(gentle upbeat music)
- The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime
versus the 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid.
Let's see how these plug-in hybrid SUVs compare.
With 302 net horsepower and standard all-wheel drive,
RAV4 Prime is in a league of its own
when it comes to performance.
RAV4 Prime makes no sacrifice in cargo space,
despite the larger battery of its plug-in hybrid design.
As an IIHS Top Safety Pick,
RAV4 Prime comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0,
LED headlights, and more.
RAV4 Prime offers its incredible performance and efficiency
across two plug-in hybrid grades.
And in either case, all-wheel drive comes standard.
Escape Plug-In Hybrid is offered
in three plug-in hybrid grades,
all of which are only offered with front-wheel drive.
RAV4 Prime's plug-in hybrid powertrain
offers a staggering 302 net horsepower -
a figure that helps make it one of the quickest vehicles
in Toyota's lineup,
with a zero-to-60 time of just 5.7 seconds -
second to only the GR Supra sports car.
And it manages this
while also having an amazing EPA-estimated
94 MPGe combined fuel economy rating -
and an EPA-estimated 42-mile driving range
on battery power alone.
Plus, with its standard all-wheel drive
and its tow rating of 2,500 pounds,
RAV4 Prime is built for capability as well.
When it comes to performance,
Escape Plug-In Hybrid just isn't comparable.
Despite having over 100 less net horsepower than RAV4 Prime,
it's fuel economy isn't actually much better,
at a manufacturer-estimated 102 MPGe combined rating.
What's more, it's manufacturer-estimated
electric driving range is just 37 miles,
it has no all-wheel drive,
and its towing capacity is 1,500 pounds.
RAV4 Prime features an 8-inch touchscreen on SE
and a 9-inch version on XSE.
Both include standard compatibility for Apple CarPlay,
which connects drivers to Apple Music, Maps, Messages,
and other favorite apps from your iPhone.
In addition, Android Auto compatibility
makes it easy to stay connected to Android devices,
while Amazon Alexa connectivity
keeps Amazon's digital assistant just a question away.
Plus, there's also a standard three-month
SiriusXM All Access trial subscription
to more than 300 radio channels accessible
throughout the country,
while an available 11-speaker JBL audio system
makes the most of the deal.
And RAV4 Prime's in-cabin technology
goes far beyond Audio Multimedia,
with available features
like a digital rear view mirror on XSE.
Escape Plug-In Hybrid's touchscreen is 8 inches
and it has compatibility for Apple CarPlay,
Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.
Escape Plug-In Hybrid also comes with the same
SiriusXM three-month All Access trial subscription.
A ten-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system is optional
at extra cost.
RAV4 Prime's big story isn't
just its performance and efficiency,
but also its modern safety.
This is clear in its standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite,
which brings advanced tech
like Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control,
Road Sign Assist, and Lane Tracing Assist to the platform.
Escape Plug-In Hybrid does offer standard Ford Co-Pilot360,
but it doesn't include equivalent features
to everything found in TSS 2.0,
like Ford's available Adaptive Cruise Control
with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering.
RAV4 Prime offers the same chiseled exterior styling
found on gas-powered RAV4s,
which includes features
like standard LED projector headlights
and standard roof rails.
SE models come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels,
while XSE models have standard 19-inch versions.
XSE models also have a two-tone paint scheme, also standard.
Escape Plug-In Hybrid can't match RAV4 Prime's upscale level
of standard exterior equipment,
with halogen projector headlights offered
as standard equipment,
along with its 18-inch alloy wheels.
Roof rails are available, but at extra cost.
RAV4 Prime's interior puts an emphasis
on comfort and convenience.
In-dash storage areas bring a new level
of usefulness to the cabin,
while a standard 7-inch Multi-Information Display
faces the driver.
Dual-zone automatic climate control is also standard.
And despite being a plug-in hybrid,
there's no compromise in cargo volume,
with RAV4 Prime offering the same 69.8 cubic feet
of any RAV4.
Escape Plug-In Hybrid comes standard
with a smaller 6.5-inch instrument cluster,
but a 12.3-inch unit can be optioned at additional cost.
And like RAV4 Prime,
Escape plug-In Hybrid also comes standard
with dual-zone automatic climate control.
Lastly, Escape plug-In Hybrid trades cargo space
for battery size,
with just 60.8 cubic feet of cargo volume.
Twenty-five years on, RAV4 holds true to its reputation
for value, utility, and dependability,
and that definitely won't be slowing down
with RAV4 Prime joining the family.
This also holds true when it comes to safety,
which is evident in RAV4 Prime's Top Safety Pick rating
from the IIHS.
And, RAV4 Prime was also given
the 2021 Kelly Blue Book Best Buy Award
for a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle.
Now factor in ownership perks
like the ToyotaCare maintenance plan
and Hybrid Battery Warranty,
and it's easy to see why RAV4 Prime will be
the plug-in to beat for years to come.