the advantages of a more powerful base engine and maximum horsepower output, maneuverability, off-road capabilities, and cargo space, we think you’re more likely to prefer the Toyota RAV4. When you’re ready to take advantage of the special offers and superior prices on the 2023 RAV4 and other Toyota vehicles in Jacksonville, come to Keith Pierson Toyota.
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