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2021 Ford Escape vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Ford Escape and 2021 Toyota RAV4 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Ford Escape and the 2021 Toyota RAV4.

In comparing the 2021 Ford Escape's and the 2021 Toyota RAV4's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Ford Escape has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and interior volume. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2021 Ford Escape and 2021 Toyota RAV4 have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Ford Escape's and the 2021 Toyota RAV4's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is a better car than the 2021 Ford Escape.

Pricing: A used 2021 Ford Escape ranges from $17,990 to $27,127 while a used 2021 Toyota RAV4 is priced between $22,244 to $32,499.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Ford Escape loses 46.4 percent of its value and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 loses 28.7 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Toyota RAV4 retains 17.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Ford Escape.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Escape is 8.6 out of 10 while the Toyota RAV4's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Ford Escape being ranked 3 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Toyota RAV4 being ranked 2 out of 19. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Ford Escape is ranked 13 and the Toyota RAV4 is ranked 5.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Escape is 8.2 out of 10. For the Toyota RAV4 the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Toyota RAV4 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Escape.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Ford Escape’s base engine makes 181 horsepower, and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 base engine makes 203 horsepower. Both the Escape and the RAV4 are rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 500 and 508 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2021 Ford Escape has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room and rear leg room. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Ford Escape and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

Overview

The Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 are well-matched small SUVs. The Escape comes in with lower pricing whether you’re looking for the base trim or the most tricked out model. The drawback is a less attractive interior that uses a lot of hard plastics. It also has only a 4.2-inch display screen versus the 7.0-inch touchscreen in the RAV4. The Escape has good cargo room for the class but comes in with less than the RAV4. The RAV4 has a stronger base engine, but the Escape offers a zippy turbocharged option that has stronger acceleration for a more engaging and responsive ride. When it comes to safety, both have strong crash tests ratings, however the Escape did better in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests. The Escape comes out ahead on pricing and performance, but the RAV4 is a better choice for those who want more premium interior features.

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Model & Pricing
2021 Ford Escape
2021 Toyota RAV4

2021 Ford Escape
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2021 Ford Escape for Sale

2021 Toyota RAV4
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2021 Toyota RAV4 for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$25,555

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

$25,515

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$23,700 - $27,890

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$26,350

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

$25,515

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$23,700 - $27,890

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$22,150

Price Range:

$17,990 - $27,127

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

$24,444

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$20,734 - $27,641

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

1,469

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

40,646

# Good or Great Deals:

474

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$26,833

Price Range:

$22,244 - $32,499

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

$24,444

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$20,734 - $27,641

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

2,288

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

50,363

# Good or Great Deals:

639

Ford Escape Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.6 / 10

Reliability:

8.2 / 10

Retained Value:

7.6 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Toyota RAV4 Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.8 / 10

Reliability:

8.5 / 10

Retained Value:

8.7 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Ford Escape

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

7.2

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

7.9

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

6.9 - 10.4

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

14.2%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Toyota RAV4

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

9.9

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

7.9

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

6.9 - 10.4

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

40.7%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

12.2

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

4.4

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.7 - 13.9

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.6

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

4.4

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.7 - 13.9

Ford Escape Rankings

Best Family Small SUVs

1 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

2 / 20

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

2 / 14

Best Small SUVs

3 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Towing

3 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

4 / 19

Best Small SUVs for the Money

4 / 13

Most Affordable Small SUVs

5 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

5 / 19

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

5 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

6 / 30

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

6 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs

6 / 19

Safest Crossover SUVs

8 / 67

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

9 / 19

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

10 / 67

Best Family Crossover SUVs

10 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

11 / 67

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

11 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs

13 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

17 / 59

Best Off-road Small SUVs

17 / 19

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

19 / 67

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

19 / 19

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

21 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

28 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

30 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

35 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

38 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

46 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

54 / 67

Toyota RAV4 Rankings

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

1 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

1 / 21

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

1 / 20

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

1 / 19

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

1 / 14

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $30k

1 / 4

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 39

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 34

Best Small SUVs

2 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Towing

2 / 19

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

3 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 39

Most Reliable Small SUVs

3 / 19

Best Small SUVs for the Money

3 / 13

Best Crossover SUVs

5 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

5 / 30

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

5 / 19

Best Off-road Small SUVs

6 / 19

Best Family Small SUVs

6 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

7 / 19

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 39

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

9 / 67

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

9 / 19

Most Affordable Small SUVs

10 / 19

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

14 / 39

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

16 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

16 / 67

Best Family Crossover SUVs

16 / 67

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

16 / 19

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

18 / 39

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

19 / 39

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

19 / 19

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

19 / 19

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

22 / 59

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

25 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

29 / 39

Safest Crossover SUVs

30 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

32 / 39

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

33 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

34 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

35 / 39

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

36 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

37 / 39

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

38 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

45 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

65 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

66 / 67

Summary Review

The Ford Escape is a compact five-person SUV with a smooth ride and efficient engine options. The current Escape was redesigned for the 2020 model year, with new models costing an average of $29,828 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,407.

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Summary Review

The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover with seating for five. The current Toyota RAV4 was redesigned for the 2019 model year, with new models averaging $31,101 and 3-year-old models averaging $23,510.

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Pros and Cons

  • Roomy interior
  • Sharp handling with a smooth ride
  • Wide range of powertrains

  • Cheap interior materials
  • Top trims are too pricey
  • Small front seat cushions

Pros and Cons

  • Reputation for durability
  • Gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models available
  • Rugged SUV-like capability with the TRD Pro Off-Road trim

  • Lackluster driving experience
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto late to arrive
  • Cumbersome touchscreen controls

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2021 Ford Escape Trim Levels

S, SE, SEL, Titanium

2021 Toyota RAV4 Trim Levels

Adventure, LE, Limited, TRD Off-Road, XLE, XLE Premium

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

2 years

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

181 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

190 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.055 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

203 hp @ 6600 rpm

Torque:

184 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.060 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

1.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

3

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


28 / 34 / 30

Range (city/hwy):

412 / 500 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


28 / 35 / 30

Range (city/hwy):

406 / 508 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Alloy wheels:

Available

Automatic Parking:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Available

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Available

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Standard

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40 inches

Front Leg Room:

42.4 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.6 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.3 inches

Rear Leg Room:

40.7 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

56 inches

Cargo Space:

37.5 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

65.4 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

141.5 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

37.7 inches

Front Leg Room:

41 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.8 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.5 inches

Rear Leg Room:

37.8 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

56.4 inches

Cargo Space:

37.6 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

69.8 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

136.4 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3302 lbs

Width:

85.6 inches

Height:

66.1 inches

Length:

180.5 inches

Wheelbase:

106.7 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.3 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3370 lbs

Width:

73 inches

Height:

67 inches

Length:

180.9 inches

Wheelbase:

105.9 inches

Ground Clearance:

8.4 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 inches

Wheel Type:

steel

Tire Size:

225/65R17

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

steel

Tire Size:

225/65R17

Exterior Colors

Black

Agate Black

Blue

Antimatter Blue / Velocity Blue

Gold

Desert Gold

Gray

Carbonized Grey

Red

Bronze Fire

Silver

Iconic Silver

White

Oxford White

Exterior Colors

Black

Midnight Black Metallic

Blue

Blue Flame

Gold

Not available

Gray

Magnetic Gray Metallic

Red

Ruby Flare Pearl

Silver

Silver Sky Metallic

White

Super White

Interior Colors

Gray

Dark Earth Gray

Beige

Not available

Black

Not available

Interior Colors

Gray

Not available

Beige

Nutmeg

Black

Black

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