Ford Escape vs Toyota RAV4

In an effort to rejuvenate the model, Ford revitalized the 2023 Escape with multiple updates, carrying those improvements into the 2024 model. The new front design gave the Escape a more assertive appearance, replacing the prior wide-eyed, toothless grin with a gaze that's decidedly more aggressive. Despite these changes, the SUV retained its generally soft and appealingly generic aesthetic.

For 2024, the Ford Escape was available in Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-in Hybrid versions. The removal of the Base trim saw prices ranging from $29,345 to $40,500, excluding a destination charge of $1,495. Our test model, an ST-Line Elite, featured extras like Rapid Red paint, black 19-inch wheels, a Premium Technology Package, and a Panoramic Vista Roof, amounting to $43,650.

Inside, the ST-Line Elite sported diamond-stitched, perforated leather upholstery and a suite of tech upgrades that initially evoked an upscale feel. However, the excessively glossy surfaces and unusually stiff, dry upholstery marred the high-end illusion. Although additional attention to these details could improve the impression, given rumors about the Escape's discontinuation, such enhancements seemed unlikely.

Toyota aimed to imbue the 2024 RAV4 with a rugged charm that perhaps overstated its off-road prowess. Bearing a scowl and an angular lower cladding, the RAV4 hinted at brawn. Dual exhausts and fake skid plates underscored this fierce demeanor, with two off-road-oriented trims adding robust roof racks for good measure.

The TRD Off-Road model, our test subject, sat at the top with a base price of $38,295, complemented by a $1,350 destination charge. Despite its performance hints, the Army Green exterior was free of charge, while added packages like the Digital Rearview Mirror and Advanced Technology brought its MSRP to $41,925.

The RAV4’s practicality was mirrored in its interior, reflecting utility over opulence. The TRD Off-Road trim included SofTex artificial leather, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and optional weather-based amenities. Although not fancy, features like storage shelves and robust handles demonstrated the SUV’s utilitarian focus.

The 2024 Ford Escape presented two primary powertrain options for the ST-Line Elite: a 192-horsepower hybrid achieving 39 mpg combined and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, with a combined 26 mpg.

Our test vehicle boasted the turbocharged engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD system included a driveline disconnect feature to enhance fuel economy and three selectable driving modes but notably lacked an Off-Road mode. With the turbo engine, the Escape could tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Despite the turbocharged engine promising quick acceleration, the ST-Line Elite’s overall driving dynamics didn't meet sporty expectations. The suspension was too soft, allowing for significant body motion, and steering felt sluggish. The brake pedal responsiveness was a plus, but the driving experience predominantly catered to comfort over sportiness.

The turbos’ performance disparity suggested that the hybrid option or a lower-tier trim might offer better value. The hybrid’s fuel savings and the 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine’s competitive power at lower trims made them sensible choices. During tests, our turbocharged model averaged 24.1 mpg, slightly below the EPA’s 26 mpg rating.

For the 2024 Toyota RAV4, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine powered the lineup, producing 203 horsepower at 6,300 rpm with 184 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission drove the front wheels unless the torque-vectoring AWD system was selected.

Our TRD Off-Road test model, standard with AWD, also included special off-road suspension tuning, an underbody skid plate, and all-terrain tires encasing 18-inch matte-black alloy wheels. Multi-Terrain Select added modes for different terrains, but the ground clearance and approach/departure angles didn’t surpass other RAV4 models, as we found out after damaging the lower front fascia against a dirt berm.

The off-road suspension excelled on regular roads, smoothing over imperfections comfortably. Steering and braking were well-tuned for daily driving, and the all-terrain tires didn’t hinder performance. However, the naturally aspirated engine, though powerful, sounded coarse and lacked refinement, slightly mitigating its otherwise robust capability. The EPA rated the TRD Off-Road model at 28 mpg combined, with our test vehicle achieving 26.6 mpg.

If black was your color of choice, the 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line had you covered, featuring black interiors as the only option. Cloth upholstery with artificial leather inserts marked the standard offering, while the ST-Line Elite trim added leather, although we found the texture quite unappealing.

Our test vehicle came with amenities like ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, and power-adjustable front seats, but it lacked ventilated front seats, a noticeable omission during a heatwave in Southern California. The front seats were large, soft, and supportive over time, with a height-adjustable passenger seat, an infrequent feature in this segment.

In terms of space, the Escape was fairly accommodating for front occupants but less so for rear passengers. The SUV boasted a 37.5 cubic feet cargo area behind the back seat, expanding to 65.4 cubic feet when folded. The hybrid model had slightly reduced capacities due to its battery placement.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 centered on practicality and utility, as evidenced by its interior design. From the oversized, rubberized knobs to various storage compartments, the focus was clear. The TRD Off-Road’s SofTex upholstery and power-adjustable driver’s seat ensured a comfortable driving experience, boosted by optional weather features.

The RAV4 comfortably seated four adults, with adequate legroom and rear air conditioning vents enhancing rear passenger comfort. A 37.6 cubic foot cargo area stood behind the rear seats, extendable to 69.8 cubic feet when folded, surpassing the Escape in cargo capacity.

The 2024 Ford Escape featured digital instrumentation, with lower trims receiving an 8-inch display and upper trims such as our ST-Line Elite benefiting from a 12.3-inch display. However, the standout was the 13.2-inch Sync 4 infotainment system with a landscape format that improved usability over portrait-mounted screens.

Despite its intuitive organization, Sync 4 had downfalls. The color theme washed out the display, and the integrated climate control system in a narrow screen strip was less ideal. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and additional features like Alexa in higher trims. However, issues like laggy responses and overheating wireless chargers detracted from the system’s appeal.

Ford also provided a head-up display (HUD) in the Premium Technology Package but opted for a less sophisticated plastic display over windshield projection. The Active Park Assist 2.0 semi-autonomous feature worked well in controlled environments but could be impractical in busier settings.

Conversely, the 2024 Toyota RAV4's Toyota Audio Multimedia system offered an 8-inch or 10.5-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, among other connected services. While Service and Safety Connect offered extended free trial periods, other connected services were complimentary for a year before requiring a subscription.

Our test vehicle's active Drive Connect included cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant, which generally worked well but faced issues like inaudible responses and difficulty identifying hospitals. Though fitted with a digital rearview mirror and standard speakers, it lacked the JBL premium audio system. The infotainment did fall short with limited home screen customization and usability quirks that could distract drivers.

The 2024 Ford Escape excelled in safety implementations. Alongside standard post-collision automatic braking, the SUV came with Ford Co-Pilot360's extensive driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Our ST-Line Elite model added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

While the systems worked well on freeways, they showed inconsistencies on winding roads. Crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were favorable, earning five stars overall. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ratings were mostly good, barring a marginal side-impact score.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), albeit with the base LE model lacking crucial blind-spot monitoring. The ADAS system worked adequately on highways, particularly on straighter paths, but less so on curvier roads, with intrusive alerts.

Despite effectively managing traffic on straight freeways, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist could be overly cautious near slower incoming vehicles. The RAV4’s safety ratings suffered from the loss of its IIHS Top Safety Pick status due to new testing criteria, which highlighted its platform's age.