Dealership Blog
The Reliable RAV4 vs the Competition
When it comes to cracking down on the competition, the Toyota RAV4 is putting up a good fight and remains the best-selling SUV in the United States. Here at Marietta Toyota, you’ll find a variety of options for the Toyota RAV4 for sale. Discover your next compact SUV with us and find out how it can defeat the competition every time. We understand that buyers want great value for their money, and with the RAV4, you’ll get it, along with reliability, good fuel efficiency, and practicality. This SUV has a long lifespan and can take on powerful competitors like the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape. You won’t shy away from the RAV4 once you see these vehicles go head-to-head.
RAV4 Performance
The Toyota RAV4 is a durable compact SUV with a lot to love and a lot of customization options. The base engine is a 2.5L I-4, which provides a fun 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. This standard option lets you tow up to an impressive 3,500 lbs. However, you also have the choice of a greener hybrid or plug-in hybrid option. The RAV4 hybrid gets an exciting 219 hp and can tow up to 1,750 lbs. With the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, you’ll receive 302 hp, which can be used for more than practical purposes. This option also allows for a strong towing power of up to 2,500 lbs. With Toyota, you’ll not only have a truly reliable vehicle but the choice of how you’d like to fuel up or charge up.
We understand that one of the main features you may look for in a car is its fuel economy. After all, this is what determines how far you can go without breaking for gas or a charge. It can hinder any great vehicle if fuel efficiency is lacking. However, with the 2024 RAV4, you’ll never have to worry. With the standard engine, you’ll receive good fuel efficiency with an estimated 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. If you were to choose the hybrid option, then you’d find an exceptional 41 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway, even with standard all-wheel drive. With the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, you’ll have about the same efficiency with an estimated 38 MPG combined, but you will also benefit from 42 miles of all-electric driving.
RAV4 vs Honda CR-V
The competition comes in hot with the popular Honda CR-V. These compact SUVs are very similar when it comes to reliability and having lower maintenance costs; however, the Honda CR-V is less customizable and has fewer trim options to truly make this vehicle one-of-a-kind and specifically tailored to you and your family’s liking. It has a standard 1.5L turbocharged I-4 engine, which receives a decent 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque but is less powerful than the RAV4’s base engine. The CR-V also has a much lower towing capacity of just 1,500 lbs, which means the RAV4 has more power, performance, and capability already in its standard option.
When it comes to getting more power from the CR-V, the only other option you will have is an available hybrid powertrain, which will give you 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque with just 1,000 lbs of towing capacity. This is a good option, but it is more costly than the RAV4 Hybrid. Plus, you’ll want to keep in mind that the RAV4 Hybrid offers 219 hp and 1,750 lbs of towing capacity. In terms of power, performance, and capability, the Toyota RAV4 is the clear winner of this competition.
RAV4 vs Ford Escape
Next up is the Ford Escape. This compact SUV is familiar, offering a number of customization options and good fuel efficiency, although that doesn’t stop the RAV4 from (again) taking the spotlight for affordability, power, and a longer lifespan. You’ll find that the RAV4’s standard engine option comes out on top again, as the Ford Escape has a standard 1.5L EcoBoost turbocharged I-3 engine, which offers even less power than the CR-V at 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. Its standard towing capability comes out to a maximum of 2,000 lbs, which is not bad, but it doesn’t beat the RAV4’s 3,500 lb hauling capacity. You can opt for an optional 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged I-4 engine, which gives you 250 hp and a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs; however, that means more money is out of your pocket. The Escape Hybrid option also fails to match the RAV4 Hybrid, with 192 hp and 1,500 lbs of towing capability. Finally, the Escape Plug-In Hybrid fairs no better against the RAV4 Prime with a mere 210 hp and 1,500 lbs of hauling capability. Overall, the RAV4 takes the cake with affordability, longevity, power, and performance.
RAV4 vs Chevy Equinox
The Chevy Equinox is another popular SUV that you can find on the road. These models are similar, though the RAV4 is a bit more customizable with its hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, while the Equinox only has a single available engine. The 2024 Chevy Equinox sports a 1.5L turbocharged I-4 engine, which generates a standard 175 hp and gets an estimated 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. This is in contrast to the more powerful RAV4’s 203 hp and higher fuel efficiency of 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway.
You’ll also find that the Chevy Equinox, while it has towing capabilities, only has a max of 1,500 lbs, while the RAV4 is significantly stronger at a max of 3,500 lbs. The RAV4 doesn’t stop there, though. It also beats out the Equinox by offering more cargo hold room at 37.6 cu.ft. in the trunk and 69.8 cu.ft. when the rear seats are folded, compared to the Chevy Equinox’s 29.9 cu.ft. and 63.9 cu.ft., respectively. Really, when deciding between the two models, it may all come down to price, with 2024 Equinox’s MSRP of $26,600 being a bit more affordable.[a] However, this case holds true to the old saying, “You get what you pay for.”
RAV4 vs Kia Sportage
Last but not least, the Kia Sportage is up to bat. Kia has a history of safety and well-reviewed cars for their high quality and fuel efficiency, but is it enough to take on the RAV4? Kia also competes with customization options and has hybrid and plug-in hybrid options available in addition to its standard gasoline engine. The two models are even very comparable in price, as the 2024 Sportage has an MSRP of $27,190.[a]
However, when you take a closer look at power and performance, you’ll find the Kia to be lacking in comparison. The standard Sportage has 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, compared to the RAV4’s 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. It also comes under the RAV4’s 3,500 lbs of towing capacity at a max of 2,500 lbs. Finally, the 2024 Sportage is less efficient, offering 25 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. Even its plug-in hybrid model falls behind at 261 hp, compared to the RAV4 Prime’s 302 hp and higher towing capability. Another knockout goes to the RAV4 for good power, performance, and strength.
Come By Today
No matter what kind of compact SUV you’re looking for, the Toyota RAV4 will impress new and old Toyota fans. With unique features for driver convenience, practical performance that makes it easy for all types of drivers to get around, smooth handling, and more, this compact SUV can make a great ride for anyone. When you choose the RAV4, you will have a vehicle that is long-lasting and has low maintenance costs, which will save you money overall. Invest in your life behind the wheel with the affordable RAV4. Stop by Marietta Toyota today to get in the driver’s seat of this highly sought-after compact SUV.