The 2024 Toyota RAV4 is an excellent choice for a compact SUV. Trusted by American families for over two decades, it’s one of the brand’s best-sellers in the country. The RAV4 offers reliable transportation with plenty of space and tech features. It also comes with an efficient powertrain, impressive safety equipment, and an off-road-oriented trim.
Let’s compare it with the 2024 Ford Escape to see which compact SUV is best. Our Toyota vs. Ford matchup will look at each vehicle’s interior, safety suites, and performance features. Then, we’ll recommend the best model to buy or lease.
You can contact Gettel Toyota of Lakewood to learn all about the 2024 RAV4 range. Better yet, swing by our dealership near Lakewood Ranch, FL, for a chat and a look at the vehicle.
The 2024 models of the Toyota RAV4 and the Ford Escape are two-row compact SUVs. They can fit up to five passengers. These two vehicles are available with heated front seats, and adjustable driver seat, and climate control. Leather upholstery is also available, as are a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter.
The 2024 RAV4 and the 2024 Escape have Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®. They also include Bluetooth® hands-free streaming capabilities. The 2024 RAV4 is also available with a wireless phone charger and a JBL premium audio system. Moreover, higher trims get a spacious 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The 2024 Escape offers a B&O sound system as optional, too.
The 2024 RAV4 and the 2024 Escape have nearly 38 cubic feet of trunk volume. This is enough for most family needs and can be augmented by folding the rear seat backs. The 2024 RAV4 can provide up to 70 cubic feet here, while the 2024 Escape gives you 65 cubic feet. The 2024 RAV4 also has a near-flat cargo floor, which is useful for keeping cargo safe and secure. A power-operated rear liftgate is present for the higher trims of the 2024 RAV4.
Then, every 2024 RAV4 has front and rear cup holders, USB charging ports, and a large glovebox. Some trims add a power-operated tilt-and-slide moonroof too. A center console storage area and seat back pockets are standard. The 2024 Escape has some of these features, too.




Toyota equips the 2024 RAV4 with an efficient 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine. The 4-cylinder unit can provide 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. All trims have a three-mode drive selector, with Eco, Normal, and Sport choices. Some trims get steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual gear changes.
Most trims of the 2024 RAV4 range comes with front-wheel drive but can be fitted with an all-wheel drive system. However, selecting the TRD Off-Road, Adventure, or Limited trims provides an advanced all-wheel drive system as standard. This system includes real-time monitoring of wheel slip and torque vectoring capabilities. Hence, it can redistribute power to wheels with the most traction. Plus, the system offers improved fuel economy when driving on the highway by deactivating drive to the rear axle.
Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system is standard on any 2024 RAV4 with all-wheel drive. The system offers up to four modes, namely Normal, Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt. Selecting the TRD Off-Road trim also adds underbody protection plus enhanced suspension.
The 2024 Ford Escape comes with two turbocharged engine choices. Lower trims have a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder unit with 180 horsepower. Higher trims gain a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower. An 8-speed automatic gearbox is standard. Buyers can pick between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. There’s no off-road-oriented variant available.
All 2024 RAV4 variants come with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5. This suite contains features such as forward collision warnings, lane departure warnings, and automatic emergency braking. Automatic high beams, lane-keeping assistance, and a driver monitor are also standard. Adaptive cruise control is included, as is a tire pressure monitoring system.
Higher trims also have rear cross-traffic alerts as standard features. The 2024 Ford Escape has many of these systems, but some are optional extras.
Our Toyota vs. Ford compact SUV comparison shows why the 2024 RAV4 is a popular choice. With its thoughtfully designed cabin and excellent safety features, it’s a great family vehicle. Plus, its naturally aspirated engine provides plenty of power and will be easier to maintain than the 2024 Escape’s turbocharged unit. There’s also an off-road-oriented trim, which isn’t offered for the 2024 Escape range.
Why not test-drive a 2024 RAV4? Come to Gettel Toyota of Lakewood near Lakewood Ranch, FL, and let’s get you behind the wheel.