You can sip fuel and save money with both the Ford Escape Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid. But which should you choose? Our comparison guide examines each of these compact hybrid crossovers.
Commuter Comfort
Commuter Comfort: 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid
After a complete redesign, the Escape is roomier than ever, especially in the backseat, where legroom is king. This Ford crossover also has plenty of space for your stuff. Behind the rear seats, you’ll find up to 37.5 cubic feet for athletic equipment and weekend bags. More than space, the Escape Hybrid sets you up with a stylish new cabin. Luxury options include leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel.
Inside Toyota’s hybrid crossover, comfort is also big on the agenda. The ride is smooth and the cabin has legroom to spare. But the front seat bottoms can start to feel somewhat flat, especially after a few hours of driving. The RAV4 Hybrid does have a bit more cargo space, with up to 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats – though that extra tenth of a cube probably won’t make a huge difference in most drivers’ lives.
Best Tech Interface
Best Tech Interface: 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid
Ford’s infotainment interface takes a big lead. The Sync 3 infotainment system is modern and easy to use, with a new freestanding 8-inch touchscreen and standard smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display apps like maps and music on the touchscreen.
The RAV4 Hybrid comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so it can also give you quick access to beloved smartphone apps. But we do have a few qualms with Toyota’s Entune infotainment system, which can be slow to react and less than intuitive.
Thriftiest Ride
Thriftiest Ride: 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid
Here, the Escape Hybrid ekes ahead. With front-wheel drive, this crossover earns 41 mpg combined (44 city/37 highway mpg). With all-wheel drive, there’s a slight drop in efficiency, to 40 mpg combined (43/37 mpg). The Escape Hybrid even comes with an EV Coach, technology that helps you make the most of your gas tank. And the Escape Hybrid gives you notably more mileage on the highway, offering great potential for commuters. The 2020 RAV4 Hybrid, on the other hand, is only slightly less efficient. All of these hybrid crossovers earn 40 mpg combined (41/38 mpg).
Warranty Coverage
Warranty Coverage: 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Here, the RAV4 Hybrid takes the lead. For 2020, Toyota is extending their hybrid battery coverage, giving you 10 years or 150,000 miles’ worth of warranty coverage. When you buy a Ford Escape Hybrid, you get Ford’s standard five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. It’s not as extensive as Toyota’s coverage, but both warranties provide peace of mind.
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid might give you a longer warranty, but the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid is the sportier, savvier, and more efficient hybrid crossover. It’s definitely our first choice for a greener ride.