Head-to-head
2025 Ford Escape vs 2025 Toyota RAV4
The Ford Escape wins clearly, 93.1 to 83.9, on tech & comfort, fuel & range. The Toyota RAV4 is ahead on safety and performance.
F
2025 Ford Escape
The 2025 Ford Escape is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid, hybrid and gas compact SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Escape…
vs
B2025 Toyota RAV4
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid, hybrid and gas compact SUV with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the RAV4 H…
Verdict · default weights
2025 Ford Escape
Clear winThe Ford Escape wins clearly, 93.1 to 83.9, on tech & comfort, fuel & range. The Toyota RAV4 is ahead on safety and performance.
Tech & comfort 2025 Ford Escape leads by 34.8
Fuel & range 2025 Ford Escape leads by 24.6
Safety 2025 Toyota RAV4 leads by 3.9
| Category · weight | 2025 Ford Escapeoverall 93.1 | 2025 Toyota RAV4overall 83.9 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 75.4 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 77.1 | 81 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 98.4 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 92.2 | 98.1 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 65.2 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantyw 2 | 100 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Basic and powertrain coverage in years and miles. | |||||||||||||||||
| Overall | 93.1 | 83.9 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Ford Escape: base trim Active FWD · Toyota RAV4: base trim LE FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2025 Ford Escape wins
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (31 against 109 filed with NHTSA).
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (23 points against 15 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It lists 21 standard driver-assist features against 16.
Where the 2025 Toyota RAV4 answers
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 81 against 39).
- It makes 203 hp against 180.
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
- 5 seats.
- 37.5 cu ft behind the second row.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
50 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Ford EscapeActive FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | — | $28,850 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | 3 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 1,500 cc | 2,487 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 1.5-liter EcoBoost I-3 | 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder, aluminum alloy block with aluminum alloy cylinder head |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | D-4S |
| Valve configuration | — | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 203 hp |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 34 mpg | 35 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.81 | 3.177 |
| Transmission speeds | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission type | automatic | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 7.5 in | 8.4 in |
| Overall height | 66 in | 67 in |
| Overall length | 180 in | 181 in |
| Overall width | 74.1 in | 73 in |
| Wheelbase | 107 in | 106 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 65.4 cu-ft | 69.8 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 37.5 cu-ft | 37.5 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 104 cu-ft | 98.9 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 40 in | 37.7 in |
| Second-row headroom | 39.3 in | 39.5 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 42.4 in | 41 in |
| Second-row legroom | 40.7 in | 37.8 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 3,505 lbs | 3,370 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,273 lbs | 3,370 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | — | 4,610 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | — | Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar |
| Rear suspension type | — | Multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Variable-Assist Rack-and-Pinion | Electric Power Steering (EPS); electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | — | 36.1 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | — | 305 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | Electric | epb |
| Rear brake diameter | — | 282 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 17 in | 17 in |
| Wheel material | Aluminum | steel |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 225/65R17 | 225/65R17 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 14.8 gal | 14.5 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | FordPass Connect | Toyota Safety Connect / Remote Connect / Service Connect / Wi-Fi Connect |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | — | 12 months |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | 3 months | 120 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 57.6 in | 57.8 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 56 in | 56.4 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
94 features · differences first, then sharedSafety22 differ · 32 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Pedestrian Detection | std | — |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) — Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) | opt | — |
| Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Dynamic Brake Support | std | — |
