2023 Ford Escape vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 had an established history by the time of its release, emerging originally as a smaller, more accessible alternative to the big SUVs of the 1990s. Over time, it grew in dimension and polish, becoming a mature crossover SUV known for its balance of practicality and aesthetics. The 2022 model, based on a redesign from 2019, exhibited a sleek blend of modern styling cues with its angular flourishes, expressive headlights, and Kabuki-like front fascia. The detailing in the wheel arches and body-side bends added distinctive personality to its exterior. Inside, the RAV4 offered a layered dashboard with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by an uncomplicated center stack. The touchscreen was conveniently placed for the driver, and the geometric patterns provided cohesive visual interest.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, deviating from its blocky predecessors. With its recent facelift, Ford replaced the formerly cartoonish grille with a more conventional front end and adorned it with a stylish LED light bar. The ST-Line Elite trim displayed a higher-end appeal, equipped with 19-inch wheels and body-colored components. In the cabin, the Escape featured diamond-stitched leather upholstery, which, despite appearing luxurious, felt firm and somewhat plasticky. The SUV's interior remained comfortable, supported by well-designed seats and ergonomic touches like well-positioned armrests. The overall styling of the Escape was upscale, drawing a comparison to the Mazda CX-5.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 provided multiple powertrain options. The standard gasoline model was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, but all-wheel drive was optional across trims. Its fuel economy varied slightly between FWD and AWD, averaging 30 mpg combined for the former and 28-30 mpg for the latter.

The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 217 horsepower and an EPA rating of 40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid, packed the most power with 302 horsepower and offered an electric-only range of 42 miles along with an excellent 94 MPGe combined.

Our test vehicle, an Adventure AWD model, showcased impressive everyday performance with smooth, lag-free acceleration and a comfortable balance between power and fuel efficiency.

Conversely, the 2023 Ford Escape offered two primary engine choices. The entry-level option was a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder delivering 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Options for both FWD and AWD were available. For those seeking more power, the ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, exclusively with AWD. Despite its notable power, the performance-oriented setup did not extend to the suspension or transmission tuning, which remained more comfort-focused.

Ford’s braking system was commendable, providing predictable and smooth stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted without the over-boosted sensation seen in many competitors. However, the Escape's soft suspension, while beneficial for rough roads, lacked the sporty edge seen in some other models.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 excelled in cargo capacity, offering up to 37.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row, which expanded to 69.8 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded flat. Additionally, its payload capacity spanned 1,050-1,230 pounds, dependent on configuration, and towing capabilities varied across trims. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims could tow up to 3,500 pounds, appealing to those with more demanding hauling needs. Inside, the RAV4 provided ample room and comfort for four adults, with commendable use of space in the front and rear.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Ford Escape's cargo space was slightly less, offering 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. Though sufficient for daily tasks, it’s notably smaller compared to the RAV4 and a few segment leaders like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson. Passenger space was similarly tight, particularly in rear-seat legroom, though headroom was relatively generous. The front seats were well-designed for comfort on longer drives, contributing positively to its daily usability.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a generous array of technology features. Base trims started with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and compatibility with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims received an upgraded 9-inch touchscreen, and top trims like the Limited and RAV4 Prime XSE were enhanced with an 11-speaker JBL audio system and navigation. The RAV4 Prime particularly highlighted available tech with multiple USB ports, power outlets, and a 10-inch head-up display.

On the flip side, the 2023 Ford Escape featured the latest version of Sync 4, with lower trims getting an 8-inch touchscreen and higher trims, including the ST-Line Elite and Platinum, boasting a larger 13.2-inch screen. Sync 4 was notable for its attractive layout, ease of use, and the integration of individual tiles for various functionalities. Despite a few minor annoyances like response time and volume knob placement, the system’s intuitive design and comprehensive features impressed us.

Safety in the 2022 Toyota RAV4 was comprehensive. It came standard with Toyota’s Star Safety System, including crucial features like enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking. Driver assistance was robust, with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 providing adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and more. The RAV4 also earned the highest safety accolades from both IIHS (Top Safety Pick) and NHTSA (five-star rating).

The 2023 Ford Escape also excelled in safety, earning a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. However, it fell short of the highest IIHS accolade due to a marginal score in the updated side-impact test. Notably, Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite offered extensive driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Advanced features through Co-Pilot360 2.0 required additional options but included adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology.