Ford Escape PHEV vs. RAV4 Prime - Plug-in Hybrid POV Comparison

[@officialyasir]

Dang, Topher is so dedicated to giving us the best reviews, he even rented a baby for testing.

[@jokekelleey2071]

Rent girl to make baby

[@chrischeng9937]

I got my Ford escape phev in Vancouver BC last October, It does come with spare tire on top of 12V battery. I was considered Rave4 prime but have been told have to wait for 1 to 2 years to get it, so I went for escape phev since they had few stocks in their showroom. So far loving it.

[@manfredwarner5153]

Fix Or Repair Daily (FORD qualtity issues) My RAV4 Prime gets 72 to 80 km ALL electric range (gasoline engine does not kick on like Ford escape).Love 302HP acceleration and AWD.NO COMPARISON to Ford escape

[@jamesshomesolarmore2223]

Love the Ford Escape. I really appreciate the 360 cameras. Plus the power lumbar seats are absolutely better than any of the seats in my Toyota vehicles. Then there is the programmable start time’s so the car warms up without having to push start on the remote or on the phone. Toyota tech is so far behind. I was so glad when I traded in the Toyota Highlander 2022 for the Ford Escape 2022. Plus being a plugin hybrid the fuel economy is amazing. I have owned so many Toyota vehicles and the ford vehicles are clearly much better.

[@graantmnz]

@@manfredwarner5153 the petrol engine does not kick in unless you tell it to.

[@stanimann]

​@@manfredwarner5153 no any problem with Ford. It's your fantasy. Ford price is much better them RAV4 Prime🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@minnymm2719]

@@manfredwarner5153 are you still in 2000’s??? Or you never owned ford before?? I had 2 Toyota cars but all garbage so many problems. And my escape has no issues for 1 year

[@Cheychey22894]

Thanks for this video! These are close for me but am still leaning towards the ford. Can’t get over the sticker shock of the RAV4. I also like the exterior of the ford better & see countless RAV4’s daily which makes owning one less appealing.

[@alannguyen5050]

The roof rack on the rav 4 prime is 100% the reason why you're experiencing less MPG than the rating.

[@JoeE.]

Not only that. RAV4 a has spare tire and Escape doesn't have one. Also, RAV4 Prime is AWD and Escape is FWD.

[@jt-eb4sp]

I had a Toyota RAV4 and upon the lease expiration I tried all kinds of vehicles and ended up with the Alford escape titanium hybrid, 4wd, and all kinds of accessories. It handled better, rode better, had better visibility, was quieter and overall, just a better vehicle

[@BarryObaminable]

@@JoeE. That lack of a spare tire is unlikely to be causing lower mpg than sticker.

[@bannonbuilds3550]

@@jt-eb4sp come back in 2 years when the Escape is worth half the Rav4

[@bmx7596]

@@JoeE. super unfair comparison and the Escape was barely even with the Prime

[@superseries7007]

Easy decision for me. RAV4. 🤷‍♂️

[@cassiocm]

Fun fact, Toyota sided with GM in a lawsuit by trump against CA (and 15 other states) and mileage standards. For sure, sponsored by oil lobbyists. So Ford, VW and Volvo for me forever.

[@cassiocm]

@Max Power why?

[@cassiocm]

I can't stand the hypocrisy. Toyota and GM play the game well and follow the political winds. We just won't financially support companies like these out of principle.

[@beejaybeej]

@@cassiocm toyota = reliable

[@byronchavarria4954]

@@beejaybeej In The United States 🇺🇸 And Japan 🇯🇵 Only Not The World The Best One In The Rest Of The World Is Mercedes Benz

[@deanh2664]

After getting out of the winter and driving it a few months our Rav4 Prime EV only mileage maxed out at 56 miles. Most of the NY year we average 48-50 miles.

[@richardk6291]

The rear seat in the Escape is adjustable forward and backward. I have owned 9 new Fords since 1997 and have never taken one back for warranty service.

[@jeedwards1981]

Wow, my new maverick has dash rattles galore and 800 miles on it:(

[@RK-hv2dh]

Probably you didn’t buy the Ford Focus 2012-14. It had crazy transmission issues

[@JJustinXu]

The Ford is very ugly imo. RAV4 Prime all day everyday! No wonder I see at least 10 RAV4 Primes a day in my area!!

[@jxmar_]

Dang! I have yet to see one!

[@averagejoesbackyardgarden2249]

I see 1 every day (mine) but I only see on the road about 1 per week…hahaha!

[@jeffwest7419]

BS

[@jxmar_]

I’d take the RAV4 Prime

[@adams1696]

Yass me too. The ford escape is just "cute". i dont care for the design! that rav pulls hard

[@byronchavarria4954]

I’d Take The Escape Because It’s Better Than RAV4 RAV4 Has No Park Assist Only Escape Has Park Assist

[@jxmar_]

@@byronchavarria4954 if that’s a dealbreaker then idk what to tell you😑 everything in the RAV4 is superior in every way to the escape.

[@byronchavarria4954]

@@jxmar_ RAV4 Sucks

[@byronchavarria4954]

@@jxmar_ Ford Handles Better In Snow

[@FelixBouchardDetail]

This guy deserves more views amd subscribers. He is so good at this!

[@27Zangle]

Having owned a 2016 Escape for two years before a suicidal moose walked in front of her one morning, I am unsure I would own another. The airbags never deployed and the roof came within an inch of decapitating her. She has had all kinds of medical issues, some from a previous accident years ago, and that one made what was wrong with her already, worse. The fit and finish were horrible! The reliability was okay at best. We bought it new with only 13 miles and when it was totaled 2-years later, it had 38k miles. There were uneven panel gaps, the body panel coloring did not match from one panel to the next, though that could be due to the silver color. A friend who works at a body shop said silver is one of the hardest colors to match one panel to the next if not done in the same spraying session, which factory mass-produced cars are not. The transmission was never right, always like it had the wrong gear and the electrics had some minor issues, especially in the cold weather. To finish on a good note, the AWD system was absolutely amazing and never once got stuck in the harsh Alaskan winters.

[@TheCalxma]

The ford Escape is a piece of junk when compared to the RAV4 PRIME, Ford Quality sucks big time. My friend had to replace transmission twice in 2 years within warranty

[@philipsk]

In the end whatever car you like after 5 years the Ford will break down and start to rust and the Toyota will be just fine.

[@mr88cet]

Thanks for the comparison! The RAV4 sounds noiser, or is that something in the recording?

[@jerbsherb4391]

The biggest advantage of Escape is being able to find one and buy one lol

[@Instegone]

Lol you obviously haven't looked for an Escape PHEV. They are just as hard to find if not harder then the Rav4. They didn't even go into production till Sept of 2021 in the US.

[@gongxunclarke]

@@Instegone I guess it’s location dependent. In my area when I was looking for escape phev 2 months ago we had about 2 dozens in stock within 50km. I drove one back two days after.

[@ruthwik081]

@@Instegone I send an email to 3 dealers for a RAV4 prime and everyone sent a reply saying Toyota not sending any RAV4 primes to Midwest. Ended up getting a escape phev. Even Hyundai is not selling phevs in Michigan

[@WestCoasHaze]

I like the RAV4s external angles but the Escapes internal comforts! Think I will give Ford a shot and try out the Escape as it seems better as a family car with it's internal room and quieter ride.

[@deu8894]

Rav4 prime for me. Love the power and interior plushy ride

[@balmainattitude]

that escape is just an ugly car i have to say it. looks like ford got inspired by either porsche or kia

[@rav4primexse]

I prefer the RAV4 Prime!

[@16odysseyexl]

Same!!

[@KingCatnip]

me too!

[@hondacr-vtouringguy8327]

Hello you 2

[@AveiroDan]

For me….RAV4 Prime, hands down!

[@AveiroDan]

(I have a 2021 RAV4 Prime SE)

[@JFlogerzi]

RAV4 Prime is going to be our next Family car!

[@EdPMur]

Good choice

[@Hogtown1986]

Good luck finding one.

[@ruthwik081]

If you are in any other state than California, high chance you cannot get

[@JFlogerzi]

@@ruthwik081 I am in CA :) but the markups make it impossible to afford.

[@jamesshomesolarmore2223]

Why get the rav4 prime? For the power? Then why the plugin? Ford actually got this correct. The Ford Escape is a fuel sipping machine. I am averaging over 180 miles per gallon.

[@chelsea7xhf]

I prefer the Escape's infotainment system and price point!

[@eck413]

I'll tell you the resale value of the rav 4 prime destroys the Ford.

[@knightshadow4474]

21:12 you looked to the right at that cx5! I love how much you love Mazda! im a huge fan of Mazda. I want a cx30 turbo premium plus as my first car!!

[@suprashank]

Haha yes. Me too, hopefully the CX50 hybrid comes out soon.

[@paulklp8262]

My partner wants a CX-30 to complement my MX-5. Best affordable CUV and sports car combo there is.

[@assumedoyster242]

The RAV4 PRIME is great but the dealer markups are insane.

[@JFlogerzi]

agree. I will only pay MSRP

[@JFlogerzi]

@Brock Plainview because for some ppl the combo of both is a better option

[@ajshdhenskaka]

Then order off the website. No sense giving a dealer business if they only offer MSRP.

[@TWARDOWSKY.]

I tested this 2 cars also on one day but in Germany. RAV4 is waaayyy too loud than Ford Escape/Kuga, you can felt that Toyota make RAV4 for more for US market or in other words, make for the US max speed limit of 75 mph, not for Europe, Germany's autobahns where you can drive faster than only 75mph, you're driving an average 88 mph or 100 mph. Also Ford eCVT the same like RAV4, but they program the eCVT to simulate a gear shifting and the engine is much quieter. Ford is also cheaper and definitely nicer, especially the ST-Line version. ✌

[@freddiecarr7602]

Great review---wish it could have neen lower model Rav 4 . I built an RAV4 XSE same color with the premium package---$ 50,450.00---1 in stock but black ext within 50 miles of 91773. Rav only comes with a black interior. I built a Ford escape Titanium with most expensive package--$ 41,190. None in stock within 200 miles. Also---the $7500 rebate should be expiring next month for the RAV 4. Looks like I'm keeping my 108,00 mile Clarity a little longer.

[@nintendoatarikiller]

Rav4 prime has way better resale value. I wouldn't buy an escape without a deep discount (before govt incentives)

[@squiresonwheels3249]

I'll take the Escape, looks better in my opinion, and i'm not a american car hater at all! compared to the idiots in the comment section.

[@happy369life]

Rav4 looks much better both inside and outside

[@byronchavarria4954]

RAV4 Looks Like Shit 💩

[@davesutherland1864]

Good overall comparison review. However, as at least one other reviewer commented the lack of AWD on the Escape could hurt its resale value - especially if they bring a AWD option out in a year or two. But, if you plan to keep your car till it dies (as I usually do) then FWD is generally fine for most people.

[@moonsapling]

With good tires 2WD will take you absolutely everywhere you can think of, especially with the extra ground clearence.

[@chelsea7xhf]

I live in Michigan, so we get snow/wet season a lot. But, I will pass AWD all day long. Why? Because 2wd with snow tire is a much better option.

[@jeffschimke3297]

Toyota has a lot more background noise

[@fofo1999tcs]

....Escape in Europe is called Kuga... St line X version or Vignale is much better outside and inside than american one.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

That sync startup time on the Ford would drive me crazy.

[@graantmnz]

dont get what you are referring to - i drove on this week and there is no start up time - just hit the start button and go ...

[@JD-kf2ki]

I'll take the Escape hands down.

[@chucksw1]

I had a Ford once! Never again!

[@jimmysingh4646]

What car and what happened?

