2021 Toyota RAV4 vs Ford Escape

The compact SUV is continuing to become one of the most popular types of vehicles sold on the road today. These SUVs are typically quite popular as they offer a lot of interior and safety features, which can provide a great overall driving experience. For the 2021 model year, two of the most popular compact SUVs will be the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and the 2021 Ford Escape. Both of these vehicles have been in production for a long time and offer a range of advantages to buyers. It is important to consider the features of both when deciding which is right for you.

Before you walk into a dealership, compare prices online first. Give the following pricing services a try:

• Car Clearance Deals

• Edmunds

• CarsDirect

• NADAguides

• Motortrend

They are free and no obligation. Compare & Save!

The Powertrain

2021 Toyota RAV4 Powertrain Features

When it comes to the overall powertrain for the RAV4, the features are very comparable to other SUVs in the same class. This compact SUV comes with a standard four-cylinder engine that will provide around 200 horsepower and nearly 185 pound feet of torque. This is considered more than sufficient for most drivers. It comes standard with and eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, but it can be upgraded to all-wheel drive.

The fuel efficiency that you receive with the 2021 RAV4 is very impressive. The base trim and powertrain configuration provides a blended fuel efficiency of around 32 MPG. This increases to around 30 MPG when you upgrade it to all-wheel drive. The RAV4 is also considered a reliable vehicle and it is backed up by a solid warranty. The base warranty program provides basic warranty for three years or 36,000 miles drive plus a powertrain warranty of five years or 60,000 miles.

2021 Ford Escape Powertrain Features

If you are looking for a more powerful compact SUV, the Ford Escape has some good options. While the base engine option is a four-cylinder engine that provides around 180 horsepower, it can be upgraded to a more powerful engine that provides closer to 250 horsepower. The stronger engine comes as an upgrade option in the SEL trim and is standard with the Titanium trim. All trims come with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. The base trims come standard with front-wheel drive while there are upgrades to all-wheel drive.

Fuel efficiency for the 2021 Escape is also more than acceptable. The base trim and powertrain system will provide a standard fuel efficiency of around 31 MPG on a blended basis. This does decline around ten percent when upgrading to the stronger engine and it will decline further when paired with all-wheel drive. The overall handling and braking system is considered smooth and easy to control. The 2021 Escape also provides a standard warranty package of a three-year 36,000 miles basic warranty and five year and 60,000 mile powertrain warranty.

Overall Powertrain Comparison

Overall, the powertrain package provided by the 2021 RAV4 and 2021 Escape is comparable. The main difference between the two is the engine option that you will receive. While the base engine of the Escape is not as strong as the RAV4, Escape owners do have the option of upgrading to a more powerful engine while the RAV4 only provides one option. Beyond that, the warranty program, drivetrain and other features of the powertrain are quite comparable.

Drivability

2021 Toyota RAV4 Drivability Features

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 is considered one of the most comfortable vehicles in the class to drive or ride in. It has a large cabin, which has more than enough space to fit five adults. It comes standard with cloth upholstery and manual seats, but can be upgraded to leather and power seats in the higher trims. Some other comfort features that are available as upgrades include heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear outboard seats.

Cargo space in the 2021 RAV4 is also considered to be ample. Behind the second row, you will receive nearly 38 cubic feet of space. If you fold the second row down, you will have around 67 cubic feet of space. The RAV4 also has a few different cargo spaces located throughout the SUVs cabin, which is an added convenience for the driver and passengers.

The 2021 RAV4 comes with an impressive mix of drivers assistance and tech features, which can make it fun to drive. Some of the standard interior features include a seven-inch touchscreen, access to an infotainment system and smartphone integration. You will also receive Bluetooth, a WiFi hotspot and a USB port in the base trim. Those that upgrade to the higher trims will enjoy a larger screen, wireless device charging, enhanced audio and navigation.

2021 Ford Escape Drivability Features

When you are looking for a comfortable compact SUV, the 2021 Escape is a great option to consider. While it comes standard with cloth upholstery, the higher trims do offer both synthetic and genuine leather. Other upgrades can include a heated steering wheel and heated and power seats. Overall leg room in the cabin is considered ample, even if you have a group of five adults riding at once.

Cargo space in the 2021 Escape is better than most in the same class. There is around 65 cubic feet of space when the second row is folded down and up to 38 cubic feet of space behind the second row when it is up. The sliding rear row is unique to this class and can be a good feature when trying to maximize either cargo space or legroom.

