Compare the2022 Toyota Rav4 HybridVS 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid (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.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Rav4 Hybrid. But it costs extra on the EcoSport.

The Rav4 Hybrid’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 Hybrid XSE/Limited 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 Hybrid’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 Hybrid and the EcoSport have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available 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 Hybrid is safer than the Ford EcoSport:

	Rav4 Hybrid	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 Hybrid is safer than the Ford EcoSport:

	Rav4 Hybrid	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 Hybrid is 3.6% 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid’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 Hybrid’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 96 more horsepower (219 vs. 123) than the EcoSport’s standard 1.0 turbo 3-cylinder. The Rav4 Hybrid’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 53 more horsepower (219 vs. 166) than the EcoSport’s optional 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

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

	Rav4 Hybrid	EcoSport turbo 3 cyl.	EcoSport 4 cyl.
Zero to 60 MPH	7.1 sec	11.2 sec	9.9 sec
Quarter Mile	15.4 sec	18.2 sec	17.4 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	90.1 MPH	76.7 MPH	77 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

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

			MPG
Rav4 Hybrid
	AWD	2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	41 city/38 hwy
EcoSport
	FWD	1.0 turbo 3-cyl.	27 city/29 hwy
	AWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	23 city/29 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the Rav4 Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid higher (7 out of 10) than the Ford EcoSport (5). This means the Rav4 Hybrid produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the EcoSport every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The Rav4 Hybrid has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

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

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

The Rav4 Hybrid stops much shorter than the EcoSport:

	Rav4 Hybrid	EcoSport
60 to 0 MPH	120 feet	132 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Rav4 Hybrid has larger tires than the EcoSport (225/65R17 vs. 205/60R16).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Rav4 Hybrid LE/XLE has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the EcoSport. The Rav4 Hybrid’s optional 18-inch wheels are larger than the 17-inch wheels optional on the EcoSport.

The Toyota Rav4 Hybrid’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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Rav4 Hybrid 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 Hybrid’s wheelbase is 6.7 inches longer than on the EcoSport (105.9 inches vs. 99.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Rav4 Hybrid is 3.2 inches wider in the front and 4 inches wider in the rear than on the EcoSport.

The Rav4 Hybrid’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (56% to 44%) than the EcoSport’s (62% to 38%). This gives the Rav4 Hybrid more stable handling and braking.

The Rav4 Hybrid XSE handles at .80 G’s, while the EcoSport SE pulls only .74 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Rav4 Hybrid XSE executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.7 seconds quicker than the EcoSport SE (27.6 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 29.3 seconds @ .54 average G’s).

Passenger Space

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

The Rav4 Hybrid 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 Hybrid’s rear seats recline. The EcoSport’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The Rav4 Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid. The EcoSport doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Rav4 Hybrid’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 Hybrid (except LE) offers an optional power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button or, optionally on the Rav4 Hybrid 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 Hybrid’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the EcoSport’s (1750 vs. 1400 pounds).

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Rav4 Hybrid (except LE/SE), the optional 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 Hybrid’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 Hybrid’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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The EcoSport doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Rav4 Hybrid Limited offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The EcoSport doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Both the Rav4 Hybrid and the EcoSport offer available heated front seats. The Rav4 Hybrid 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 Hybrid Limited 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 Hybrid’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 Hybrid and the EcoSport offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Rav4 Hybrid 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 Hybrid 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 Hybrid XLE Premium/XSE/Limited offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The EcoSport doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Economic Advantages

The Rav4 Hybrid will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Rav4 Hybrid will retain 56.17% to 57.16% of its original price after five years, while the EcoSport only retains 42.27% to 42.7%.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid, 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.