The 2022 Toyota RAV4 is a great compact crossover SUV and one of the best options in the segment right now. However, some car shoppers may not be convinced. It may be a good idea to compare the RAV4 to its rivals, such as the 2022 Ford Escape. Here’s a look at five advantages of the 2022 Toyota RAV4 over the 2022 Ford Escape. 

Where these two SUVs are the same

According to U.S. News, the RAV4 and the Escape are great SUVs and are a close race. Some areas are fairly similar, with small differences separating them. In other areas, it’s a toss-up and comes to what drivers choose. That is the case with the interior features of the two SUVs. 

The base trim of the Escape starts with a 4.2-inch touchscreen display, which is small as far as modern touchscreens go. Ford gave the base trim six speakers and a Wi-Fi hotspot, but it won’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. Meanwhile, the RAV4’s base trim comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, six speakers, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

While the Toyota clearly has the superior standard interior features, this matchup becomes a toss-up if shoppers upgrade their SUV’s infotainment system. Both can get an 8-inch touch screen and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster display. However, the RAV4’s system is laggier than the Ford’s. 

Car shoppers can save money by buying the 2022 Toyota RAV4

Similarly, the RAV4 can be cheaper than the Escape, but it depends on the trim. The base RAV4 starts at $26,525, while the base Escape starts at $26,510. This means that the standard RAV4 is $15 more expensive, but there’s a more considerable difference with the optional trims. The Escape’s top trim is over $1,400 more costly than the RAV4’s top trim.

Toyota gave the RAV4 a great interior

Both automakers gave their SUVs an overhaul in recent years, but the RAV4 came out with a superior interior. The RAV4’s interior has some quality materials, while the Escape has a lot of hard plastics. According to U.S. News, the Ford SUV’s interior also has a worse build quality.

Families will be able to carry more groceries with the 2022 Toyota RAV4

Both compact SUVs have about 37.5 cu-ft of cargo space without folding the seats, and both can tow up to 3,500 pounds. However, when the seats are folded down, the Toyota SUV gets more room than the Ford SUV. The RAV4 has a max cargo capacity of 69.8 cu-ft, while the Escape tops out at 65.4 cu-ft.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has a superior fuel economy

It’s a close race in terms of fuel economy, but the RAV4 is slightly better here too. Both SUVs get 31 mpg combined with their standard engine and front-wheel drive, but the RAV4 overtakes the Escape if shoppers want all-wheel drive. The RAV4 can get almost 31 mpg combined with all-wheel drive, but the Escape’s fuel economy drops down to 29 mpg combined.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 is likely a more reliable SUV

Finally, while both SUVs have a similar warranty package, the RAV4 is likely the more reliable option. According to U.S. News, it currently has a “great” reliability score, which car shoppers expect from a Toyota. The Escape, however, doesn’t have a long history of being a reliable option.