[@funnyname9615]

I agree with this! I had a fiesta st for a few months. It was a great handling and looking hatch, but the reliability was awful. Had to go back to a civic si 🙃

[@Natethegreat200c]

@@funnyname9615 was it used? Probably was not looked after property. I’d try the ford again it even a focus st. You’ll never want a Honda again 😂😂

[@Natethegreat200c]

@awaters0206 if they fix they’re styling, and interiors, maybe.

[@alh06]

@@Natethegreat200c Fords are not well made anymore for the most patt, it’s just a reality

[@PlanetLinuxChannel]

Just got the 2024 Escape PHEV, which has a re-styled exterior and interior design and slightly upgraded screen, but essentially the same guts and powertrain. Really loving it thus far!

[@niacal4nia]

Our 2002 Ford Escape transmission failed under 100K miles and I don't trust CVT transmissions on Fords.

[@graantmnz]

its a shame they used the term cvt - the ecvt is NOT the same as a cvt with belts ...check out the videos on how they work ...very clever and have proven reliable so far...

[@0rl]

Not exactly a fair comparison. The RAV4 Prime XSE as equipped with the premium package, as shown, sells for almost $50K.

[@davidgapp1457]

The comment about long distance driving 'may negate the value of a PHEV' is not entirely fair. If you conserve charge (or charge from the gas motor) you can use the extra battery capacity to extend your power for accelerating and overtaking - making the Prime into a 'super hybrid'. On mountain roads we routinely climb to over 7,000 feet (Phoenx up to Flagstaff) and the extra battery capacity turned out to be really useful. In addition, on the long down runs, the battery allows more energy to be reclaimed. As a result of this, in mixed cycle driving we are averaging around 82mpg equivalent over the past year.

[@FreedomToRoam86]

We had our 2009 Escape Hybrid w front wheel drive here in Wisconsin until it was totaled this month. And I agree about winter driving - it never got stuck with it’s winter tires on. And it did well with light trails, too.

[@levtsarev]

@TheTopher the rear seat in the Escape also adjusts forward/backward so you can adjust how much space is behind the seats. There’s a lever up front underneath the seat just like a manual passenger seat. I was shocked at how good the eCVT is in the Escape Hybrid!

[@funnyname9615]

Yes I noticed he didn’t mention the adjustability! And the trans in the Ford is incredible, for what it is. I just feel like 80% of the buyers of the RAV4 and the Escape will never drive them off-road or need the extra space? Why not just go with a Prius or even a new civic with an average mileage of 35MPG? Now I’m just ranting lol🙃

[@alh06]

@@funnyname9615 The Rav4 does have significantly more space in the Prius. People definitely use it and it is is a much better option than the Escape.

[@funnyname9615]

@@alh06The RAV4 is definitely a better vehicle than the Ford. And I feel like I kind of have tunnel vision, when it comes to larger vehicles. Because 70% of the people I know who drive SUVS are single and would never use the space , or ground clearance! With that being said I’ve never owned anything bigger than a Honda Civic! So personal opinion doesn’t really matter because I’ve never lived with and SUV!

[@stanimann]

@@alh06 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@julienmorand5525]

Great review, quick note; I ordered the SEL version of the Escape and I understand that full LCD gauge cluster comes as an option. It's standard in the Titanium model. Otherwise, the standard gauge cluster looks very similar to the Rav 4's with the analog speedometer and a smaller LCD in the middle.

[@coryswift]

A year later, how do u like ur Escape? Pros? Cons?

[@julienmorand5525]

@@coryswift Hi! I like it very much still! Impressively good efficiency and comfort. Trying to find some cons... The only one might be that it doesn't come with wireless carplay, but I bought a bluetooth to usb thingy and it's just like it has it

[@coryswift]

@@julienmorand5525 Glad to hear thanks!

[@piajensen3223]

Still love it? Debating on this or prime

[@julienmorand5525]

​@@piajensen3223 Still not much to complain about. Even during the cold Canadian winter, no need for AWD, never got stuck anywhere. I'm sure the prime is great too, I just can't justify paying close to 10k$ CAD for it in comparison to this. Cheers!

[@s.j.1298]

The Ford escape can be ordered with the spare tire for approximately $100 and it fits right over the battery underneath the trunk.

