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2025 Buick Enclave vs Honda PilotBudget Buy $15,000: Ford Escape vs Toyota RAV4
Both the Ford Escape and RAV4 offer compelling compact SUVs options under $15,000. We take a look at both to see which we recommend.
Ford Escape vs Toyota RAV4: Compact SUVs With a Long History
The Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 represent two stalwarts in the compact SUVs segment. The RAV4 was one of the first offerings in the segment and has continued to refine its winning recipe over the years. The Ford Escape arrived a little later, but has brought its own unique flavor. If you’re in the market for a used crossover, deciding which one is right for you can be a challenge.
Below is our take on these two and we’re going to stay focused on models that cost less than $15k. To stay under this cap brings an interesting result. On Carsforsale.com, there are several 2019 Ford Escapes for sale for under 15k. When you search RAV4 under 15k, the 2015 model seems to be the newest version under that cap. So, we’ll compare the 2015 RAV4 and 2019 Escape in more detail.
Specs:
We’ll start our comparison with the specs of the 2015 Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 is powered by Toyota’s well-regarded 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 176 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. The engine comes connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. Together, you get a good balance of accelerations and fuel economy.
Power for the 2015 Toyota RAV4 is routed to the front wheels on standard models, or can send it to all four when equipped with the optional all-wheel drive system. The front-wheel drive RAV4 achieves 23 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined. The all-wheel drive models lose a little efficiency with 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. Towing capacity for the RAV4 is limited to just 1,500 pounds.
On the inside, the RAV4 provides a spacious cabin for up to five people with a total passenger volume of 101.9 cubic feet. Front headroom is 39.8-inches and you get up to 73.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat or 38.4 cubic feet with seats up. Finally, the 2015 RAV4 weighs in with a reasonable 3,550-pound curb weight. To read about a new vs used RAV4, check out our article here.
The 2019 Ford Escape offers more options for powertrain. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, like the RAV4, but it produces a slightly lower 168 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. This engine is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission and powers the front wheels only. The next step up is the 1.5-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 179 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque thanks to its advanced turbocharging technology. It too comes connected to the six-speed automatic, but can power the front wheels or all four with the optional all-wheel drive.
If you want more power, the top 2019 Ford Escape models are offered with a 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine developing a stout 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic is the sole transmission and can be combined with front or all-wheel drive.
The base engine for the 2019 Ford Escape returns 21 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined. The front-wheel drive (FWD) 1.5-liter escape is the most efficient model returning 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. The FWD 2.0 Escape returns 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.
If you choose all-wheel drive Ford Escape, efficiency drops with the 1.5-liter getting 22 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 mpg combined. The AWD 2.0-liter Escape returns 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. Another advantage of the largest turbocharged engine is it allows the Escape to tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Inside, the Escape is a little bit smaller than the RAV4 with a passenger volume of just 98.7 cubic feet. Front headroom is essentially tied with 39.9 inches and you get a little less cargo space with 34 cubic feet behind the second row which expands to just 68 cubic feet with the second row folded.
The 2019 Ford Escape weighs pretty much the same as the RAV4 at 3,552 pounds. You can see how the used Escape compares to a new one here.
Driving and Performance:
When you compare the base engine in the 2019 Escape to the sole engine offered in the RAV4, the similarities mean the performance is similar. The difference in horsepower isn’t significant, so both deliver relatively leisurely acceleration.
The 2019 Ford Escape’s 1.5-liter engine offers a little extra power, but its real advantage is its superior fuel economy. And, of course, the 2.0-liter turbo engine in the Escape offers the best performance of the lot and is the choice for those who want maximum performance.
The RAV4 delivers a calm and smooth ride, but is not exciting on a twisty road. The Escape, on the other hand, offers a bit more performance chops with nimbler handling characteristics and a more athletic feel in the corners. You can read about the best compact SUVs here.
Comfort and Interior:
Both of these crossovers provide plenty of comfort. As mentioned in the specs, the 2015 RAV4 has a noticeable space advantage so it would likely be the first choice for a family vehicle or those needing additional cargo space. The Escape, by comparison, is still comfy, especially for four people, but would start to feel tight with five.
Materials are similar in both, with attractive plastic trim and plenty of soft-touch points throughout. The Escape is offered with genuine leather upholstery, while the RAV4 gets an artificial leather called Softex, which feels like the real thing, but might make a difference for those with discerning tastes.
With the rate of change in technology, the couple year difference in the 2015 RAV4 and 2019 Escape is noticeable in the infotainment tech. The RAV4s Entune system offers great features like available navigation, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity, but feels just a little older in terms of graphics and response and offers a relatively small 6.1-inc display.
In the 2019 Escape, the SYNC 3 infotainment system is available with a larger 8-inch touch screen and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. If you want a good sound system, both models offer upgraded sound systems with the RAV4 getting a JBL system with 11 speakers, while the Escape offers a Sony premium audio system with 10 speakers. You can read more about our favorite family car features.
Trims and Features:
The 2015 Toyota RAV4 was offered in three trims, the LE, XLE, and Limited. All trims came with the same engine and transmission plus all-wheel drive can be added to any of them, so the defining characteristics are mostly interior options and features.
The 2015 Toyota RAV4 LE trim gets the base Entune system, USB inputs, Bluetooth, and six speakers. The XLE trim benefits from a moonroof, a more powerful infotainment with satellite and HD radio, upgraded front seats featuring French stitching, and a dual-zone climate control. Limited models get a premium Entune system with navigation, a push-button start, Softex upholstery, and a power liftgate.
The trims offered on the 2019 Escape include S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. The S trim comes equipped with the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, cruise control, a rearview camera, and 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat.
The 2019 Ford Escape SE upgrades to the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, dual-zone climate control, and 10-way power adjustable heated font seats. The SEL trim comes equipped with a power tailgate, nice leather interior trim, and the Reverse Sensing System. If you choose the Titanium trim, you get the powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine, hands-free tailgate, a heated steering wheel, and the Sony premium audio system.
The Escape also offers additional safety features, optional on the SE trim and up, that includes blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist. It even offers a self-parking feature. To learn more about new safety tech, read our article here.
The Verdict:
Of course, if the advantage of the Escape is its more modern technology offerings, more powerful engine options, and sportier driving experience. If those are more valuable to you, then the 2019 Escape is a solid choice.
It’s hard to pick a winner between the two crossovers, but this author’s choice would be the 2015 RAV4. Yes, it’s a little bit older, but its solid resale value points to its well-earned reputation and position in the marketplace. It offers decent performance, good technology, and a more spacious interior than the Escape.
