The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid and Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid are fuel-sipping compact SUVs that provide electric-only driving range and outstanding economy.
Granted, they both command a significant premium over their non-hybrid stablemates. Yet for car shoppers on the fence between sticking with a gas-fed engine or going all-electric, plug-in hybrids offer a convenient compromise.
For local errands and short commutes, their electric range can make refueling an infrequent part of your driving routine. But when it’s time to make a longer journey, especially one where recharging points are unknown, having the gas-powered engine adds extra peace of mind.
Let’s explore the highlights of the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid and Escape Plug-in Hybrid.
2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
Formerly called the RAV4 Prime, for 2025 this model is called the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. It remains available in two trims — SE and XSE — and starts at $45,660, including destination charge. A standard RAV4 costs about $30,645, and the regular hybrid variant is about $12K less than the Plug-in Hybrid.
Does the plug-in version of the popular RAV4 represent a solid value? We think so, considering its strong performance and a long roster of driver aids and comfort features.
RAV4 Plug-in Highlights
It’s really quick: You thought fuel economy and range would be the first things we’d talk about. Nope, we’re going straight for the speedy way in which the 302-horsepower RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid streaks down the road. During testing, this otherwise sedate-looking SUV zips from 0-60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. That’s quick by any standard, and especially so for a family-friendly SUV.
Electric-only driving range: When fully juiced, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid can travel an EPA-estimated 42 miles purely on electric power. This is better than many of its rivals, including the 37-mile EV range afforded by the Escape PHEV.
Standard AWD: Adding all-wheel drive (AWD) to an SUV can add thousands to the price. Not so with the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, which has AWD standard — a good thing considering the power on tap. The Escape Plug-in Hybrid is front-wheel drive; AWD isn’t an option.
Intuitive infotainment system: Toyota gave the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid’s infotainment system an update just two years ago. The 8-inch screen in the SE trim is a little smaller than the norm, though a 10.25-inch screen comes in the XSE model. Each is fitted with desirable features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and five USB ports.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid models near you.
2025 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid
The 2025 Escape Plug-in Hybrid starts at $39,895 and comes in one trim level. As we pointed out, this Ford plug-in hybrid doesn’t offer all-wheel drive like its Toyota rival. On the plus side, the Escape Plug-in Hybrid is extremely well-equipped and undercuts the base price of the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid by a few thousand dollars.
Ford refreshed the Escape’s exterior and improved its infotainment system just two years ago. Under the hood, a gas-electric 4-cylinder powertrain produces 210 hp and, like the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Highlights
Bigger touchscreen: If a larger touchscreen is what you want in your SUV, the Ford is the winner between these two. That’s because it comes with a 13.2-inch screen that’s easy to navigate and has wireless smartphone connectivity, voice recognition, navigation, satellite radio, and four USB ports.
Sliding second-row seating: The Escape’s sliding second-row seat is great for taller passengers who need extra legroom or more cargo space for load-lugging errands. This flexibility is a big bonus.
Lower base price: Who doesn’t like saving some money? While we think the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is a good value, you can’t ignore it’s several thousand dollars more than the base price of the Escape Plug-in Hybrid.
Outstanding Bang & Olufsen audio: A 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system is optional and imparts an upscale auditory experience. This surround-sound system is part of the Premium Package, which includes leather seating, power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, a head-up instrument display, a surround-view parking camera, and more.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Escape Plug-in Hybrid models near you.
Similarities
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid and Escape Plug-in Hybrid deliver good outward visibility, adult-friendly levels of headroom and legroom, and an easy-to-use infotainment system. They also have nearly identical cargo capacity behind their split-folding second row, not to mention loads of safety items like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and automatic high beams, to name a few.
Pricing
New 2025 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (08816)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
$39,895 |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vehicles and New 2025 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid | 2025 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Drive Wheels | AWD | FWD |
| All-Electric Range | 42 miles | 37 miles |
| Total Range | N/A | 481 miles (Est.) |
| Towing Capacity | 2,500 pounds | 1,500 pounds |
| Payload Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Ground Clearance | 8.0 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Horsepower | 302 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 210 hp @ 6,250 rpm |
| Torque | 165 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm | 155 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, eCVT |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Battery Warranty | N/A | N/A |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 105.9 inches | 106.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 180.9 inches | 180.1 inches |
| Width With Mirrors | 73.0 inches | 85.6 inches |
| Width Without Mirrors | N/A | 78.7 inches |
| Height | 67.0 inches | 66.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.1 feet | 38.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | N/A | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | N/A | 39.3 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 41.0 inches | 42.4 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 37.8 inches | 38.9 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.8 inches | 57.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 56.4 inches | 56.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 33.4 feet | 34.4 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 63.1 feet | 60.8 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
Starting with the Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid, we like its relaxed driving manners, cabin space, and recently updated onboard tech. The Ford does many things very well, including having convenient extras like a sliding second row and a larger touchscreen.
Yet the added horsepower and electric range of the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid make it a very tempting alternative. Yes, its cabin design isn’t as cutting-edge as some newer competitors, though we’ve found all controls are within easy reach, and the interior quality feels a cut above the Ford. Further benefiting the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid are its standard all-wheel drive and superior resale value compared with the Ford. For these reasons, we recommend the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid.
