Ford Escape vs Toyota RAV4 Reddit

I'm looking at both of these currently. Initially it was between the PHEV versions, but I'm in Canada where it seems they sent 3 Primes to each Toyota dealer, then called it quits.

After running numbers on my likely driving habits/gas prices, it would take close to 10 years before the PHEV gas savings would make it even to the hybrids.

So now I'm looking at a RAV4 Hybrid XLE (maybe SE), or an escape SEL/TIT trim. The big things for me are towing, roof racks, and ACC. And those are the cheapest trim levels to get it.

Price wise, if you get an AWD Ford Escape SEL , it was actually a couple thousand more expensive than a RAV4 XLE. Most dealers said 3-4 months for either. (In Canada)

My biggest concern with the escape is transmission and other major mechanical issues I've seen in forums. While it's mostly complaints of rattles and noise with the RAV4.

I went and sat in a RAV4 LE today to check out the interior. It's nothing fancy, but seemed comfortable and spacious enough for me. I recall the interior of the Escape looking a bit more premium.

Overall I just trust Toyota's hybrid system far more than Fords to last without major issues. Resale value, looking at 8-10 year old 50-160K km, the Rav4 looks to be ~20% higher value.

I’m looking to get a new small SUV hybrid in AWD and have narrowed it down to these three options: Ford Escape (SEL), Toyota RAV4 (XLE premium or XSE) and Honda CR-V (Touring?)

Reviews seem to indicate that the RAV4 and CR-V are generally better than the Escape. Not to mention that Toyota and Honda generally are more reliable than Ford.

With the features I’m most interested in (leather or synthetic leather, upgraded sound system, winter weather package), sticker price on the Ford is around 34k, Toyota 36.5k and Honda 38k.

HOWEVER. I have direct family who works for Ford and would be able to get A plan pricing.

Considering the Ford will likely be cheapest for me by as much at 4-7k, do you think the Toyota and Honda are worth the premium over the Ford?

I tend to keep my vehicles long term (10yr plus) and am not too concerned about resale value.

Thanks for your help!

We have owned both a 2019 hybrid LE and a 2020 hybrid titanium AWD for about 2 years and 6 months respectively. Personally, like you said, the Ford Escape has better creature comforts and handles like a smaller car (it’s a little bit smaller than Rav4). Unlike the Rav4, it has a traditional AWD system, so in my experience in snowy conditions (and winter tires) it felt more planted than the Rav4 which has the e-awd system. With the incentives Ford usually puts out, it was maybe a $2000 CAD difference between getting a fully loaded escape vs an LE Rav4. However, I feel like the Rav4 feels better built (more solid) and has noticeably higher cargo capacity. It also has higher ground clearance. Even though to me the Rav4’s engine noise is louder, it doesn’t feel as noticeable as the Escape (possibly due to the frequency or tones). Other differences I noticed are slightly different seating positions. Both have comparable driving assistance features. Either way, they are both good cars, and each have their own strengths.

it's not really brand new anymore (25000 km), so it would be trading a sort-of new car for a brand new one again. That nets new tires etc.

Other reasons being is I can get the top trim (titanium elite) in the Escape and get more features I don't have, like remote start, liftgate foot thing, pano roof, 19" wheels, better infotainment, nicer seats, heated mirrors, wireless charging.

BTW A+ username

My wife and I are looking to get into our first SUV. We're young recent college grads with good jobs and we're looking to move on from one of our two cars to have some extra cargo room and an SUV that will be able to accommodate starting a family within the next few years.

We both drive Toyotas and love them; I drive a 2008 Camry and she drives a 2016 Corolla. My wife's first car was actually a 2004 Escape, and while she enjoyed driving it, she had nothing but problems. Her grandparents were also gifted a 2010 Escape, and they hate it. So, safe to say, her family hasn't exactly had good experiences with the Escape.

We were of course dialed in on getting a RAV4 Hybrid, but there's been a few things holding up the decision. We have the feeling that for the price you pay, you're not getting quite as many features as we feel you should, such as leatherette seats on the XLE and SE trims, though we test drove one and really liked it. Also, we didn't even think about the Escape Hybrids or give them much thought, until someone suggested I looked into them and had positive things to say.

The price is right for an SEL hybrid. A nearby dealership has one with the tech package, and before incentives, for just under $37k with possible 0% interest financing. An SE or XLE Hybrid comes out just a bit more expensive as the Ford has some incentives and 0% financing.

To be honest, we have reservations with potentially buying a Ford, given her family's experience with them and just doesn't quite have the reliability track record of RAV4s which I view as the safer pick. However, the 2022 Escapes seem to get good reviews and I am open to it as I like the design. Looking to test drive one. Have any of you out there struggled with this comparison, and if so, what swayed you one way or the other? I understand this sub may be biased towards the RAV4 but to be fair I posted this on the Ford Escape subreddit. Sorry for the long post.