2023 Ford Escape vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 continued the legacy of its predecessors by maintaining its position as a leader in the crossover SUV market. Initially launched in 1996 as a compact alternative to larger SUVs, the RAV4 evolved over five generations, growing in size and sophistication. By 2022, it had shed its "cute ute" image, becoming a mature and popular choice among Canadian consumers. The exterior design of the 2022 RAV4 was characterized by angular wheel arches and crisp lines, complemented by expressive headlights and a distinctive grille, giving it a playful yet aggressive appearance. Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dashboard with contrasting textures and colours, anchored by a straightforward centre stack. The interior design included unique elements like a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern, adding a touch of modernity to the cabin.

The 2023 Ford Escape, in contrast, embraced a more European design language, moving away from the blocky exterior of its earlier generations. The 2023 refresh introduced a more traditional front end with a stylish LED light bar and the iconic Ford blue oval logo. As one of the smallest vehicles in Ford's lineup, the Escape offered a range of trim levels, with the ST-Line Elite being the top-tier option. The exterior design of the Escape was sleek and upscale, with body-colour mirror caps and wheel-arch cladding. Inside, the ST-Line Elite featured diamond-stitched leather upholstery, providing a visually appealing yet somewhat firm seating experience. The Escape's interior was comfortable, with well-positioned armrests and a head-up display for added convenience. However, the use of plastic materials in the cabin was noticeable, detracting slightly from the overall premium feel.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a choice of three powertrains, catering to a variety of driving preferences. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this engine provided smooth and immediate power delivery, making it suitable for everyday driving. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with an electric motor, delivering 217 combined net horsepower and impressive fuel economy ratings of 5.8 L/100 km city, 6.3 highway, and 6.0 combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid was the most powerful option, boasting 302 horsepower and the ability to run up to 68 kilometres on electricity alone. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring for improved cornering.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered two engine options, starting with a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. This engine was available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, providing competitive performance within the segment. The more powerful 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, exclusive to AWD models, delivered 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. While the Escape's suspension was soft and compliant, making it comfortable for everyday driving, it lacked the precision of a performance crossover. The brakes offered predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness seen in some competitors. However, the transmission lacked performance tuning, and the absence of paddle shifters limited driver control.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 provided ample interior space, with 1,059 litres of luggage capacity behind the second row and up to 1,977 litres with the seats folded flat. It offered a healthy payload capacity of 499 to 511 kilograms, depending on the configuration. Towing capacity varied across models, with the Trail and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 1,588 kilograms. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable, with plenty of legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom for front passengers. The cabin featured numerous storage options, including cupholders, bottle holders, and a roomy glove compartment.

The 2023 Ford Escape, while comfortable with supportive seats and excellent ergonomics, fell short in cargo space compared to some competitors. It offered up to 1,061 litres of storage behind the second row and 1,851 litres with the seats folded. Passenger space was slightly limited in the rear, but the back seat provided good headroom. The front-seat backs were softly padded and deeply scalloped, maximizing space for taller passengers. The Escape's interior design included well-positioned armrests and a head-up display for added convenience.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a range of technology features, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and advanced features like a bird’s-eye view camera system and a head-up display. The RAV4 Prime showcased additional tech, including multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and ambient illumination.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a larger 13.2-inch screen on higher trims. The system was well-organized, with easy navigation between applications like Android Auto and the native navigation system. A wi-fi hotspot was available with a subscription, and the audio system ranged from a standard six-speaker setup to an optional Bang & Olufsen system on higher trims. While Sync 4 was intuitive, it was occasionally slow to respond, and the volume knob's placement was less convenient.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which included features like enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a suite of driver-assist systems, was standard across all models, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The RAV4 received high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in frontal- and side-crash tests. However, it did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to a Marginal score in the updated side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist features, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Co-Pilot360 2.0, available as an upgrade, added adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology.