2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. Ford Escape® PHEV

Comparison

It’s Toyota’s top-selling model, enhanced with plug-in hybrid technology, an electric only drive mode, and all-wheel drive. The Toyota RAV4 Prime isn’t just fuel-efficient; its fast acceleration, quiet ride, and off-road capabilities make it a joy to drive. A thoughtful, rich interior makes the package all the more compelling. 

 

Challenging the Toyota Prime is the Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid, also considered a premier compact crossover in the category. Available exclusively in front-wheel drive, the Escape PHEV is mostly celebrated for its efficiency and comfort.

 

How do these two vehicles stack up in terms of performance, and which one provides better value? Let’s find out in this comprehensive 2024 Ford Escape PHEV vs. RAV4 Prime head-to-head comparison.

Highlighted Features

2024 RAV4

2024Escape

Base MSRP

$43,690

$40,500

Engine

2.5L inline 4-cylinder

2.5L inline 4-cylinder

Horsepower

302

210

Adaptive cruise control

Yes

Yes

Speakers

6

6 , Optional 10 Bang & Olufsen

Hybrid type

Active Hybrid

Active Hybrid

Whole vehicle warranty months / (miles)

36 / 36000

36 / 36000

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Copyright © JATO Dynamics Limited, 1990-2024. All Rights Reserved. For comparison purposes only. JATO has been diligent in providing accurate and complete information. However, JATO does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the data, and the information may not be comprehensive or use the same terminology as used elsewhere on this site. For additional details, see vehicle's "Full Specs" on http://Toyota.com or contact your Toyota dealer.

 

 

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Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. Ford Escape® PHEV

Performance

Where efficiency meets exhilaration. Compare the engine and performance features of the Ford Escape PHEV vs. RAV4 Prime.

  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime comes with a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder engine delivering 302 combined net horsepower and combined 165 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm. The electric motor generates 179 horsepower and 199 lb.-ft. of torque at the front, and 53 horsepower with 89 lb.-ft. of torque at the rear. In contrast, the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid has a Plug-in Hybrid 2.5L iVCT Atkinson-Cycle I-4 engine, delivering 163 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 155 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. This engine, when combined with its electric motor, results in a total of 210 net system horsepower.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime has an Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with sequential shift mode featuring sport paddle shifters. The Ford Escape PHEV also has an Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) but doesn’t include a sequential shift mode.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime comes standard with an Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD). In contrast, the Ford Escape PHEV exclusively has Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) as standard.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime has a standard Independent MacPherson strut front suspension with a stabilizer bar and a multi-link rear suspension with a stabilizer bar. The Ford Escape PHEV has a standard Independent MacPherson strut-type front suspension with a stabilizer bar and a rear suspension with independent double lateral link semi-trailing arms, stabilizer bar, and hydraulic gas-pressurized shocks.
  • On the Toyota RAV4 Prime, there are several drive modes to choose from: SPORT, Eco, NORMAL, and TRAIL modes. Additionally, it has four hybrid system operation modes: EV only, Hybrid only, Auto EV/HV, and Charge modes. In comparison, the Ford Escape PHEV comes with Selectable Drive Modes, including Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Normal modes. The Ford Escape also has 4 hybrid system drive modes including, Normal, All Electric, EV Charge, and EV later.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime has a standard Electric Power Steering (EPS), which operates using an electronically power-assisted rack-and-pinion system. Similarly, the Ford Escape PHEV has standard Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS).
Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. Ford Escape® PHEV

Fuel Economy

In our overview of the RAV4 Prime vs. Escape PHEV, we explore the fuel economy ratings of both vehicles to see how they stack up against each other.

  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime has an EPA-estimated combined 94 MPGe rating. In contrast, the Ford Escape PHEV has an EPA-estimated combined 101 MPGe rating.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime has an EPA-estimated all-electric driving range rating of 42 miles, surpassing the Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid, which has an EPA-estimated electric-only driving range rating of 37 miles.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 40/36/38 mpg (city/highway/combined). The Ford Escape PHEV has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 42/36/39 mpg (city/highway/combined).
Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. Ford Escape® PHEV

Technology

In this Ford Escape PHEV vs. RAV4 Prime matchup, explore how each model integrates tech and connectivity features to enhance your driving experience.