[@albertpaquette7329]

I’m getting nearly 50 miles of e range with tte Ford Escape PHEV. TERRIFIC CAR!

[@Tritonal92]

RAV4 Prime, not even a competition

[@stevenyerry2209]

ford hybrid vs toyota hybrid how is this even a question

[@Instegone]

Good video comparison. I originally wanted the Rav4 Prime XSE with Premium package but with dealer mark-up it would have been almost 60k. Opted for thr Escape Phev Titanium with Premium Package and was able to use the Ford X-Plan and I paid around 42k. I do wish the Escape had the surround camera and the 6.6kw charging though.

[@cheukfunglau6921]

What is the usual price without the mark-up?

[@Instegone]

@@cheukfunglau6921 about 52k fully loaded.

[@jared4265]

@@Instegone oh wow that’s good. I am also eligible for the ford-x pricing. Eyeing up the 2023 st line hybrid

[@박동석-u7u]

both cars are outdated but I would take rav 4 or hyundai tucson over ford or chevy because rav4 last longer than ford escape.. american cars are not reliable at all and break down easily

[@MrDajiangyoude]

A highly anticipated video

[@Agenttaco-s17]

We drove the standard hybrid version of these two cars and the Tucson. We found that the escape felt a generation behind in ride comfort, road noise, and interior quality to both the rav4 and Tucson. It’s redeeming qualities were it’s driving dynamics and looks (in our opinion), but felt so far behind everywhere else. Plus the seats were terrible! Absolutely unacceptable for the price of the car, and it was even the Titanium trim with leather. The Toyota was really nice but the whole thing where you need a subscription to use your remote start pissed us off (why Toyota??) and we ended up with the Tucson for the quiet ride and better warranty/service plan. Plus we don’t have to pay Toyota to use a piece of hardware already installed on our $35k car 😒 Edit (2 months later): I keep getting notifications that people are liking this post, so I thought I’d provide an update since this is still getting reads. We still love the Tucson hybrid, but it has a glaring weakness that we didn’t see with the other cars. It gets very mediocre mileage when sustaining speeds over 65. When at high speed on the interstate we get about 25 mpg. In all other situations we are getting that 36 mpg or even more, but overall we are at like 31. I think this would be better with either of the cars in this video. I don’t think it’s a deal breaker, unless you are regularly driving long distance at these speeds, then you might want to try each car out at these speeds. From what I heard from other owners, some were getting better mileage at high speed but a lot confirmed mine. It should be said that all of these hybrid crossovers will get worse gas mileage when the gas engine is working the whole time like on the free way but seems like the Tucson is more severe from my experience. All that said we still love the Tucson Hybrid. We might have gotten the rav4 instead had we known but we aren’t rushing to dump it either.

[@x_ned4582]

I have a corolla and the registration for the app (if that what you're talking about) is totally free. I guess it depends on the dealership

[@Agenttaco-s17]

@Brock Plainview as I said in the first line we were looking at standard hybrids

[@Agenttaco-s17]

@@x_ned4582 this is new apparently heard this from the sales person

[@hewe]

@@x_ned4582 I also have a Corolla and yes remote connect is free for the first year and then you have to pay $8/month ..however I agree with the fact that it’s really unnecessary to pay for remote services when you pay a premium for a higher trim.

[@Agenttaco-s17]

@Brock Plainview We didn’t get a phev, we got the standard hybrid. Extra money for the phev doesn’t make sense for us.

[@ehut12]

i think the Rav4 Prime and Tucson PHEV would be an even hotter test 👀🔥 i’d take both of those

[@chengliu872]

I can't wait until the day the RAV4 Prime is no longer rare and expensive.