The 2021 Escape does have a variety of impressive interior tech features that come standard. Some of the standard features will include a four-inch display, access to the SYNC infotainment system, a USB port and Bluetooth. If you choose to upgrade to some higher trims you will receive an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless device charging and a very impressive B&O audio system.

Overall Drivability Comparison

The drivability of a compact SUV should always be an important feature when picking a new one. Overall, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 has better overall features in this category. Both vehicles have comparable standard luxury features and good legroom. However, the RAV4 has slightly more cargo space and a more impressive package of interior tech features, which includes the seven-inch touchscreen display.

Safety

2021 Toyota RAV4 Safety Features

Anyone that is looking for a compact SUV will be interested to know its safety features and ratings. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 does have favorable overall safety ratings. The NHTSA has provided the 2021 RAV4 with a five-star overall rating, which includes five-star ratings for side crash resistance. It did, however, receive four-star ratings for frontal crash and rollover resistance. The IIHS has provided the 2021 RAV4 with good overall safety ratings.

The 2021 RAV4 comes with a variety of features that help to provide it with good ratings. The RAV4 has a variety of airbags and a good braking system, which is responsive and provides comfort and safety when driving. There are also a range of safety driver’s assistance features that come standard including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane keep assist. Some additional safety features including blind spot monitoring and surround-view parking systems are included with the upgraded trims.

2021 Ford Escape Safety Features

The 2021 Ford Escape comes with several different standard drivers assistance features. Some of these include forward collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, a rearview camera and automatic emergency braking. There is also a reliable braking system and plenty of airbags located throughout the cabin. These features have helped the 2021 Escape to receive great overall safety ratings. The NHTSA has provided a five-star overall rating, which includes a five-star rating in all sub-categories except the rollover resistance, which received a four-star rating. The IIHS has provided good overall safety ratings as well.

Overall Safety Comparison

Safety is an important consideration for anyone purchasing a vehicle. Overall, both the 2021 RAV4 and Escape have good safety ratings and features, but the 2021 Escape does have the edge in this category. The 2021 Escape has better sub-category ratings from the NHTSA in a few areas and also provides a few additional drivers assistance features as standard features, which are only available as upgrades with the 2021 RAV4.

Which Has Better Value?

2021 Toyota RAV4 Value

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offers some great value to purchasers. The base trim is the LE and has a starting MSRP of around $26,000. When upgrading to the XLE trim, this will increase to around $27,350. If you upgrade to the AWD with these trims, the MSRP will increase by around $2,000. The highest trim that is offered is the Limited trim. The main difference with this trim is that it has a full package of interior tech and luxury features, which make it fun and comfortable to drive. The Limited trim when coupled with AWD has a starting MSRP of around $36,000.

Similar to many other vehicles, the total cost of ownership with a RAV4 is around 25% higher than the purchase price. This cost includes your costs of maintenance, insurance and financing. Toyota offes some great lease deals today, which can provide you with the RAV4 for under $250 per month. Additionally, you can enjoy 1.9% financing for up to 60 months and more than $1,250 in dealer cash back, which also can be applied to your desired upgrades.

2021 Ford Escape Value

The 2021 Ford Escape’s base trim, the S trim, has a starting MSRP of around $25,000. The base SE and SEL trims also have the base four-cylinder engine, but have some upgraded interior features and have starting MSRPs of around $26,200 and $29,200, respectively. The cost of these vehicles will also increase slights if upgrading to AWD or the upgraded middle engine option. The Titanium trim comes standard with the highest performance engine and is equipped with many different interior features and has a starting MSRP of around $36,000.

While the cost of ownership will add around 25% to your total cost with an Escape, there are some great incentives. Currently, there are several lease promotions that will provide you with a well-equipped Escape for under $400 per month as well as interest rates for under 6% for loans up to 84 months. There are also several cash back offers that can provide you with more than $1,500 in free upgrades.

Overall Value Comparison

Overall, the base MSRP for both the RAV4 and the Escape are similar. However, Toyota continues to offer more impressive financing and lease options, which can cut down on your total monthly costs. Once this is factored in, the RAV4 appears to provide more value to buyers.

Which is Better?

Both the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and the Ford Escape will be among the best-selling compact SUVs with this model year. However, the Toyota RAV4 appears to be a better overall option than the Escape. While the Escape has slightly better safety ratings than the RAV4, the drivability and base engine options with the RAV4 make it a compelling option. Further, the RAV4 offers customers with better financing options and value than the Escape.