  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE has a standard 10.5-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia display featuring a JBL® Premium Audio setup with 11 speakers, including a subwoofer and amplifier, while the Prime SE grade comes with an 8-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia and six speakers. All models have wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility and a 3-month SiriusXM® trial subscription.
  • The Ford Escape PHEV comes standard with the SYNC® 4 technology, featuring a 13.2" LCD Capacitive Touchscreen and an AM/FM stereo system with six speakers. Additionally, there’s an optional B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers and a subwoofer. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Compatibility and SiriusXM® with 360L are also standard.
  • A Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charger with a charge indicator light is exclusively standard on the XSE trim of the Toyota RAV4 Prime. In contrast, the Ford Escape PHEV does not include a wireless charging pad as a standard feature, but it is available as an optional add-on.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime SE comes standard with a 7-in. digital Multi-Information Display (MID) showcasing the odometer, trip meters, outside temperature, hybrid energy monitor, fuel economy information, scheduled maintenance indicators, and more. The XSE trim upgrades to a standard fully digital 12.3-in. customizable gauge cluster and has a 10-in. color head-up display (HUD) available as part of an option package. In contrast, the Ford Escape PHEV is equipped with a standard 8-in. Color LCD Instrument Cluster. Additionally, a 12.3-in. Full Digital Instrument Cluster and a Head-Up Display are available as optional upgrades.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime comes standard with a Smart Key System on the front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system, power liftgate, and remote illuminated entry across both grades. For the XSE grade, there's an optional upgrade to extend the Smart Key System to all doors. In comparison, the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid has a standard Intelligent Access with a Push-Button Start and a Remote Start System, along with an available power liftgate.
  • An auto-dimming rearview mirror comes standard on the Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE, and a day/night rearview mirror is standard on the base level SE grade. On the other hand, the Ford Escape PHEV has a manual day/night rearview mirror as standard, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror is available as an option.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime comes with a Wi-Fi Connect trial of up to 30 days or 3GB of data usage, featuring an AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming compatibility with Apple Music® and Amazon Music™ (each streaming service requires separate customer subscriptions). Wi-Fi Connect is 4G network dependent. In comparison, the Ford Escape PHEV, when equipped with FordPass® Connect, has a 4G LTE in-vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot powered by AT&T, including a wireless data trial for up to 3 months or 3GB, whichever comes first.
  • A 1-year trial of Drive Connect is included with the XSE trim of the Toyota RAV4 Prime. This connected service includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with Hey, Toyota, and Destination Assist. The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid comes with a 1-year trial of Connected Built-In Navigation with enhanced voice recognition which allows you to access live traffic updates, receive real-time route guidance, and more.
Available Models (2)
Model image
SE
$43,690
Base MSRP
38/94
Est. MPG /MPGe
  • 18-in. 5-spoke painted and machined sport alloy wheels
  • LED projector low- and high-beam headlights with LED DRL accent lights and turn signals
  • Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Model image
XSE
$47,560
Base MSRP
38/94
Est. MPG /MPGe
  • 19-in. 5-spoke painted and machined sport alloy wheels
  • Standard two-tone exterior color with Midnight Black Metallic roof
  • LED projector low- and high-beam headlights with LED DRL accent lights and turn signals
Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. Ford Escape® PHEV

Safety & Convenience

Cruise with confidence. Read to find out how the safety and convenience features of the Ford Escape PHEV vs. RAV4 Prime compare.

  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime comes with eight airbags, including driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain. In comparison, the Ford Escape PHEV comes with a Personal Safety System™ with dual-stage driver and front-passenger airbags, a driver knee airbag, and front seat-mounted side-impact airbags.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), which includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). The Ford Escape PHEV comes with the Ford Co-Pilot360™ technology and includes features like Auto High-Beam Headlamps, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Dynamic Brake Support, Lane-Keeping System and Evasive Steering Assist.
  • A Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) is standard on both trims of the Toyota RAV4 Prime. Likewise, the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid also has BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime has Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Trailer-Sway Control (TSC) as standard features. The Ford Escape PHEV does not list comparable features on the manufacturer’s site.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime has the Star Safety System™, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology® (SST). On the other hand, the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid comes with AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™), Torque Vectoring Control, Electronic Traction Control, Four-Wheel Disc Brakes with an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), and Post-Collision Braking.
  • A backup camera with dynamic gridlines is standard on the Toyota RAV4 Prime, while a Panoramic View Monitor with a 360-degree Overhead View in low-speed drive and reverse and Curb View is available as part of an option package for the XSE trim. Comparatively, the Ford Escape PHEV has a standard rearview camera and comes with a 360-Degree Camera with Split View as an optional upgrade.
Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. Ford Escape® PHEV

Reliability

Explore the warranty and assistance plans offered by the Ford Escape PHEV vs. the Toyota RAV4 Prime.

  • With the Toyota RAV4 Prime, you get a Basic Warranty for three years or 36,000 miles, a Corrosion Perforation Warranty for five years with unlimited miles, a Restraint Warranty for five years or 60,000 miles, and a Powertrain Warranty for five years or 60,000 miles.
  • The Ford Escape PHEV has a Corrosion Warranty (Perforation only) for five years with unlimited miles, a Powertrain Warranty for five years or 60,000 miles, a Safety Restraint System Warranty for five years or 60,000 miles, and a Bumper to Bumper Warranty for three years or 36,000 miles.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime includes a Hybrid Battery Warranty for ten years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and a Hybrid System Warranty for eight years or 100,000 miles. The Ford Escape PHEV has a Hybrid Component Warranty for eight years or 100,000 miles.
  • Every new Toyota RAV4 Prime includes ToyotaCare, which is a maintenance plan that covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. In contrast, the Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid does not have a comparable complimentary maintenance plan. However, it provides maintenance plan options available for purchase, with prices varying according to the chosen coverage level.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime comes with 24-hour Roadside Assistance for two years with unlimited mileage. The Ford Escape PHEV has a Roadside Assistance Program for five years or 60,000 miles.
Jumbo Card Image Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. Ford Escape® PHEV

Design

Elegant exteriors, inviting interiors. Discover how the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime stacks up against the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid in design features.

  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime comes standard with a dual-zone automatic climate control system with dust and pollen filter and rear-seat vents, while the XSE grade is enhanced with front center vent flow controls. In comparison, the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid also has standard dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime comes standard with a leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel with silver-colored accents and red-stitching, and controls for audio, Multi-Information Display (MID), Bluetooth® hands-free phone, voice command, and more. The XSE trim adds paddle shifters to this setup, and a heated leather-trimmed 3-spoke steering wheel is available on both grades as part of an option package. In contrast, the Ford Escape PHEV has a heated, manually adjustable tilt and telescoping column steering wheel with audio controls.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE has standard SofTex®-trimmed seats with sporty red stitching, an 8-way power-adjustable front driver's seat with lumbar support, and a 4-way adjustable front passenger seat. The SE trim has fabric-trimmed upholstery with sporty red stitching. Heated front seats and 60/40 split reclining fold-flat rear seats are standard in both trims, while ventilated front seats are offered as an option on the XSE and heated outboard rear seats are available on both SE and XSE trims. In comparison, the Ford Escape PHEV has heated front-row seats with partial vinyl and cloth upholstery, an 8-way power driver seat, a 4-way manual passenger seat, and second-row sliding seats with a 60/40 split-fold-down feature.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime SE has 18-in. 5-spoke black-painted and machined sport alloy wheels, while the XSE comes with 19-in. 5-spoke black-painted and machined sport alloy wheels. A temporary spare tire is also standard in both trims. In comparison, the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid has 18-in. machined-face magnetic aluminum wheels with painted pockets. However, the Escape PHEV doesn’t have an option for larger wheels.
  • A power tilt/slide moonroof with one-touch open/close is standard on the Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE and available as part of an option package on the SE trim. Additionally, the XSE trim has a panoramic glass roof with a front power tilt/slide moonroof available as part of an option package. On the Ford side, the Escape Plug-In Hybrid does not include a moonroof, but a Panoramic Vista Roof® is optional.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime comes standard with Bi-LED projector low- and high-beam headlights with LED Daytime Running Light (DRL) accent lights, Automatic High Beams (AHB), and LED taillights. The XSE grade further enhances its appeal with Vertical LED accent lights in the front bumper. On the other hand, the Ford Escape PHEV has standard Configurable Daytime Running Lamps (DRL), LED Fog Lamps, and LED Signature Lighting, while LED Headlamps with coast-to-coast lightbar are optional.
  • Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators are included on the Toyota RAV4 Prime, while the XSE has black-painted mirrors. The Ford Escape PHEV comes with body-color sideview mirror caps with heated glass.
Jumbo Card Image Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. Ford Escape® PHEV

Features & Specifications

Let’s review the features of the Ford Escape PHEV vs. RAV4 Prime.

