2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Escape in Ardmore, OK

You're in luck if you're looking for a new compact SUV. There are so many choices on the market, and they all offer a great mix of space, practicality, and road footprint. However, with such a broad array available, how do you pick the best compact crossover when there are solid choices, such as the 2023 Toyota RAV4 and the 2023 Ford Escape, available?

The 2023 RAV4 is based on the fifth generation of Toyota’s renowned nameplate. Launched in 2018, it received a refresh in 2021 and gets an infotainment system upgrade for 2023. The 2023 Escape is based on the fourth generation of the nameplate and received its facelift for the 2023 model year.

Which one is ahead in the best compact crossover race? Let's find out by comparing the 2023 RAV4 vs. Escape in terms of performance, interior, and safety characteristics. And if you want to see the new RAV4 in the metal, phone our sales associates at Toyota of Ardmore in Ardmore, OK, and arrange a viewing.

Interior Comparison

The 2023 RAV4 and the 2023 Escape seat up to five adults in suitably spacious cabins, but you’ll be better off sticking with four on longer journeys. The 2023 RAV4 also offers a more sizable 37-cubic-foot trunk compared to the 2023 Escape's 34 cubic feet of cargo space. You’ll also appreciate the ergonomics in the Toyota's cabin and the quality of materials used.

Features on both vehicles include automatic climate control with dual-zone functionality on higher trims, standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and two touch-screen sizes. The 2023 RAV4 offers 8 inches and 10.5 inches, while the 2023 Escape offers 8 inches and 13.2 inches. In practice, we found Toyota's user interface to be more intuitive, and you won't mind the smaller screen as a result. Options on both vehicles include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a wireless phone charger. Both cars have optional sound system upgrades, and the 2023 RAV4's 11-speaker JBL system beats the 10-speaker B&O system in the 2023 Escape.

Performance Comparison

The base 2023 RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that develops 203 horsepower and sends it to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox. You can also spec an all-wheel-drive system that offers the opportunity to disconnect the rear axle when not needed and offer improved fuel economy.

For those who want more power, check out the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid. It has a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors for a total system output of 219 horsepower. If that's not enough, the 2023 RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid offers a beefier electric motor, generating 302 horsepower. That’s enough for zero to 60 in under six seconds, as well as up to 42 miles on electric power with a fully-charged battery.

The 2023 Escape range starts with a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbo engine that develops 181 horsepower, a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder with 250 horsepower, and two hybrids, one of which is a plug-in hybrid. These boast a combined system total output of 210 horsepower. Front-wheel-drive is standard, and an all-wheel-drive system can be optioned.

Safety Features Comparison

The 2023 RAV4 and the 2023 Escape offer a high level of standard safety specification across their ranges. They come with eight airbags, stability control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Other notable safety features include child safety locks and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Find the 2023 RAV4 in Ardmore, OK

The 2023 Escape offers a great value proposition, but the 2023 RAV4 eclipses it in this Toyota vs. Ford comparison. Backed by Toyota reliability, the 2023 RAV4 offers a nicer cabin, a better array of powertrains, and superb safety features. So come to Toyota of Ardmore in Ardmore, OK, and test drive one today.