The 2022 Toyota RAV4 is a great compact crossover SUV and one of the best options in the segment right now. However, some car buyers may not be convinced. It might be a good idea to compare the RAV4 against its rivals, such as the 2022 Ford Escape. Here’s a look at five advantages of the 2022 Toyota RAV4 over the 2022 Ford Escape.
Where these two SUVs are the same
According to US News, the RAV4 and Escape are great SUVs and it’s a close race. Some areas are quite similar, with minor differences separating them. In other areas, it’s a lottery and it’s all about what drivers choose. That is the case with the interior features of the two SUVs.
The Escape’s base trim starts with a 4.2-inch touchscreen, which is small when it comes to modern touchscreens. Ford gave the base version six speakers and a Wi-Fi hotspot, but it won’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. Meanwhile, the base version of the RAV4 comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, six speakers, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
While the Toyota clearly has the superior standard interior features, this combination becomes a gamble if buyers upgrade their SUV’s infotainment system. Both can get 8-inch touch screen and 8-inch digital gauge cluster screen. However, the RAV4’s system is slower than the Ford’s.
Car buyers can save money by buying the 2022 Toyota RAV4
Similarly, the RAV4 may be cheaper than the Escape, but it depends on equipment. The base RAV4 starts at $26,525, while the base Escape starts at $26,510. This means the standard RAV4 is $15 more expensive, but there’s a bigger difference to the optional models. The Escape’s upper trim is more than $1,400 more expensive than the RAV4’s upper trim.
Toyota gave the RAV4 a great interior
Both automakers have overhauled their SUVs in recent years, but the RAV4 came out with a superior interior. The RAV4’s interior has some quality materials, while the Escape has plenty of hard plastics. According to US News, the interior of the Ford SUV also has a poorer build quality.
Families will be able to carry more purchases with the Toyota RAV4 2022
Both compact SUVs have about 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space without folding the seats, and both can tow up to 3,500 pounds. However, when the seats are folded down, the Toyota SUV gets more space than the Ford SUV. The RAV4 has a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cubic feet, while the Escape tops out at 65.4 cubic feet.
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Has Superior Fuel Economy
It’s a close race in terms of fuel economy, but the RAV4 is a bit better here, too. Both SUVs get 31 mpg combined with their standard engine and front-wheel drive, but the RAV4 beats the Escape if buyers want all-wheel drive. The RAV4 can get nearly 31 mpg combined with all-wheel drive, but the Escape’s fuel economy drops to 29 mpg combined.
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 is probably a more reliable SUV
Finally, while both SUVs have a similar warranty package, the RAV4 is likely the more reliable option. According to US News, it currently has an “excellent” reliability score, which car buyers expect from a Toyota. The Escape, however, doesn’t have a long history of being a reliable option.
RELATED: The 2021 Ford Escape Has an Obvious Reliability Issue According to Consumer Reports