Ford Escape vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
Overview | |
Years produced2001-Present | Years produced2025-Present |
MSRP$28,000 | MSRP |
Listings2744 | Listings115 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryReportedly, Ford will discontinue the Escape at the end of the current fourth-generation run. Once among the most popular vehicles in its class, Ford recently zigged with the Escape’s design and positioning when the market zagged. Boxy, rugged-looking crossovers are what people want, not soft and sophisticated pseudo-cars like the current Escape. Fortunately, Ford has the Bronco Sport in its lineup, which is getting all of the automaker’s attention. Meanwhile, the 2024 Ford Escape receives no major changes following a substantial makeover in 2023, though it appears the Base trim is canceled. | |
Reviews SummaryThe more powerful RAV4 PHEV is even stronger for 2026, and Toyota has introduced a new GR Sport trim to showcase its sportier side. The expanded lineup has three distinct trims, and the electric range has increased by at least 20% over the 2025 RAV4. With these changes, Toyota has furthered its lead over plug-in hybrid newcomers such as the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage — and even the Lexus NX 450h+. Verdict: This is the best version of the RAV4, though the slightly sportier GR Sport pushes the bounds of affordability. With improved tech and a greater focus on electrification as well as available DC charging, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid leans forward. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.5L 180 hp I3 | Engine |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive Train |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity |
Horsepower180 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower |
MPG City27 | MPG City |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.5L 180 hp I3 | Engine Name |
Torque199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower180 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower |
DrivetrainFWD | Drivetrain |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City27 | MPG City |
MPG Highway34 | MPG Highway |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space37.5 cu ft | Cargo Space |
Curb Weight3291 lbs | Curb Weight |
Height66.0 in | Height |
Length180.1 in | Length |
Width85.6 in | Width |
Wheelbase106.7 in | Wheelbase |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors |
Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2001-Present | 2025-Present |
MSRP | $28,000 | |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 6.2 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Reportedly, Ford will discontinue the Escape at the end of the current fourth-generation run. Once among the most popular vehicles in its class, Ford recently zigged with the Escape’s design and positioning when the market zagged. Boxy, rugged-looking crossovers are what people want, not soft and sophisticated pseudo-cars like the current Escape. Fortunately, Ford has the Bronco Sport in its lineup, which is getting all of the automaker’s attention. Meanwhile, the 2024 Ford Escape receives no major changes following a substantial makeover in 2023, though it appears the Base trim is canceled. | The more powerful RAV4 PHEV is even stronger for 2026, and Toyota has introduced a new GR Sport trim to showcase its sportier side. The expanded lineup has three distinct trims, and the electric range has increased by at least 20% over the 2025 RAV4. With these changes, Toyota has furthered its lead over plug-in hybrid newcomers such as the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage — and even the Lexus NX 450h+. Verdict: This is the best version of the RAV4, though the slightly sportier GR Sport pushes the bounds of affordability. With improved tech and a greater focus on electrification as well as available DC charging, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid leans forward. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.5L 180 hp I3 | |
Drive Train | FWD | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | |
Horsepower | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm | |
MPG City | 27 | |
MPG Highway | 34 | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.5L 180 hp I3 | |
Torque | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | |
Horsepower | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 27 | |
MPG Highway | 34 | |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 37.5 cu ft | |
Curb Weight | 3291 lbs | |
Height | 66.0 in | |
Length | 180.1 in | |
Width | 85.6 in | |
Wheelbase | 106.7 in | |
Number of doors | 4 | |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 2000 lbs | |

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