[@CarlKettler]

I just bought a RAV4 two months ago. I carry more stuff than people. I was just barely able to squeeze a stack of 6 foot tables behind the front seat. I don't think the Ford could've done that without leaving the tailgate open. Rear seat legroom is less important for me. I drove a 2006 Prius for about 12 years and often didn't feel safe with the front-wheel drive in snow and ice. The slightly larger wheels vs. the Ford should also help in winter driving. My use fits your model for the PHEV, mostly local, EV-only, but I've already had three 1,000+ mile road trips in 2 months. Leaving the house with a full battery and a full tank I can go 400+ miles before I stop for gas. I averaged 111 MPG with the last fill-up thanks to mostly EV-only local driving. Best of both worlds. The Toyota is rated much higher for trailering, so if I want to rent a scissor lift on a trailer I can bring it to a job site without needing to rent a truck. Also - knitpicking, you referred to the "leather" interior in the Toyota. It's faux leather. Nice, but nothing like real animal leather. Overall, I'm very happy with my choice of the Toyota, and after the Prius, being able to push on the accelerator in sport mode to navigate around traffic feels like I'm in a sports car.

[@sunitjoshi3573]

Did you get the Prime or the reg. Hybrid?

[@shichynwang]

Great review... Can you review Tucson PHEV as well?

[@diggleda2952]

Spare tire is able to fit in that rear compartment, even with the battery.

[@czarliw1644]

Toyota is Toyota! No problems for łong, long time…Ford is Ford…be ready for everything😉

[@squiresonwheels3249]

Ford Crown Victoria: hold my beer

[@16odysseyexl]

RAV4 Prime for me!

[@1993rufus]

This "review" seems bias, he dings the Rav4 for a good amount of things and has minimal to say about Ford. The Ford doesn't look like a Macan, i would never mistake it for one, it looks like a grandmas car! The Rav has more body and appeal! Also the rear seats in the Rav adjust too! Edit: Also the Rav has a heads up display, hate it or love it, its there and not in the Ford!

[@JonMoralesLA]

The ford has a HUD in the Titanium trim. I know I test drove it and saw it.

[@gns942]

The RAV4 Prime has Toyota's build quality, hybrid tech developed over 20+ years, and is made in Japan. There really is no comparing the two at all, IMO.

[@nighttimestalker]

Ford is using the same hybrid system as Toyota actually

[@nighttimestalker]

They partnered with them. And are using Toyotas hybrid tech.

[@dannyandrews2406]

@@nighttimestalker certainly

[@gns942]

@@nighttimestalker They did not partner with Toyota. Ford licensed about 20 patents and used it to make their own hybrid system.

[@jeedwards1981]

@@gns942 Its still the same design, a guy on youtube breaks down their ecvt and toyotas and its basically the same.

[@pocketfella5176]

The ford looks ok but the rav looks amazing, also I think 4wd is important even on uk country roads we did have a 2wd and could not get out of the drive due to snow and ice now we only buy 4wd also the 40 mile plus on electric would cover our everyday needs most of the time and it’s super fast and up to 10 years warranty says it all to me , thanks for the reviews

[@dorsai]

38 miles of all electric in the Ford.? Is that supposed to excite me? Just another overpriced compliance vehicle.

[@TheV8nissan]

You're the one here looking at plug in hybrids lmao. I hear they're putting a hellcat in a minivan.

[@dave_riots]

They're both compelling choices.

[@ramashan23]

I love all your car reviews, was wondering whether whether rav4 hybrid is better than prime? your review clearly states that hybrid is better was long drives . Your awesome.

[@ciello___8307]

the prime seems more capable but ofc it should be since its mroe money

[@geacamangaboc]

i have a 2016 Ford c-max, and the passenger seats is really high as well..that feels weird, i guess is something that Ford does..

[@iaminyouout1813]

Ford 👎👎👎👎

[@denniseisenstein93]

It would be interesting to compare the RAV4 Prime with additional dealer markets with a Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring. Especially since 2023 no EV credit for the Prime but full credit on the Corsair. I call it luxury at a discount.

