You have plenty of choices if you know you want to drive a small SUV around Alabama, something that makes picking your next vehicle even harder. The 2016 Ford Escape and the RAV4 are both incredibly popular choices for their efficiency, versatility, and reliability. If you find yourself wondering which of these two models better meets your needs, then take a closer look at how they compare in a few key categories.
Overall Styling
When it comes to styling, it is always a matter of preference. You won’t be able to tell whether you prefer the 2016 Ford Escape or the Toyota RAV4 without actually looking at them. That being said, the Escape has a stance resembling that of a hatchback and rakish angles. The RAV4 aims to stand out a bit more but lacks charm. Some Alabama drivers will prefer the boxy, tall cabin of the RAV4, but those who like driving a sedan will appreciate the Escape’s low dash and carlike feel.
Interior Space
Whether you go with the Escape or the RAV4, you will have one of the most spacious compact crossover SUVs. Four adults will fit comfortably in either of these models. They also have similar figures for cargo volume and passenger space, and both feature 60/40 split rear seats.
Engines
The engine situation gets a bit complicated since there are so many powertrains involved. If you want the RAV4 and don’t like the idea of driving a hybrid, you will have the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 176 horsepower. The RAV4 Hybrid gets 194 net horsepower. While the RAV4 is somewhat limited in its engine choices, the Ford Escape lets you pick from three, including two with turbochargers. The base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder delivers 170 horsepower, or you can pick from a 178-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo and a 240-horsepower 2-liter turbo. This means that unless you really want the RAV4 Hybrid, the Ford Escape will deliver more power and have more options. Thanks to the turbocharged engines, it actually gets very good fuel economy.
To find out more about the 2016 Ford Escape or how it stacks up against other compact crossover SUVs, visit Long Lewis Ford. While there, get a feel for the Escape on a test drive around Hoover, Alabama.
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