The 2025 Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 deliver distinct styles - Escape favors a sleek, modern look, while the RAV4 leans rugged and upright. Both offer 17- to 19-inch wheels, roof rails, and available panoramic roofs, but the Escape adds a hands-free liftgate and sportier design cues on ST-Line trims. The RAV4 offers a good ground clearance of up to 8.6 inches. Inside, both seat five and offer similar passenger volume, but the Escape provides more rear legroom, while the RAV4 offers a little more cargo space.
Quick Specs: Exterior & Interior Dimensions:
| Feature |
2025 Ford Escape |
2025 Toyota RAV4 |
| Wheel Sizes |
17"-19" |
17"-19" |
| Roof Rails |
Available (black) |
Available |
| Panoramic Roof |
Vista Roof® (available) |
Available |
| Power Liftgate |
Hands-free available |
Height-adjustable available |
| Ground Clearance (AWD) |
Up to 7.5 inches |
Up to 8.6 inches |
| Passenger Volume (cu.ft.) |
Up to 104 |
98.9 |
| Rear Legroom (in.) |
40.7 |
37.8 |
| Max Cargo Space (cu. ft.) |
65.4 (gas)/60.8 (hybrid) |
69.8 |
The 2025 Ford Escape stands out with greater powertrain variety and flexibility than the Toyota RAV4 - making it easier to find a version that matches your driving needs. Whether you want a fuel-efficient hybrid, the electric range of a plug-in, or a turbocharged engine for towing and performance, Escape delivers. The available 2.0L EcoBoost® engine offers 250 horsepower and up to 3,500 lbs of towing - double what the RAV4 Hybrid can manage.
The Toyota RAV4 offers a refined 2.5L hybrid system, which provides 219 horsepower and decent fuel economy. However, it lacks a plug-in hybrid option in the U.S. and offers no turbocharged engine or high-output variant, limiting its appeal for drivers who need extra power or towing capacity. Drivers who prioritize performance, EV driving, or towing will find more to like in the Escape lineup, while the RAV4 focuses on traditional hybrid efficiency without the same level of versatility.
Quick Specs: Engines & Capability:
| Feature |
2025 Ford Escape |
2025 Toyota RAV4 |
| Base Gas Engine |
1.5L EcoBoost® (180 hp) |
2.5L 4-Cyl. (203 hp) |
| Turbocharged Engine |
2.0L EcoBoost® (250 hp) |
Not available |
| Hybrid Option |
2.5L Hybrid (192 hp) |
2.5L Hybrid (219 hp combined) |
| Plug-In Hybrid |
2.5L PHEV (210 hp, 101 MPGe) |
Not available in U.S. |
| Max Towing |
3,500 lbs (2.0L AWD) |
1,750 lbs (Hybrid XLE/Premium) |
Both SUVs offer a comfortable, tech-savvy cabin - but the 2025 Ford Escape gives you more space and better access to premium features across its trim lineup. It offers greater rear legroom and more passenger volume than the RAV4, making it more accommodating for everyday passengers. The Escape also delivers a larger available touchscreen (13.2" vs. RAV4's 10.5") and includes wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ standard on all trims - no upgrade needed. Toyota limits its largest screen and wireless connectivity to higher trims or packages. While the RAV4 offers slightly more cargo space, the Escape makes up for it with more flexible second-row seating and a roomier feel for passengers.
Interior & Tech Comparison:
| Feature |
2025 Ford Escape |
2025 Toyota RAV4 |
| Max Passenger Volume |
104 cu. ft. |
98.9 cu. ft. |
| Rear Legroom |
40.7 in |
37.8 in |
| Max Cargo Volume |
65.4 cu. ft. (gas models) |
69.8 cu. ft. |
| Infotainment (Base) |
8" SYNC® 4 |
8" Toyota Audio Multimedia |
| Available Display Size |
13.2" |
10.5" (XLE Premium package only) |
| Premium Sound |
10-speaker B&O® |
JBL® 11-speaker (available on select trims) |
| Wireless CarPlay/Android |
Standard on all trims |
Available/Standard depending on trim |
Safety & Driver Assistance
Both the 2025 Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 come standard with advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. However, the Escape offers broader access to features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera across more of its lineup. Toyota's top-tier options - like the panoramic camera - are mostly limited to upper trims or optional packages. In contrast, the Escape makes many of these upgrades available at mid-trim levels, giving you more safety flexibility without requiring a fully loaded model.
Safety & Assistance Comparison:
| Safety Feature |
Ford Escape (Co-Pilot360) |
Toyota RAV4 (TSS 2.5) |
| Automatic Emergency Braking |
Standard |
Standard |
| Blind Spot Monitoring |
Standard |
Standard (most trims) |
| Lane Keeping Assist |
Standard |
Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control |
Available |
Standard |
| 360-Degree Camera |
Available |
Optional (XLE Premium only) |
| Parking Sensors |
Available |
Available |
The 2025 Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 are closely matched in fuel efficiency for both gas and hybrid models, each delivering up to 39 mpg combined in their front-wheel drive hybrid variants. However, the Escape takes the lead with its plug-in hybrid model - offering an impressive 101 MPGe and strong performance for short electric-only trips. When it comes to towing, the Escape also pulls ahead. Its available 2.0L EcoBoost® engine with AWD and a tow package enables up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity - double that of the RAV4 Hybrid's 1,750-pound limit.