[@byronchavarria4954]

The United States 🇺🇸 Needs A Ford Explorer Plug In Hybrid

[@davidgapp1457]

I checked out both cars and bought a Rav4 SE Prime. I think the Escape is excellent for a town vehicle but isn't as useful for activities such as skiing, back-road / dirt-road (thanks to the absence of AWD and no spare tire). In terms of fuel consumption, the Rav4 XE does about 2mpg better than the XSE in hybrid mode thanks to lower weight and smaller (diameter) tires. The other major plus for the Rav4 Prime is the power. For climbing into the mountains this makes a BIG difference! Range on both vehicles is understated in cross-town driving but is dragged down by winter driving and, of course, freeways. Use of AC really doesn't seem to make a noticeable difference which is surprising. I'm not sure what kind of CVT the Escape employs, but the Rav4 Prime (and Hybrid) use a planetary eCVT which is essentially controlled by electric motor rather than using some form of belt. I would always prefer an eCVT over traditional belt CVT. I do think the Rav4 Prime needed more work on tuning the chassis, steering and brakes. However you get used to the character of the Prime quickly enough. For road holding and brakes I have mid-engine sports cars. Changing tires on the Rav4 DOES make a noticeable difference to brake distance and acceleration. That said, the same applies to the Escape and overall I completely agree the Escape's road manners are markedly superior to the Rav4... except for the power of course. I also prefer the safety features on the Escape. The anti-collision is more confidence inspiring (yes, I tested both). The lane following mode on the Rav4 is completely useless - would not recommend using this feature. As for head room, I am six feet and I have no issues with head clearance in the Rav4 - front or back. The spacing in the back seat isn't the best but I found the Escape seat to be less supportive so a bit of a tradeoff. I don't really see the point of rear facing seats in a Rav4. The major argument for rear facing seats - neck injuries from frontal crashes - is significantly mitigated by the safety features. Conversely, the risk of getting rear ended is not diminished so the overall value of rear facing seats is harder to evaluate. One other negative of the Ford is the selection mechanism for EV versus Hybrid. The problem is the car tries to be too smart. In the Rav4 the EV mode extends to about 84mph, after which the car switches automatically to hybrid power. This is probably an transmission management issue. Aside from that, the vehicle will stay in EV mode irrespective of pedal demand. Unfortunately the Escape tries to be too clever and keeps on prompting you to go into hybrid mode when you floor the accelerator. This problem may have been resolved in the year since I last tried the Escape PHEV but at least in the test drive it was an annoyance to say the least. The final downvote for the Escape PHEV is the towing capacity - possibly a consequence of the FWD? The Escape PHEV manages 1500lbs and the Rav4 Prime comes in at 2500lbs. Okay, both figures are fairly dismal but in reality the Rav4 Prime is very comfortable at 2500lbs and the hitch assembly is rated for considerably more.

[@moonsapling]

With good quality tires 2WD will take you most places.

[@davidgapp1457]

@@moonsapling But why would I want to? I could probably survive without a spare tire, and in Africa I did exactly that - stuffed the blown tire with straw - but again, why would I want to?

[@Mx5pro]

Best car channel of the year

[@drunksquirrel2051]

Love to have a Prime. IF I COULD FIND ONE!!!!

[@shichynwang]

Harder to get prime than tesla

[@Iceland2964]

The RAV4 is the far superior option.

[@byronchavarria4954]

Nope Escape

[@BarryObaminable]

a little tough because one is comparing apple and orange. Rav4 is 7k more. but is not a titanium escape

[@tallesttreeintheforest]

what version of the rav4 is the best? plug in hybrid or hybrid?

[@boranars79]

For me i love Rav4.

[@Cubia0w0]

Thanks for the note about the passenger's seat height, my fiance is about 6'5" so I'm not sure they would be too comfortable!

[@danhex]

Toyota hands down no comparisson

[@christophersands4140]

The Escape is definitely NOT the better choice here...I'm not sure what you're thinking here.

[@danimper2517]

Really nice video! :) Keep up the good work! ;)

[@MrBlume71]

Rav4 = army tank 🚜

[@jimjacobson4797]

Forgot one thing about any plug-in: Preferred parking. Most charge locations are right up front.