| Evasive Steering Assist | opt | — |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) — Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) | std | — |
| Rear Parking Sensor | opt | — |
| Trailer-Sway Control (TSC) | — | std |
| 911 Assist® | std | — |
| Bi-LED projector low- and high-beam headlights with LED accent lights, Automatic High Beams (AHB) and auto on/off | std | — |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | std | opt |
| Child-protector rear door locks and power window lockout control | — | std |
| Curve Control | std | — |
| Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Brake Hold | — | std |
| Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) | — | std |
| Intersection Assist | opt | — |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) includes lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats | — | std |
| Post-Collision Braking | std | — |
| Rear View Camera – Digital | opt | — |
| Road Departure Warning | std | — |
| Rollover Sensor (Safety Canopy® System) | std | — |
| SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ | std | — |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 (TSS 2.5) — Pre-Collision System w/Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Road Sign Assist (RSA) | — | std |
| Backup camera with dynamic gridlines | std | std |
| Eight airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | std |
| Eight airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | std |
| Eight airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | std |
| Eight airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | std |
| Star Safety System™ — includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology® (SST) | std | std |
| Star Safety System™ — includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology® (SST) | std | std |
| Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with direct pressure readout and individual tire location alert. | std | std |
Infotainment15 differ · 17 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Remotely start vehicle via FordPass Connect™ | std | — |
| Connected Navigation (1-year included), Pinch-to-Zoom Capability, Live Traffic, Predictive Destinations and Route Guidance | opt | — |
| Remotely lock and unlock vehicle via FordPass Connect™ | std | — |
| Leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel with silver accent and red-stitching, and controls for audio, Multi-Information Display (MID), Bluetooth® hands-free phone, voice-command, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Lane Trace Assist (LTA) | — | std |
| Locate parked vehicle via FordPass Connect™ | std | — |
| 8-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia, six speakers, with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatible, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | — | std |
| B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®, 10 Speakers including Subwoofer | opt | — |
| HD Radio™ | opt | — |
| Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging with charge indicator light | opt | — |
| Remote Connect — remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app via your smartwatch. Allows you to lock/unlock doors, start and stop the vehicle, locate your last parked location, check vehicle status and monitor guest drivers. Subscription required after trial. 4G network dependent. | — | std |
| Safety Connect® — includes Emergency Assistance Button, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, and Stolen Vehicle Locator. Subscription required. 4G network dependent. | — | std |
| Service Connect — receive personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports. Subscription required after trial. 4G network dependent. | — | std |
| SiriusXM® with 360L | std | — |
| SYNC® 4 – 8" LCD Capacitive Touchscreen with Swipe Capability, Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Compatibility | std | — |
| SYNC® 4 with Enhanced Voice Recognition – 13.2" LCD Capacitive Touchscreen with Swipe Capability | opt | — |
| Wi-Fi Connect — includes AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming (Apple Music® and Amazon Music™) compatibility. Subscription required after trial. 4G network dependent. | std | std |
| Leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel with silver accent and red-stitching, and controls for audio, Multi-Information Display (MID), Bluetooth® hands-free phone, voice-command, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Lane Trace Assist (LTA) | std | std |
Convenience5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Start System | opt | — |
| Smart Key System on front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock and panic function, power liftgate and remote illuminated entry | std | — |
| Power Liftgate | opt | — |
| Power windows with auto up/down and jam protection in all positions | — | std |
| Liftgate – Manual | std | — |
Climate3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Climate control system with dust and pollen filter and rear-seat vents | — | std |
| Cold Weather Package (Heated Front Row Seats, Mirrors Sideview Heated, Remote Start System, Steering Wheel Heated) | opt | — |
| Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (DEATC) with Refresh95 (Cabin Particulate Air Filter) | std | — |
Seating7 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 10-Way Power Driver Seat (Fore/Aft, Up/Down, Tilt, Power Lumbar and Power Recline) | opt | — |
