Image via Ford.com
As plug-in hybrid vehicle technology improves, two companies continue to stand out for those who want to ride in style while being environmentally conscious. Ford and Toyota set the pace for PHEVs with the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid and the Toyota RAV4 Prime. This article puts the 2021 models through their paces in a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which vehicle works best for you.
Trim Levels
Ford offers the Escape Plug-In Hybrid in three trims, including the SE, SEL, and Titanium. The base model SE comes nicely equipped at an MSRP of $28,030, while the SEL adds more features inside and out for $35,815. Titanium models come with all the luxury appointments you crave at a reasonable $38,885 MSRP.
Toyota offers the Prime in two trims, the SE and XSE. The base model SE starts at an MSRP of $39,220, and the XSE trim reaches $50,000. The Prime SE comes with more equipment than the Escape SE, but you may spend over $10,000 more. Escape's SEL trim matches up nicely equipment-wise with the Prime SE and may still cost over $3,000 less than the Prime SE. When you compare the top two trims, you see many of the same features on both, yet the price tag on the Prime XSE is higher.
Interior
These two SUVs both seat five people. However, the Prime tends to style after its larger Toyota SUV counterparts. Ford outfitted the Escape interior to be more like a spacious sedan, with all the comfort and convenience features you crave. In addition, you can upgrade through packages to further refine the Escape's interior.
Both vehicles have plenty of head and legroom, although the Toyota sits more upright like a large SUV. Ford's Escape offers more relaxed seat positions as you find in sedans, making for a more comfortable experience. You get similar cargo space in both SUVs, with the Prime offering slightly more. However, the second-row seat in the Prime doesn't fold completely flat, making larger loads awkward.
Powertrain Comparison
Ford's Escape Plug-In Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with i-VTEC and multi-port fuel injection technology paired with an electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission. As a result, this powertrain produces a combined system horsepower of 209. Two electric motors powered by a 14.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack provide the hybrid power. This battery can recharge in as little as 3.5 hours with a Level 2 240-volt charger.
Toyota also uses a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine. However, Toyota went even further with the Prime, adding a third electric motor to power the rear axle. As a result, you get all-wheel-drive capability and up to 302 horsepower. This makes the RAV4 Prime faster, but its ungainly aerodynamics don't increase the speed. Instead, it feels more like a rollercoaster jumping its tracks, particularly when cornering. Some drivers want straight-line speed, which they can get with the RAV4 Prime. If you prefer more control and stability, the Escape Plug-In Hybrid wins.
All-Electric Capability
Both vehicles have the all-electric driving capability. In addition, both cars come with a recharge mode while driving. The Escape has an all-electric range of 37 miles, while the RAV4 Prime range reaches 42 miles. While this may appear to be an advantage for the RAV4 Prime, the numbers change when you factor in gas mileage, which is a prime consideration for hybrid vehicles. The RAV4 Prime gas engine only gets a combined 38 mpg. Ford's Escape gets 41 mpg combined.
Both vehicles come with a recharge mode that you can use while you're driving. Most Americans commute fewer than 25 miles one way, so either car can handle the trip to work, provided you can charge it when you get there. The long road trips to cities like Minneapolis reward Escape's efficiency.
Technology Features
Ford offers a 6-inch touch screen in the lower trims and a massive 12.3-inch touch screen in the Titanium model. In addition, you get Ford's Sync 3 technology to power all your infotainment. Sync 3 enables hands-free operation with voice command technology. As a result, you can operate all your infotainment functions and even your home devices. In addition, your Escape turns into a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot that connects up to 10 devices with a 50-foot range. Ford also includes SiriusXM satellite radio, four USB ports, and two 12-volt power outlets.
Toyota put an 8-inch touch screen in the Prime SE and a 9-inch version in the Prime XSE. Unfortunately, Toyota's infotainment technology package doesn't come close to Ford's Sync 3 system from a functional standpoint.
Safety Features
The Escape earned top marks for safety from the NHTSA, ahead of the RAV4. What's more impressive with the Escape is the Ford Driver-Assist System, which includes Ford Co-Pilot360 and Addaptive Cruise Control. Ford offers a more comprehensive suite with better performance ratings than Toyota's package, particularly automatic emergency braking tests. The Prime comes with a less comprehensive safety package, which includes the Pre-Collision System and automatic high beams.
Curb Appeal
For compact crossover SUVs, these two vehicles have kept to the popular look. Both have instant SUV profiles that blend rugged off-road lower-body trim with sleek and soft curves. As a result, they have an athletic yet refined look. The Escape has a more all-around appeal, turning heads on the boulevard and seamlessly looking at home on the trail. The Prime favors a rather boxy style that makes it look unwieldy in the city and maybe better suited for the back roads.
2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid Is The Clear Choice
As always, your choice comes down to your needs and budget. You'll see a clear price winner with the Escape Plug-In Hybrid when comparing the two models. You have more trims, better prices, and similar equipment. Toyota's RAV4 Prime may be faster, but it falls just a little short in all other areas. The Escape has more curb appeal, a more relaxed interior, and a more efficient powertrain.
Sioux Falls Ford understands what's important when shopping for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Drivers want a capable and comfortable SUV with all the latest technology. That's why the Escape PHEV performs so well. So, if you're ready to elevate your Sioux Falls commute with a stylish and efficient Escape, we invite you to browse our inventory online or stop by our dealership at any time.