Ford Escape vs Toyota RAV4

What’s better about the Escape?

Non-hybrid engine choices. The RAV4 may have the hybrid available as an option but the Escape has a more non-hybrid engine lineup. Where the Toyota only has one 176-horsepower gas engine, the Ford has three: a base 2.5-liter non-turbo four-cylinder engine with 168 horsepower, a mid-level 1.5-liter turbo four with 179 horsepower and a top-end 2.0-liter turbo four with 245 horsepower. Worth noting: the mid-level Escape’s turbo engine is about as efficient as the RAV4’s only gas engine.

Better handling. Many of the reviews of the 2018 Escape praise it for its handling, which is noticeably more crisp and responsive than the 2018 RAV4.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota’s 2018 RAV4 doesn’t offer this connectivity while the 2018 Ford Escape does. This can be a big deal for people who prioritize connectivity in their next vehicle.

What’s better about the Toyota?

Safety. The independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2018 RAV4 a Top Safety Pick rating; the Ford Escape didn’t get such a rating. PLUS, the RAV4 comes standard with active safety technologies like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision alert and braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning and steering assist. These features aren’t standard on the 2018 Escape.

Hybrid. While the Ford has more gas engine choices than the RAV4, only this Toyota offers a hybrid engine option. It boosts the non-hybrid’s gas mileage from 22/28/25 MPG city/highway/combined to 34/30/32 MPG city/highway/combined.

More cargo room. The RAV4 boasts 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space while the Escape has 34 cubic feet. Not a huge difference but when you’re buying a vehicle for its utility, things like this are important.

Reliability. Consumer Reports gives a coveted ‘Recommended’ rating to the 2018 RAV4, something it doesn’t give to the Ford Escape. Part of this is because of the RAV4’s superior reliability -- something essential when looking for a new car.

Autolist’s take:

We always like a fun-to-drive vehicle, even if it’s a crossover. Not only does the Ford Escape promise that but it also has a wider range of gas engines to choose from and better connectivity inside. But we’re smitten by the Toyota RAV4’s superior reliability, safety, cargo room and the hybrid availability. These are all crucial elements when choosing your next vehicle, so for this reason, we say Buy the RAV4.