| 60/40 split reclining fold-flat rear seat with center armrest and cup holders | — | std |
| Heated front seating | opt | — |
| Memory Package: Driver's Seat and Driver/Front Passenger Sideview Mirrors | opt | — |
| 6-Way Power Passenger (Fore/Aft, Up/Down, Recline) | opt | — |
| ActiveX® Trimmed Seats with Quilting Design and Mini-Perforation | opt | — |
| 60/40 split reclining fold-flat rear seat with center armrest and cup holders | — | std |
| Fabric-trimmed seats; 6-way adjustable front driver's seat; 4-way adjustable front passenger seat with seatback pocket | std | std |
Interior7 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Heated leather-trimmed 3-spoke steering wheel with red stitching | opt | — |
| Steering Column – Manual Tilt/Telescoping | std | — |
| Sun visors with sliding extensions and illuminated vanity mirrors | — | std |
| Floor Mats – Carpeted Front and Rear | std | — |
| Sun visors with sliding extensions and illuminated vanity mirrors | std | — |
| Trip Computer | std | — |
| Black carpet flooring with driver-side footrest | — | std |
| Day/night rearview mirror | std | std |
Exterior10 differ · 13 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Power tilt/slide moonroof with one-touch open/close | opt | — |
| Bi-LED projector low- and high-beam headlights with LED accent lights, Automatic High Beams (AHB) and auto on/off | — | std |
| Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators, and folding feature | — | std |
| Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators, and folding feature | — | opt |
| Dual chrome-tipped exhaust | — | std |
| Headlamps – LED Reflector with Signature Lighting | std | — |
| LED taillights | — | std |
| Tire Inflator and Sealant Kit | std | — |
| Rear Spoiler – Body Color | std | — |
| Spare Tire/Wheel - Temporary | opt | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) accent lighting | std | std |
| Privacy glass on all rear side, quarter and liftgate windows | std | std |
| Rear liftgate window defogger | std | std |
Powertrain3 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | opt | — |
| Auto Start-Stop Technology | std | — |
| Selectable Drive Modes | std | — |
| Front-Wheel Drive | std | std |
Chassis2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Parking Brake (Includes Auto Hold) | std | — |
| Torque Vectoring Control | std | — |
Cargo2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Ford EscapeActive FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo area tonneau cover | — | opt |
| Height-adjustable rear cargo area deck board | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPFord Escape
Safety Signal 39 F
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 10 · 3 critical
Owner complaints 31 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (10), Engine (9), Forward Collision Avoidance (7)
Top recalls
- critical Electrical System 26V091000 · 25,237 vehicles
- critical Engine 25V372000 · 404 vehicles
- critical Electrical System 25V343000 · 6,781 vehicles
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 26V122000 · 47,804 vehicles
- high Seat Belts 25V862000 · 780 vehicles
- high Structure 25V829000 · 108,762 vehicles
Toyota RAV4
Safety Signal 81 B
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 4
Owner complaints 109 · 13 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Unspecified (30), Electrical System (17), Visibility/Wiper (16)
Top recalls
- high Seats 26V256000 · 4 vehicles
- moderate Back Over Prevention 25V744000 · 1,024,407 vehicles
- moderate Electrical System 25V595000 · 591,377 vehicles
- minor Equipment 26V179000 · 8,230 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Ford EscapeActive FWD | Toyota RAV4LE FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — (base trim) | $28,850 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | — 13 trims | $28,850 – $47,735 19 trims |
| Powertrains | PHEV, HEV, GAS | PHEV, HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Escape FWD PHEV | RAV4 |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 40 | 30 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,700 | $2,250 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi (make terms) | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi (make terms) | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | 5 yr | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2025 Ford Escape or the 2025 Toyota RAV4?
The Ford Escape wins clearly, 93.1 to 83.9, on tech & comfort, fuel & range. The Toyota RAV4 is ahead on safety and performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Ford Escape scores 93.1 and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 83.9. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2025 Ford Escape or the 2025 Toyota RAV4?
2025 Ford Escape: 5 NHTSA stars, grade F, 10 recalls. 2025 Toyota RAV4: 5 NHTSA stars, grade B, 4 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2025 Ford Escape and the 2025 Toyota RAV4?
Where the 2025 Ford Escape wins: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (31 against 109 filed with NHTSA), lists more comfort and tech equipment (23 points against 15 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), and lists 21 standard driver-assist features against 16. Where the 2025 Toyota RAV4 answers: it has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 81 against 39) and makes 203 hp against 180. What they share: 5 NHTSA stars, 5 seats, and 37.5 cu ft behind the second row.