Which compact crossover belongs in your driveway, the 2023 Ford Escape or Toyota RAV4? Both are popular in their own way, in part because they’re handsomely equipped with modern comforts and tech features. But which gives you the best daily drive? Our comparison guide takes a look.
Price: It’s (Nearly) a Tie!
When it comes to spending, the 2023 Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 are pretty well matched. The Escape starts at around $27,500, and the RAV4 at about $27,575.
Punchy Power: 2023 Ford Escape
When it comes to power, the Escape gives you a major advantage. First of all, this crossover offers four powertrain options. If you’re lookin for an excellent blend of power and performance, check out the hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains, which deliver 41 mpg combined and 105 MPGe, respectively. For all-out speed, check out the 250-horsepower four-cylinder engine!
The 2023 Escape engine options:
- Turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder engine (181 horsepower, 190 lb-ft of torque)
- 2.5L hybrid four-cylinder powertrain (200 total hp, 155 lb-ft)
- 2.5L plug-in hybrid four-cylinder powertrain (221 total hp, 155 lb-ft)
- Turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 280 lb-ft)
The 2023 Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, only offers one engine option:
- 2.5L four-cylinder engine (203 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque)
While the RAV4 does come standard with a little more horsepower than the Escape, it doesn’t offer you the extra speed or efficiency of the Escape’s optional engines. And the RAV4 is not as efficient, with EPA ratings of up to 30 mpg combined. However, there is a separate RAV4 Hybrid available to improve efficiency, delivering 40 mpg combined.
Interior Comfort: 2023 Ford Escape
Inside, the Escape offers the best place to spend a road trip. In addition to roomy seating for five passengers, each model includes six cupholders and a center console with a Convenient Media Bin. And moving up the trim models only lands you more luxuries, with everything from leather upholstery to heated seats available.
Similarly, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offers roomy, comfortable seating for up to five passengers. And it, too, provides plenty of upgrades, so you can make your ride a little more luxurious. However, the RAV4 front passenger seat could use a few more adjustments to make it comfortable for a wider range of body types.
Tech Gear: 2023 Ford Escape
Once again, the Escape has a slight edge. Every Escape comes with Ford’s brand new SYNC 4 infotainment system, with its impressively quick processor and 8-inch touchscreen (higher trim models get a 13.2-inch touchscreen) and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The standard list of safety aids is equally robust, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision mitigation.
Of course, the 2023 RAV4 is pretty similarly equipped with infotainment and safety gear. This Toyota comes standard with a slightly smaller 7-inch infotainment touchscreen (a 10.5-inch version is also available) and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This crossover also includes the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package, which includes lane-keeping assist, forward collision mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. However, we think the Ford versions of these safety systems work a little more seamlessly, with less false positives.
Choose Your Small Crossover
In the end, even though this competition is a stiff one, the 2023 Ford Escape comes out on top. Choose Ford’s small crossover SUV for a speedy performance, impressive fuel economy, and lots of coveted comfort and tech features.