Starting at
Starting at
| 250 | Horsepower | 203 |
| 280 lb-ft | Torque | 184 lb-ft |
| 13.2 | Screen Size | 10.5 |
For many of us, a compact SUV is the perfect way to get the functionality and capability of an SUV in a smaller size that more easily fits into our lives. That might be why there are so many of these models on the market these days, which can make it tricky to narrow down your options and choose the right one. We often find that it helps to focus on just a couple of models at a time and see how they compare rather than becoming overwhelmed by a sea of vehicles. Looking at the 2024 Ford Escape vs 2024 Toyota RAV4, for example, we can see that while the RAV4 certainly has a lot to offer, it trails behind the Ford Escape in some key ways.
Just comparing their engines gives us a remarkable look at what sets these two vehicles apart and, perhaps more importantly, why the Ford Escape is a superior option. The starting engine for the RAV4 is a 2.5L I-4 with 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, which is comparable to the Escape’s starting turbocharged engine with its 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. Once we look at the available 2.0L turbocharged engine from Ford, however, we see that it comes out on top with 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Toyota has a hybrid and plug-in hybrid option available for the RAV4, but there is not a second standard gas engine available to compete with the power that Ford offers--the Escape also has hybrid and plug-in hybrid options available, so you can get whatever kind of driving experience you want from it.
Beyond that, you also find a variety of features inside the 2024 Ford Escape that surpass what you can get from Toyota. The RAV4 starts with an 8-inch infotainment display and a 7-inch driver display; while dual-zone climate control is available on the RAV4, it is surprisingly not standard. With the Ford Escape, you get a dual-zone climate control standard on every model, and while it also has an 8-inch infotainment display as standard, it comes with a larger 8.0-inch driver display that is easy to use and read. Perhaps most impressive, however, is that while Toyota offers an available 10.5-inch infotainment display in the RAV4, you can get a gorgeous 13.2-inch infotainment screen from Ford, making the Escape more user-friendly and giving you even more options for incredible tech features.
It can be easy to think of engines as something that only matters in powerful trucks or high-performance sports cars. While those vehicles certainly require a serious engine to get the most from them, the powertrain in every vehicle is important since your driving experience largely depends on the kind of power it provides. That is something that Ford understands better than pretty much any other brand out there, placing impressive engines in all of their vehicles. Even the Escape has four different engines available, giving you plenty of options to choose from for the performance you want.
Looking at the Toyota RAV4, its engine options are fine but not exactly revolutionary, especially if you are interested in a standard gas engine. The starting powertrain is a 2.5L I-4 engine that offers 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, which comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. That is decent enough for a standard engine, but it is your only option if you just want a straightforward gas engine. Toyota offers two other options for the RAV4, including a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, both of which are good, but unless you are interested in this kind of alternative engine, you are out of luck.
With the Ford Escape, you get more options, including two standard gas engines to ensure you can get the kind of power you want from your SUV. The starting engine for the Escape is a 1.5L EcoBoost turbocharged I-3 that provides 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque; this is a bit less horsepower but more torque than the RAV4, so it balances out. But if you choose the available 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged I-4 engine for the Escape, then you get 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, blowing away the standard performance of Toyota’s SUV. Much like the RAV4, you also have a hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain available for the Escape, but Ford comes through with much greater performance than a conventional gas engine.
Compact SUVs are some of the best daily drivers on the market, giving you the full functionality of an SUV with a size that is perfect for navigating city streets. You also get excellent fuel economy with these models compared to larger SUVs, which is why so many people choose the Ford Escape for their daily commute. Since you are going to spend so much time inside your vehicle each week, it is important that you choose one that gives you a comfortable ride that you will look forward to every day. Both the Escape and the RAV4 have a lot to offer in this regard, but Ford gives you more to improve your drive.
Looking at the RAV4, for example, Toyota offers basic climate control as a standard feature, but you have to look at a higher trim level for dual-zone climate control to ensure everyone inside is incredibly comfortable. Remote keyless entry is standard, which is nice and makes it easy to hit the road, but Toyota’s Smart Key system that works with all doors and the rear liftgate with Push Button Start is an extra option. Toyota provides basic fabric seating standard in the RAV4, but anything extra like SofTex-trimmed seats or heated front seats are only offered at higher trims.
With the Ford Escape, you get a wide range of fantastic comfort features in every model, though there is plenty more available if you are interested in extra options. Intelligent Access with Push Button Start is standard, along with Cruise Control, to make long road trips easier on you as the driver. You get Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control standard in the Ford Escape, so everyone inside stays nice and comfortable, along with unique cloth front bucket seats including an eight-way power driver’s seat. The standard model has heated front seats available, so you do not have to go with a higher trim if you want them, though you can choose a model like the Platinum for ambient interior lighting, heated seating, and much more.
Some of the most important details in any vehicle these days are the kinds of tech features that you get to enjoy while on the road. The Toyota RAV4 has a lot to offer, but we will see that it falls short in some key ways; it has a 7-inch driver display and an 8-inch infotainment display standard in starting models. The highest Limited trim has a wireless charging pad available, but not standard, and there are some other upgrades, like a larger 10.5-inch infotainment system and a JBL sound system to replace the standard six-speaker audio in the RAV4. Toyota also delivers impressive safety technology, though some features like a Blind Spot Monitor are available rather than standard.
Looking at the Ford Escape, you get a fantastic range of standard tech features with even more on offer, surpassing what Toyota delivers in the RAV4. Similar to the RAV4, the Escape has an 8-inch infotainment system as standard, though a larger 8-inch driver display is the starting feature. You can get a much larger 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster in the Ford Escape along with a gorgeous 13.2-inch infotainment screen that dwarfs Toyota’s 10.5-inch display offered as an available option in the RAV4. A 10-speaker B&O sound system is available from Ford to elevate your audio experience, while advanced safety tech, like a Blind Spot Information System and Pre-Collision Assist, are standard in every model.
We would never say the Toyota RAV4 is a bad SUV by any means; it is simply clear that you can get a lot more from the Ford Escape to improve your drive each day. Whether you are looking for superior performance from a conventional engine, fantastic interior comfort features, or advanced technology that elevates your drive each day, Ford has you covered. And here at DePaula Ford, we have you covered when you are looking for your next vehicle, no matter what you need. We have put together an amazing team of people ready to assist you with everything you require as you shop for your next SUV, ensuring you drive away completely happy.
Our friendly and knowledgeable salespeople are ready to answer all of your questions, help you explore the Ford lineup, and show you everything the Escape can do to make your life easier and more enjoyable. With one of our financing experts working by your side, it is simple to explore your financing options and find a solution that perfectly meets your needs; plus, our certified service center and parts department are here to keep your vehicle running beautifully for many years to come. That is the difference you get to enjoy when choosing a dealership that puts your needs first while shopping for your next car, truck, or SUV. Call or visit us at DePaula Ford today to learn more and we will show you how easy and rewarding it can be to find a great vehicle with everything you need.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
