The Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape are two of the first vehicles you might think of when shopping for a used compact SUV. In this comparison we see how the 2021 model years of these vehicles measure up against each other, with scores and insights from CarGurus expert reviewers. Here's how they stack up in terms of design, performance, functionality, safety, and more.
2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Ford Escape
Look and Feel
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 carries a rugged, SUV-inspired design that stands out in its class, and is in contrast to the Ford Escape's softer, curvy aesthetic. The Toyota's boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and scowling front end give it a tough, adventurous look. Underneath, it rides on what in 2021 was a new platform called Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). Trim options like the Adventure and TRD Off-Road add unique styling elements, including all-terrain tires and rugged accents. The interior boasts functional touches like rubberized knobs and door handles, though higher trim levels could use better materials. Overall CarGurus experts scored the 2021 Toyota RAV4 8 out of 10 for its look and feel.
The Ford Escape, as mentioned, is a softer kind of crossover, and combines SUV and hatchback aesthetics to create a compact SUV that is less rugged in appearance. While it lacks the assertiveness of the RAV4, its curved snout and sleek roofline provide a more car-like appearance. The 2021 model introduced new appearance packages and exterior colors. However, some interior design choices are questionable, with an angular instrument cluster that doesn't quite align with its exterior. Material quality, even in the top trim, also leaves room for improvement. This is one of the contributing factors to the Escape sorting a very average 5 out of 10 for its look and feel.
Performance
CarGurus experts awarded the 2021 RAV4 with 6 out of 10 for its performance. For those not wanting a hybrid or plug-in hybrid RAV4, the 2021 model year offered just a single gasoline engine option - the "Dynamic Force" 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it's available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. This engine is impressively eager and efficient, though the transmission may hesitate at times. That's why many people will be better off with the more powerful and slightly less frenetic hybrid or plug-in hybrid (the latter known as the RAV4 Prime) options, which feel more mature and rounded in their performance. On the highway, the 2021 RAV4 shines with low cabin noise and a comfortable ride. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road models bring added off-road capability.
The 2021 Ford Escape scored an identical 6 out of 10 for its performance. It provides two gasoline powertrains - a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder with 181 horsepower and a 2.0-liter turbo-four generating 250 hp. Both engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the latter exclusively available in AWD. The 1.5-liter engine, though small for an SUV, proves to be adequate in terms of performance. The Escape also offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. Both use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assist, with a total system output of 200 hp. However, the plug-in hybrid’s larger battery pack allows it to cover more distance on electric power alone. The hybrid is available with FWD or AWD, but the plug-in hybrid is FWD only. When it comes to ride and handling, the Escape's chassis tuning could be a bit tighter but it's by no means bad to drive.
Form and Function
CarGurus experts award the 2021 Toyota RAV4 with 8 out of 10 for form and function, whereas the 2011 Ford Escape scores 6 out of 10.
The RAV4's upright roofline provides ample headroom and decent outward visibility. Legroom in the rear falls short of some competitors but is still suitable for four adults to travel in comfort, or five if needed. The front seats in particular are comfortable on long road trips. Cargo space with the rear seats in place stands at 37.6 cubic feet or 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Both are above average for this class of vehicle, if not quite a match for the Honda CR-V.
The Ford Escape also offers good interior space, with good headroom and legroom, and a sliding rear seat that enhances versatility. With the rear seat up, it offers 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space in gasoline models, expanding to 65.4 cubic feet when folded. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, though, compromise slightly on cargo space with 34.4 cubic feet due to the battery placement.
Technology
This is a closely matched category, with both the RAV4 and Escape scoring 7 out of 10 for their technology.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 comes equipped with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio (via subscription). Lower trim levels feature a 7-inch touchscreen, while Limited models boast an 8-inch screen. The Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid takes it up a notch with a 9-inch screen.
The RAV4's infotainment system, while not flashy, is user-friendly, with a well-positioned touchscreen on the dashboard and shortcut buttons for essential functions like navigation and audio. However, it's worth noting that the gasoline RAV4 lacks the head-up display (HUD) available in the RAV4 Prime model.
The 2021 Escape uses Ford's older Sync 3 infotainment system, rather than the later Sync 4. While Sync 3 remains user-friendly, it falls short of competitors' standard tech features and lacks wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Base Escape S models of the Escape are equipped with a 4.2-inch touchscreen. Wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot are standard on all models.
Upgrading to the Escape SE gets you an 8-inch touchscreen with pinch-and-zoom capability, along with SiriusXM satellite radio (as with the RAV4, this is via subscription). The top-tier Escape Titanium trim level features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a premium 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2021 Toyota RAV4 a "Top Safety Pick" rating, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention technology. This contributed to CarGurus experts awarding it a score of 8 out of 10 for safety, matching the 2021 Ford Escape.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also gave the RAV4 a five-star overall safety rating, with strong ratings in various crash tests. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist.
Higher trim levels add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist. A 360-degree camera system is also available.
The IIHS also granted the 2021 Ford Escape a "Top Safety Pick" rating, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests and high marks for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. Adding to this, the NHTSA awarded the Escape a five-star overall safety rating, with strong frontal and side crash test results.
Standard safety features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner include automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package adds advanced features like adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, park assist, and Evasive Steering Assist.
Cost Effectiveness
The Escape edges a win in the cost effectiveness category with a score of 8 out of 10 versus 7 out of 10 for the RAV4.
When new, pricing for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 started at $27,225 for the base FWD LE model and went up to $37,155 for the top-tier AWD Limited. Most gasoline RAV4 models have EPA fuel-economy ratings of 30 mpg combined with FWD and 29 mpg combined with AWD, which is no match for hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions.
From new Toyota offered a three-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. New-car buyers also received ToyotaCare, including two years or 25,000 miles of free factory-scheduled maintenance and two years of 24-hour roadside assistance. The when looking at the RAV4 as a used buy, Toyota's legendary reputation for reliability is worth keeping in mind–it might mean you pay a bit more than for an equivalent Escape, but if you enjoy peace of mind that could be a price worth paying.
Pricing for the 2021 Ford Escape when new began at $26,800 for the base FWD model and ranged up to $37,300 for the top-tier Escape Titanium. The base 1.5-liter engine in the Ford Escape achieves EPA-rated fuel economy of 30 mpg combined with FWD and 28 mpg combined with AWD. The AWD-only 2.0-liter powertrain is rated at 26 mpg combined. If you spend a bit more to buy an Escape hybrid you'll also get more impressive gas mileage, with official figures of 41 mpg combined with FWD and 40 mpg combined with AWD.
When new, the 2021 Escape was provided by Ford with a three-year, 60,000-mile, bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Verdict
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford Escape scores 6.7 out of 10. Both vehicles have their merits, and the decision might simply come down to whether you prefer the RAV4's more rugged styling, or the Escape's softer look. However, while we like the flexibility offered by the Ford Escape's sliding rear seat, in this test it's the Toyota RAV4 that takes the win on balance.
Choose a 2021 Toyota RAV4 if:
- You prefer its more rugged design, or want an off-road-inspired trim.
- You value Toyota's reputation for building incredibly reliable cars.
- You are looking for a cost-effective long-term option in the compact SUV segment.
Search for a Toyota RAV4 on CarGurus
Choose a 2021 Ford Escape if:
- You desire a vehicle with smarter looking infotainment options on higher trims.
- You appreciate a wide range of powertrain choices, including more than one gasoline option.
- Competitive pricing is a crucial factor in your decision.
Search for a Ford Escape on CarGurus
