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2020 Ford Escape vs Toyota RAV4 Mt Airy MD

 
 
 
 
 
2020 Ford Escape Features & Specs 2020 Toyota RAV4
250 Top Engine Power Output (hp) 203
221 Hybrid Power Output (hp) 219
44 Hybrid Highway Fuel Economy (mpg) 41
3,500 Towing Capacity (lbs) 1,500

A look at two top compact SUV models; the 2020 Ford Escape and 2020 Toyota RAV4!

The compact SUV is one of the most popular models in the automotive market, bringing in a slightly larger volume and size compared to a sedan but still offering strong fuel economy ratings. The 2020 Ford Escape, as well as the 2020 Toyota RAV4, are two of the top models in this class that draw our attention. Each has solid four-cylinder and hybrid powertrain options while providing a great depth of modern features and tech. In this article, we’ll take apart each SUV and decide in the end which one is our suggested pick.

 

2020 Ford Escape Power & Handling

The 2020 Ford Escape has an impressive selection of four-cylinder engines to choose from when outfitting this capable SUV. The base 1.5-liter EcoBoost inline-4 has a solid fuel economy of over 30 mpg when driving on the highway while providing a nice acceleration with solid power output. The larger 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-4 variant is definitely a highlight fro the Escape, offering an impressive 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque output! We also see Ford offer hybrid powertrain options with two variants of a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle hybrid system which gives the Escape strong staying potential while out on an adventure.

 

2020 Toyota RAV4 Power & Handling

Under the hood of each RAV4 is a decently capable 2.5-liter inline-4 engine. This engine pushes out a decent power output of 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque but falls shy of the top benchmarks we see from Ford’s Escape powertrain outputs. Without a turbocharged variant or other engine options, this limits the acceleration and capabilities of the RAV4. Toyota does pair this engine with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission that combined with the other systems offers a solid fuel economy for this SUV. Similar to the Ford Escape, the Toyota RAV4 also has a hybrid powertrain option but doesn’t quite measure up in terms of power output or fuel economy we see with Ford’s hybrid engines.

 

2020 Ford Escape Features & Design

The Escape comes customized in one of five different trim models and a number of optional packages to select from as well. The core feature list starts with the S trim model, offering features such as automatic high-beam headlamps, a rearview camera, sliding second-row seats that have split-folding capability, a FordPass Connect infotainment system and more! As you progress up in trim levels, we see premium upholsteries added in as well as great features such as a premium audio system, keyless remote entry and ignition, an optional panoramic Vista moonroof, signature LED headlights with fog lamps added on, and much more!

 

2020 Toyota RAV4 Features & Design

The RAV4 is well stocked with feature selection as well as handles a wide variety of trim models offering decent customization. We see the base LE trim model come with features such as a 7-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, air conditioning, a rearview camera, a manually adjustable driver’s seat, a day/night rearview mirror, 17-inch wheels, and more. A lot of these features help enhance the riding experience of the RAV4, however, the storage capability and versatility doesn’t quite measure up to the Escape which has a sliding second row and other features worked in. The higher trim models offer a nice sense of comfort and convenience for the RAV4 and the off-road-oriented trim models are definitely a plus.

Conclusion:

Looking at both of these SUVs overall, each one has great on and off-road performance while also coming well equipped with features from the base to the highest trim models. The RAV4 especially sticks out with its off-road-oriented trim models at higher levels, however, the powertrain systems don’t quite measure up to the Escape, especially with the hybrid engine systems in both power and fuel economy. If we were to pick a winner in this matchup, we’d definitely have to give it to the escape, with great versatility with being a comfortable passenger transport or cargo carrier while also offering better engine output ratings and fuel economy. Come by our dealership here at Century Ford and ask our dealers what some of their favorite features are with the 2020 Ford Escape!