Fuel Efficiency & Towing Comparison:
| Powertrain |
Ford Escape (FWD) |
Toyota RAV4 (FWD or AWD) |
| Base Gas MPG |
30 mpg combined |
30 mpg combined |
| Hybrid MPG (FWD) |
39 mpg combined |
39 mpg combined |
| Plug-In Hybrid MPG |
101 MPGe/37 mpg combined |
Not available |
| Max Towing Capacity |
3,500 lbs (2.0L AWD) |
1,750 lbs (Hybrid XLE Premium AWD) |
Both the 2025 Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 offer a range of trims to suit different needs - but the Escape stands out with more affordable entry points and the added benefit of a plug-in hybrid option. Ford gives buyers flexibility to choose between gas, hybrid, and plug-in models at competitive prices across the lineup. The ST-Line Select and Elite trims add sporty styling and AWD capability with hybrid efficiency, while the Plug-In Hybrid delivers top-tier tech and electric driving without exceeding $38K. Toyota's RAV4 lineup leans higher in price, especially for trims with premium features or hybrid powertrains. The RAV4 Hybrid XLE Premium offers comfort and AWD but has no plug-in alternative in the U.S.
Pricing Comparison:
| Trim Level |
Starting MSRP - Escape |
Starting MSRP - RAV4 |
| Entry-Level Gas |
$29,515 (Active FWD) |
$30,025 (LE FWD) |
| Mid-Level Gas/Style |
$30,360 (ST-Line FWD) |
$33,950 (XLE Premium FWD) |
| Hybrid AWD Trim |
$33,195 (ST-Line Select AWD) |
$34,110 (Hybrid XLE AWD) |
| Premium Hybrid AWD |
$36,305 (ST-Line Elite AWD) |
$37,000 (Hybrid XLE Premium AWD) |
| Plug-In Hybrid |
$37,400 (PHEV FWD) |
Not available |
Why the 2025 Ford Escape Stands Out
When comparing the 2025 Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4, both offer strong reputations and practical features - but only one gives you greater freedom to choose the SUV that fits your exact needs. The RAV4 delivers solid efficiency and a rugged design, but limits buyers to gas or hybrid powertrains. Key tech and comfort upgrades are often tied to higher trims and packages, which can quickly drive up the cost.
The Escape, on the other hand, offers more from the start. With four powertrains, including a turbocharged engine and a class-exclusive plug-in hybrid, the Escape delivers more choice for daily driving, towing, or electric commuting.
- 101 MPGe on the plug-in hybrid
- Up to 3,500 lbs towing - double what the RAV4 hybrid can handle
- More rear legroom and standard tech across the lineup
- A larger available touchscreen and premium features at lower prices
Verdict: If you want maximum flexibility, stronger value, and more accessible tech, the 2025 Ford Escape is the smarter pick.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Ford Escape vs. Toyota RAV4
Which has better fuel economy: the Ford Escape or Toyota RAV4?
Both hybrids offer an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined, but the Ford Escape also offers a plug-in hybrid rated at 101 MPGe - giving it a significant efficiency edge for daily commuters.
Does the 2025 RAV4 offer a plug-in hybrid?
No. Toyota does not offer a plug-in hybrid RAV4 in the U.S. for 2025. Only the Escape provides a PHEV option with electric-only driving capabilities.
Which SUV has more cargo space?
The Toyota RAV4 offers up to 69.8 cu. ft. of cargo space, while the Escape tops out at 65.4 cu. ft. in gas models. However, the Escape provides more rear legroom and passenger space.
Is the Ford Escape more powerful?
Yes. The Escape's available 2.0L turbocharged engine delivers 250 horsepower, while the RAV4 maxes out at 219 hp with its hybrid setup.
Which has more standard tech features?
The Ford Escape comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ across all trims. Toyota reserves some features, like wireless connectivity and larger screens, for higher trims.
Which SUV is better for towing?
The Escape can tow up to 3,500 lbs with its 2.0L engine and AWD. The RAV4 Hybrid is rated up to 1,750 lbs.
Which SUV offers better ride comfort and handling?
The 2025 Ford Escape offers a smoother, more car-like ride with refined handling, especially with its available adaptive suspension. The RAV4's ride leans firmer and more rugged, tuned more for off-road capability than on-road comfort.
Are all-wheel drive (AWD) models available on both SUVs?
Yes, both the Escape and RAV4 offer AWD. The Escape provides AWD on gas, hybrid, and even select plug-in hybrid trims. AWD is standard on most RAV4 hybrids and optional on gas models.
Which model has a larger touchscreen?
The Escape offers a larger available touchscreen at 13.2", compared to the RAV4's 10.5" display, which is only available as part of a premium package on select trims.
What kind of driver assistance comes standard?
Both models include strong safety suites - Ford Co-Pilot360® and Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5. However, some features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera are available earlier in the Escape lineup.
Which SUV is more affordable with hybrid power?
The Escape Hybrid starts at a lower price than the RAV4 Hybrid, and its plug-in hybrid option stays under $38K. The RAV4 Hybrid's higher trims and lack of a PHEV option make the Escape more accessible for budget-conscious shoppers looking for electrified performance.