  • The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime’s base model SE has an MSRP of $43,690, while the 2024 Ford Escape PHEV has a starting MSRP of $40,500.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime has an overall height of 67.0 in. on the SE grade and 67.2 in. on the XSE grade. Both models have an overall length of 180.9 in. and a width of 73.0 in. In contrast, the Ford Escape PHEV has an overall height of 66.1 in., length of 180.1 in., and width of 74.1 in. without mirrors.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime has a wheelbase measuring 105.9 in., whereas the Ford Escape PHEV has a wheelbase of 106.7 in.
  • In the front/second-row seats, the RAV4 Prime has a head room of 37.7/39.5 in. with a moonroof, legroom of 41.0/37.8 in., shoulder room of 57.8/56.4 in., and hip room of 54.3/47.7 in. In comparison, the Escape PHEV has a headroom of 40/39.3 in. (first/second-row seats), legroom of 42.5/38.9 in., shoulder room of 57.6/56.0 in., and hip room of 55.2/ 53.3 in.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime has a cargo volume of 69.8 cu. ft. behind the front seat and 33.5 cu. ft. behind the rear seat. In contrast, the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid has a maximum cargo volume of 60.8 cu. ft. and a cargo capacity of 34.4 cu. ft. with all seats in place.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime has a higher towing capacity of 2500 lb. In contrast, the Ford Escape PHEV has a maximum towing capacity of 1500 lb.

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Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. Ford Escape® PHEV

Conclusion

The Toyota RAV4 Prime and the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid both have compelling features in the small SUV plug-in hybrid market, each with its unique strengths. While the Toyota RAV4 Prime has a slightly higher base MSRP compared to the Ford Escape PHEV, it stands out strong in terms of overall value and features offered.

 

Compared to the Ford Escape PHEV, the RAV4 Prime is equipped with a more potent engine and an electronic all-wheel-drive system, enhancing its performance in various driving conditions. With its generous assortment of safety, technology, and convenience features, the RAV4 Prime positions itself as a strong contender in its class. 

  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime comes with a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder engine that delivers a higher net horsepower of 302, while the Ford Escape PHEV has a Plug-in Hybrid 2.5L iVCT Atkinson-Cycle I-4 engine with 210 net system horsepower.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime has an EPA-estimated combined 94 MPGe rating, while the Ford Escape PHEV has an EPA-estimated combined 101 MPGe rating. However, the RAV4 Prime has an EPA-estimated all-electric driving range rating of 42 miles, surpassing the Escape Plug-in Hybrid, which has an EPA-estimated electric-only driving range of 37 miles.
  • All trims of the Toyota RAV4 Prime come standard with an Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD). In contrast, the Ford Escape PHEV has Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) as standard.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE has a standard Toyota Audio Multimedia featuring a JBL® Premium Audio setup with 11 speakers, including a subwoofer and amplifier. Conversely, the Ford Escape PHEV comes standard with a SYNC® 4 infotainment system and a 6-speaker setup. Additionally, the Escape PHEV has an optional B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®, which includes 10 speakers and a subwoofer, but this audio system is not included as a standard feature.
  • The Toyota RAV4 Prime has a towing capacity of 2,500 lbs., whereas the Ford Escape PHEV has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs.
  • A Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging with a charge indicator light is exclusively standard on the Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE. Comparatively, the Ford Escape PHEV has a Wireless Charging Pad as an optional feature.
  • An auto-dimming rearview mirror comes standard on the Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE, and a day/night rearview mirror is standard on the SE. On the other hand, the Ford Escape PHEV has a standard manual day/night rearview mirror with an auto-dimming rearview mirror as an optional feature.
  • A power tilt/slide moonroof with one-touch open/close is a standard feature on the XSE trim and optional on the SE trim. Additionally, a panoramic glass roof with a front power tilt/slide moonroof is available as part of an option package on the XSE. On the Ford side, the Escape PHEV does not include a sunroof/moonroof as standard but has a Panoramic Vista Roof® as an optional feature.
Published on 30 April, 2024