[@A_guan]

If toyota made a TRD Rav4 Prime I'd so buy one. If it wasn't so boring to drive I'd get one

[@byronchavarria4954]

North America Ford Escape Plug In Hybrid Europe Ford Explorer Plug In Hybrid

[@nyrubin]

Ford worked with Toyota on the build of the escape phev. The technology is pretty much the same

[@davidthompson6710]

Nope. The Ford uses a "high tech" turbo gas engine. The Toyota uses a bulletproof four cylinder gas engine. For reliability, there is no comparison. Toyota has been building hybrids for a long time.

[@nyrubin]

@@davidthompson6710 lol they literally built the cars together at the same time 😯

[@jeedwards1981]

@@davidthompson6710 wrong bud lol, ford uses a 2.5 atkinson cycle 4 cylinder and a hybrid system that they learned from toyota, its very very similar in design

[@kristians2704]

I think the Tucson PHEV would be a much better competitor to the RAV4 Prime

[@Natethegreat200c]

@@naveenthemachine you could get a grand Cherokee limited 5.7 for around that price with the current gens discounts. No way would I be looking at a rav anything

[@Natethegreat200c]

@@naveenthemachine I wouldn’t be seen in a Toyota especially a Camry with the face on that thing. I’ll keep rolling my 15 Chrysler 200c with 182k on the dash 😂

[@alh06]

@@Natethegreat200c That’s sad.

[@Natethegreat200c]

@@alh06 what’s sad?

[@jxmar_]

@@naveenthemachine “OnLy 300 HP🤓” in a compact crossover.. not even your favorite Tucson has 300 HP.. in fact it has 40 less HP!

[@MattB787]

Noticeable size difference - are these really in the same class? The Ford looks like a hatchback compared to the Toyota

[@dannyandrews2406]

Ford Escape is true compact SUV, i don't see RAV4 as a compact SUV anymore.

[@billthien10]

I gotta say... the RAV4 looks more "american" than the Escape.

[@badimpulses17]

The last time I own a Ford was never will.

[@Loudlevin]

Every ford product i look at looks like all the parts where individually designed without the thought of how it would interact with the parts around it when assembled.

[@mehmetaoz]

RAV4 is king 👑

[@TheV8nissan]

Awesome review! Watching this after buying the escape phev. Very happy with my choice. I'm not about overpaying for anything or ordering something that may or may not someday exist. Found my escape phev in Ohio on the lot in April 2022. Could use a little more full electric performance but there are just too many negatives on the Rav 4. I don't like the looks, the interior or the fact that it's a Toyota. Love the way the escape handles and the digital dash. Adaptive cruise control is very nice on the escape.

[@damienblack1734]

Unfortunately, any Ford vehicle will pale in comparison to a Toyota when it comes to reliability, resale value and quality. Enough said.

[@squiresonwheels3249]

Ford Crown Victoria: hold my beer

[@stefanbololoi7110]

Excellent review! I was looking for an escape phev for more than one year but was no chance get one and no chance to test drive as well, only factory order is the only option in my area in Canada but will be a long wait. How’s the acceleration and torque on the escape ? Thanks

[@davidcommins1]

I stopped watching at "no spare tyre in the Ford" the Ford is a non-starter!!!!

[@jeffwest7419]

Spare tire is a $100.00 option

[@davidcommins1]

@@jeffwest7419 Too late! Bought a Toyota, spare tyre standard, no extra charge 🤗

[@LogHouseFarm]

@@davidcommins1 but you likely paid 10k + more for the RAV - don't get me wrong, the RAV is amazing... if you can find one, but you're paying a lot more.

[@petergraf-wt1dl]

I Wonder how the Niro PHEV compares to these vehicles.

[@muhammadharits3237]

I love ford gen 1 ....v6 3.0L 4wd 👍👍

[@TomCook1993]

Ford: free remote start Toyota: free for a trial, then pay. Ford 1 - Toyota 0

[@maurozammarano6651]

Ford Escape does not hold. value over time? PERFECT I will get a used one soon 👌😉

[@karlwidak1345]

Can you comment if either / both vehicles can be "flat towed" behind an RV on all 4 tires? And can the full capacity of the PHEV batteries can be charged by the car's petrol engines (vs just the more limited hybrid battery component)?