If you've been reading our reviews regularly, you've probably noticed we are set on a mission to compare as many SUV-class competitors as possible. Admittedly, this is nowhere near an easy task, considering how many of these vehicles we see produced these days. Still, it pays off to compare the most fierce rivals, as it may help people decide on the best ride for their needs — and it's fun too, of course.

Today's review focuses on two similar yet very distinct SUVs from two iconic brands: Toyota and Ford. As you probably know very well already, both of these car manufacturers have broad SUV offers to meet the needs of different customers. But in the compact segment, two rides compete with a particular ardor — the Toyota RAV4 and the Ford Escape.

Both very well built, handsome, and equipped with an impressive number of features, the RAV4 and the Ford Escape offer similar value to the customers. Yet, when making a buying decision, one is bound to pick only one of these SUVs (unless money is not a problem, and you just want to stack up SUVs). So, let's explore Toyota RAV4 vs. Ford Escape.

RELATED: 2022 Toyota RAV4 Vs 2022 Subaru Outback: The Pros And Cons Of Each (hotcars.com)

A Look At The Pros And Cons Of The 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 on the road.
Via: Toyota 

Toyota did a truly great job on its RAV4, starting from the exterior design. The SUV looks all boxy and modernistic with its blend of rounded and sharp lines, so it doesn't simply blend with the rest of the vehicles on the road.

In terms of performance, all 2022 Toyota RAV4 trims come equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque at maximum. The engine also pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel drive, although an all-wheel drive is also optional.

The power output may indeed feel a little dull to some customers, but the 2022 Toyota RAV4 has easy handling and quick acceleration to compensate for this. Some other great things this SUV ensures are comfort, convenience, and entertainment.

Inside, the RAV4 is quite simple and sleek, featuring a massive center screen, a heads-up display, and some manual controls for easier operations. The standard tech amenities include navigation, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Remote Connect. Toyota also equipped this SUV with its Safety Sense system consisting of several driver-assistance features for enhanced safety on the road.

Essentially, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 is a modern ride with a stylish exterior and interior and plenty of comfort features, which makes it a top pick for its class, especially considering the reasonable price tag.

RELATED: Here’s Why The Toyota Rav4 Is Better Than The New 2023 Nissan Rogue (hotcars.com)

A Look At The Pros And Cons Of The 2022 Ford Escape

The 2022 Ford Escape on the road.
Ford

The 2022 Ford Escape is no less impressive than the Toyota RAV4. Its big selling point (among others) may well be a friendly exterior design with smoother, more curved lines. We like this styling a lot as it stands out from the futuristic-based rides.

Another great (and maybe even most important) thing about the 2022 Ford Escape is a wide engine offer. You can get this SUV with either a base turbo three-cylinder or advanced four-cylinder engine, which is actually available in three configurations. The standard engine produces 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinders range between 165-250 horsepower and 155-280 lb-ft of torque.

So, the 2022 Ford Escape provides great performance options, plus it drives nicely and feels comfortable. Inside, there are some cheap-looking plastics, but otherwise, the overall layout looks good. A center touchscreen display, a heads-up display, and all kinds of tech features (from Apple CarPlay to a 10-speaker audio system) are standard in every trim. The Ford Co-Pilot 360 driver-assistance technology is also in the picture.

The only drawback is that you may need to buy most of the advanced features separately, which can significantly increase the final price. The base 2022 Ford Escape trims are pretty much bare.

Toyota Rav4 Vs. Ford Escape: Which One Should You Pick?

Toyota Rav4 Vs. Ford Escape on the road.
Via: Toyota/Ford

Deciding between Toyota RAV4 vs. Ford Escape will depend on your preferences, but the pros and cons of both models may help you incline to one over another. To sum things up, the Ford Escape offers more engine options and excitement on the road, but the exterior styling is a tie, as both SUVs have unique touch ups.

The interior of the RAV4 may feel of better quality, but the Escape offers more seat cushioning and, therefore, comfort. Where the former leads, however, is the cargo space, especially with its fully-folding seats.

In terms of interior features, both of these SUVs offer pretty much the same things. The Escape may prove safer, however, and not only because of its advanced driver-assistance technology. This SUV got top scores on most crash tests.

So, weigh all these features and factors and determine which ones are the most significant for you.

Sources: Toyota, Ford