We might be pulling an upset here with three reasons to consider the Ford Escape over the Toyota RAV4. However, we recognize that the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and 2022 Ford Escape are both excellent SUVs to consider. The Escape just might bring a little more to the table than you think. 

The 2022 Ford Escape vs. the 2022 Toyota RAV4 

We will kick things off with pricing. You can get started in a 2022 Ford Escape for about $26,510. There are 10 trim levels to consider, and the top-spec Titanium PHEV brings the price up to about $39,185. 

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 starts at about $26,525 and has six trims. The top-spec TRD Pro increases the price to $36,430. These prices are the MSRPs and don’t include the destination fees or dealership markups. 

The Escape may offer more value. According to Car and Driver, the base model of the RAV4 is quite Spartan with plasticky materials. But the Escape has a standard highly textured cloth with less plastic. 

With higher trim levels of the RAV4, you can opt for faux leather upholstery and soft-touch covered materials. However, the Escape offers genuine leather and wooden appliques for a more luxurious feel. 

The Escape might be more fun to drive 

The 2022 Ford Escape comes with a standard 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for 250 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. According to Edmunds, the Escape can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.9 seconds. 

With the 2022 Toyota RAV4, you get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 9.1 seconds, which Edmunds notes is slower than the class average. 

The sluggish acceleration in the RAV4 might be noticeable, and the steering is pretty vague. Steering in the Escape is light, and the handling could be more responsive. However, the Sport Mode provides more heft and control. 

While the Escape may have better on-road manners, go with the Toyota RAV4 if you’re looking for a better-equipped off-roading SUV. The TRD Pro model has upgraded equipment and driving systems to tackle the wild. 

The Escape might be more comfortable 

Car and Driver mentions that the 2022 Ford Escape has an interior that’s spacious and comfortable in the front and rear. Plus, it comes with adjustable controls for the passenger seat, which the RAV4 doesn’t offer. 

The Escape is praised for having a smooth ride around town with a quiet interior. However, road noise may be noticeable at highway speeds. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 might have a bumpier ride but feels well controlled. 

When you hit the acceleration, the RAV4’s engine can emit coarse wheezing sounds, but it’s pretty quiet at highway speeds. Also, the front seats may lack support during longer drives. But the RAV4 has vents for the rear seats, and the Escape doesn’t. 

The Ford Escape and the Toyota RAV4 both have pros and cons to consider. However, the Escape might be a better rival than you think.