Duel Of The Hybrid Suvs: Ford Escape Plug-in Vs. Toyota Rav4 Prime: Which Reigns Supreme?

What To Know

Boasts a sleek and sophisticated cabin design with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Offers a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system and a wireless charging pad.
Includes a JBL premium audio system and a wireless charging pad.

The automotive landscape is undergoing a transformative shift towards electrification, and the compact SUV segment is no exception. Two prominent players in this arena are the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid and the Toyota RAV4 Prime. Both vehicles offer compelling combinations of efficiency, performance, and versatility, making them formidable contenders in the electrified SUV market. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of each vehicle, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and unique characteristics to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Efficiency: A Closely Contested Battle

1. Powertrain and Performance:

Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid:
Combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and a 14.4-kWh battery pack.
Delivers a combined output of 221 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque.
Offers an impressive electric-only range of 37 miles.

Toyota RAV4 Prime:
Utilizes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with two electric motors and an 18.1-kWh battery pack.
Produces a combined output of 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Boasts an all-electric range of up to 42 miles.

2. Fuel Efficiency:

Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid:
EPA-estimated fuel economy of 40 mpg combined (city/highway).
Offers an impressive 100 MPGe in electric-only mode.

Toyota RAV4 Prime:
EPA-estimated fuel economy of 94 MPGe combined (city/highway).
Delivers an impressive 40 mpg combined when running on gasoline.

Interior and Comfort: A Matter of Personal Preference

1. Cabin Space and Design:

Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid:
Offers a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for five adults.
Features a modern and intuitive dashboard layout with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Toyota RAV4 Prime:
Provides a roomy interior with ample legroom and headroom for all occupants.
Boasts a sleek and sophisticated cabin design with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

2. Cargo Capacity:

Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid:
Offers 34.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
Expands to 60.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Toyota RAV4 Prime:
Provides a slightly larger cargo area with 33.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
Offers a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Technology and Safety Features: A Battle of Advanced Systems

1. Infotainment and Connectivity:

Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid:
Comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Offers a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system and a wireless charging pad.

Toyota RAV4 Prime:
Features a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Includes a JBL premium audio system and a wireless charging pad.

2. Safety Features:

Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid:
Offers a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
Achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Toyota RAV4 Prime:
Comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Driving Experience: A Tale of Two Personalities

1. On-Road Performance:

Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid:
Delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience, with ample power for everyday commutes and highway cruising.
Offers a comfortable ride quality, even on rough roads.

Toyota RAV4 Prime:
Provides exhilarating acceleration and impressive handling, thanks to its potent powertrain.
Offers a more engaging driving experience, especially in Sport mode.

2. Off-Road Capability:

Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid:
Offers limited off-road capability with its standard all-wheel drive system.
Suitable for light off-road trails and snowy conditions.

Toyota RAV4 Prime:
Features a more capable all-wheel drive system with selectable driving modes.
Offers better ground clearance and a more rugged suspension for tackling more challenging off-road terrain.

Pricing and Availability: A Question of Value

1. Pricing:

Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid:
Starts at $33,545 for the base SE trim level.
Fully loaded Titanium trim level can reach up to $42,530.

Toyota RAV4 Prime:
Starts at $39,800 for the base SE trim level.
Fully loaded XSE trim level can reach up to $49,800.

2. Availability:

Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid:
Widely available across the United States.
Production and sales are ongoing, with no significant supply constraints.

Toyota RAV4 Prime:
Initially faced limited availability due to high demand.
Production and sales have since ramped up, but availability may vary depending on region and dealership.

“Rethink Your Drive” with the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid

The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid strikes a harmonious balance between efficiency, performance, and affordability. Its impressive electric-only range, combined with its spacious interior and advanced technology features, makes it an excellent choice for eco-conscious drivers seeking a versatile and practical SUV.

“Unleash the Power of Electrification” with the Toyota RAV4 Prime

The Toyota RAV4 Prime redefines the compact SUV segment with its exhilarating performance and exceptional fuel efficiency. Its potent powertrain, coupled with its refined interior and comprehensive safety features, makes it an ideal choice for those seeking an SUV that delivers both thrilling driving dynamics and impressive eco-credentials.