Compare the2022 Toyota Rav4VS 2021 Ford EcoSport

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Toyota Rav4 have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Ford EcoSport doesn’t offer pretensioners for the rear seat belts.

The Rav4 has a standard Pre-Collision System, which uses forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The EcoSport doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

The Rav4 has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Rav4 (except LE/XLE) offers optional Parking Assist with Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The EcoSport doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Rav4’s lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The Rav4 Limited/TRD Off-Road offers an optional Bird’s Eye View Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The EcoSport only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

The Rav4’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Rav4 and the EcoSport have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Toyota Rav4 is safer than the Ford EcoSport:

	Rav4	EcoSport
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	152	250
Neck Injury Risk	29.3%	36%
Neck Stress	306 lbs.	403 lbs.
Neck Compression	56 lbs.	60 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	400/388 lbs.	495/441 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	284	325
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.5 inches
Neck Injury Risk	37.4%	38%
Leg Forces (l/r)	340/190 lbs.	329/236 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Toyota Rav4 is safer than the Ford EcoSport:

	Rav4	EcoSport
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.5 inches	.9 inches
Hip Force	246 lbs.	337 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	146	195
Hip Force	508 lbs.	685 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	36 G’s	37 G’s

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Rav4 is 3.2% to 4.9% less likely to roll over than the EcoSport.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Rav4 the rating of “Top Pick” for 2021, a rating granted to only 145 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The EcoSport has not been fully tested, yet.

Warranty

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Rav4 for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Ford doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the EcoSport.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Rav4’s reliability 15 points higher than the EcoSport.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are better in initial quality than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota 13th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is ranked 14th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 32 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is ranked 22nd.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota second in reliability. Ford is ranked 22nd.

Engine

The Rav4’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 80 more horsepower (203 vs. 123) and 59 lbs.-ft. more torque (184 vs. 125) than the EcoSport’s standard 1.0 turbo 3-cylinder. The Rav4’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 37 more horsepower (203 vs. 166) and 35 lbs.-ft. more torque (184 vs. 149) than the EcoSport’s optional 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Toyota Rav4 is faster than the Ford EcoSport:

	Rav4	EcoSport turbo 3 cyl.	EcoSport 4 cyl.
Zero to 60 MPH	8 sec	11.2 sec	9.9 sec
Quarter Mile	16.2 sec	18.2 sec	17.4 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	87.6 MPH	76.7 MPH	77 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Rav4 gets better mileage than the EcoSport:

			MPG
Rav4
	FWD	2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	27 city/35 hwy
	AWD	LE 2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	27 city/34 hwy
		XLE 2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	27 city/33 hwy
		Adventure/Limited 2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	25 city/33 hwy
		TRD Off-Road 2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	25 city/32 hwy
EcoSport
	FWD	1.0 turbo 3-cyl.	27 city/29 hwy
	AWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	23 city/29 hwy

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Toyota Rav4 uses regular unleaded gasoline. The EcoSport with the 1.0 turbo 3-cylinder engine requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Rav4 has almost a gallon more fuel capacity than the EcoSport (14.5 vs. 13.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Toyota Rav4 higher (6 out of 10) than the Ford EcoSport (5). This means the Rav4 produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the EcoSport every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Toyota Rav4, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the EcoSport.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Rav4’s brake rotors are larger than those on the EcoSport:

	Rav4	EcoSport
Front Rotors	12 inches	11.8 inches
Rear Rotors	11.1 inches	10.7 inches

The Rav4 stops much shorter than the EcoSport:

	Rav4	EcoSport
70 to 0 MPH	161 feet	186 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	120 feet	132 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Rav4 has larger standard tires than the EcoSport (225/65R17 vs. 205/60R16). The Rav4 XLE Premium/Adventure/Limited’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the EcoSport (235/55R19 vs. 205/60R16).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Rav4 LE/XLE has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the EcoSport. The Rav4 XLE Premium/Adventure/Limited’s 19-inch wheels are larger than the 17-inch wheels optional on the EcoSport.

The Toyota Rav4’s wheels have 5 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Ford EcoSport only has 4 wheel lugs per wheel.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Toyota Rav4 has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The EcoSport 4x2 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Rav4 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Rav4 flat and controlled during cornering. The EcoSport 4x2 suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Rav4’s wheelbase is 6.7 inches longer than on the EcoSport (105.9 inches vs. 99.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Rav4 is 2.9 inches wider in the front and 3.7 inches wider in the rear than the track on the EcoSport.

The Rav4’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (56.5% to 43.5%) than the EcoSport’s (62% to 38%). This gives the Rav4 more stable handling and braking.

The Rav4 Adventure handles at .84 G’s, while the EcoSport Titanium pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Rav4 Adventure executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.8 seconds quicker than the EcoSport SE (27.5 seconds @ .62 average G’s vs. 29.3 seconds @ .54 average G’s).

Passenger Space

The Rav4 has 7.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the EcoSport (98.9 vs. 91.1).

The Rav4 has 2.7 inches more front hip room, 4.5 inches more front shoulder room, 2 inches more rear headroom, 1.1 inches more rear legroom and 5.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the EcoSport.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Rav4’s rear seats recline. The EcoSport’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The Rav4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the EcoSport with its rear seat up (37.6 vs. 20.9 cubic feet). The Rav4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the EcoSport with its rear seat folded (69.8 vs. 50 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox keeps your small valuables safer in the Rav4. The EcoSport doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Rav4’s liftgate lifts up in one piece, completely out of the way of loading and unloading, while sheltering the cargo loading area. The EcoSport’s swing out door blocks loading from the driver’s side.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Rav4 (except LE) offers an optional power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button or, optionally on the Rav4 Limited, by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a power cargo door.

Towing

The Rav4’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the EcoSport’s (1500 vs. 1400 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Ford EcoSport 4x4 is only 2000 pounds. The Rav4 4WD offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Rav4 Limited, the memory seats make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position. The EcoSport doesn’t offer memory seats.

The Rav4’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The EcoSport has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The Rav4’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The EcoSport’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Rav4 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the EcoSport can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Rav4 has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the Rav4 detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The EcoSport doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

Both the Rav4 and the EcoSport offer available heated front seats. The Rav4 Limited also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the EcoSport.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Rav4 (except LE/XLE/Adventure) keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The EcoSport doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Rav4 XLE/Adventure/Limited/TRD Off-Road’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The EcoSport doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the Rav4 and the EcoSport offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Rav4 has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The EcoSport doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Rav4 has a standard Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The EcoSport doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Toyota Rav4 XLE Premium/Limited/TRD Off-Road offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The EcoSport doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Economic Advantages

The Rav4 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Rav4 will retain 55.58% to 57.76% of its original price after five years, while the EcoSport only retains 42.27% to 42.7%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Rav4 is less expensive to operate than the EcoSport because typical repairs cost much less on the Rav4 than the EcoSport, including $199 less for a muffler, $155 less for front struts and $456 less for a power steering pump.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Toyota Rav4 will be $620 to $703 less than for the Ford EcoSport.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Toyota Rav4, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Ford EcoSport isn't recommended.

The Toyota Rav4 outsold the Ford EcoSport by over 9 to one during the 2021 model year.