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Toyota has its work cut out for it in keeping the RAV4 competitive with models like the Ford Escape and Mazda CX-5. These two top our list of alternative compact SUVs you should consider before going all-in on a new RAV4.
The compact SUV market is increasingly competitive with new models and higher standards that seem to level up by the year.The Toyota RAV4 is a great pick, but it competes with some enticing alternatives. Some offer a little more power, others might have better off-road chops, and some are just more fun to drive than the sometimes awkward RAV4.
Only you know exactly what you’re looking for in a compact SUV.
Jerry
, the car insurance
comparison shopping super app
, can help you make sure that you find it with this guide to the RAV4’s top eight competitors.1. Ford Escape
Starting price: $28,500 to $42,120
Selling points: Classic SUV styling, available AWD, big selection of powertrains to choose from
Weak spot: The hybrid and PHEV options are expensive
The base-level
Ford Escape S
offers a little more torque and a little less horsepower (yes, there's a difference between torque and horsepower
!) than the lowest trim RAV4. However, the Escape can do just about everything the RAV4 can do—just slightly better. That's why it’s right at the top of our list.The Escape might not be the best in its class, but it’s extremely close to the RAV4 in terms of what it can do, what it offers, and how much space it has. While the RAV4 base can tow 1,500 pounds, the Escape can tow 2,000 pounds. If you opt for the Escape Titanium, you can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Escape gas engine powertrain options start with a 181-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and go up to a 250-horsepower 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that can get the SUV going from 0-60 in 5.7 seconds.
2. Mazda CX-5
Starting price: $27,475 to $40,225
Selling points: Posh interior, gorgeous exterior, and great handling
Weak spot: Low on cargo space, the engine could be more powerful, no hybrid options
The
Mazda CX-5
brings luxury amenities to a mid-range price with its 2022 lineup, although to get the best of the model, you’ll have to opt for one of the more expensive and higher-priced trims. Still, with standard AWD and lots of driver assistance and infotainment options, even the entry-level CX-5 feels like something special.The lowest trim has a standard 187-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, but you can upgrade to a 256-horsepower turbocharged powertrain that can reach 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.
MORE:
Are Mazdas good cars?
3. Volkswagen Tiguan
Starting price: $27,785 to $38,615
Selling points: Available third-row seating, decent cargo space, tight handling
Weak spot: Somewhat simple interior, sluggish acceleration
The
Volkswagen Tiguan
brings European styling and super sporty handling to the subcompact SUV class, though it’s not quite as powerful or comfortable as the Toyota RAV4. However, the Tiguan is an ideal pick for larger families because of its available third-row seating. The seating for up to seven people can be convenient, but the cargo space is limited to 12 cubic feet when the third row is in use.
Each Tiguan trim level is equipped with the same amount of power from the same engine—a 184-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that powers the SUV enough to tow just up to 1,500 pounds.
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers4. Kia Sportage
Starting price: $24,090 to $33,750
Selling points: Comfortable and spacious back seat, lots of available options, responsive handling
Weak spot: Stumpy appearance and weak acceleration, unless you go with the top trim
The
Kia Sportage
has come a long way from its clunky and awkward early years. Today, it’s a class act in the compact SUV scene, with smooth and responsive handling, impressive standard features, and a nice selection of options to add on—like a gigantic, panoramic moonroof. It’s not the most powerful on our list, but the top-tier SX Turbo trim comes with a turbocharged 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine that gets 240 horsepower in FWD and 237 in AWD. The 2023 model will debut a redesigned lineup, so you may want to consider waiting for the next generation of Sportage to hit the lot.
5. Honda CR-V
Starting price: $26,800 to $36,600
Selling points: Honda’s solid reputation, lots of cargo space, plush interior materials
Weak spot: No standard Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, stiff-feeling ride
No matter what model Honda you buy, you know you’re going to benefit from the manufacturer’s reputation in longevity and resale value. With the
Honda CR-V
, you’re also getting the benefit of a modestly-priced compact SUV that feels a lot more expensive than it is. The interior materials are high quality, the cargo space is expansive, and the slow-sipping mpg beats a lot of its competitors. On the downside, Honda is hesitant to standardize the popular infotainment features that other brands have already embraced, even for their base trim levels. You won’t get a touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto with the entry-level CR-X LX. But pay $1,400 more for the next trim level and you’ll get a somewhat cluttered 7-inch touchscreen display and infotainment connectivity that you’d otherwise miss.
MORE:
Car loan for Honda 2022
6. Chevrolet Equinox
Starting price: $25,800 to $31,000
Selling points: Lots of standard safety systems, comfortable and roomy backseat
Weak spot: No hybrid option and not much cargo space
Unlike the CR-V, the
Chevrolet Equinox
comes standard with a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, as well as some impressive safety features like standard forward collision warning and automatic headlights.Despite being considerably less expensive than some of the competition, the Equinox is probably among the most comfortable. With a reclining bench seat in the back and a smooth ride, the Equinox is a tempting contender with few drawbacks. The Equinox’s tiny cargo space in particular is outdone by the Tiguan and CR-V, and it lack’s a hybrid option.
All models across the line come with the same 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged 170 horsepower engine. It’s not bad, but it’s not going to knock your socks off, either.
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers7. Subaru Forester
Starting price: $25,895 to $35,595
Selling points: Standard AWD, comfortable, and a powerful new Wilderness trim
Weak spot: Awkward controls, limited cargo space, and a noisy ride
The
Subaru Forester
continues to lead the industry in providing exceptional standard features. In 2022, in addition to Subaru’s standard AWD that we all know and love, you’ll also get an 8.7-inch ground clearance (and half an inch more if you go with the Wilderness trim), standard high-beam assistance, and standard lane-centering steering assistance. If you’re looking for something you can take off-road, the gnarly Subaru Forester Wilderness, starting at $33,520, offers Yokohama all-terrain tires, a lifted suspension, and double the towing capacity of the other trims—up to 3,000 pounds.
8. Jeep Compass
Starting price: $26,785 to $34,210
Selling points: Spacious and comfortable with seven trims to choose from
Weak spot: Slow and hesitant acceleration, rather unresponsive steering, poor fuel economy
With a robust selection of trim levels and the truly off-road capable
Jeep Compass Trailhawk
trim, the Jeep Compass
seems to marry playful and practical with its 2022 lineup. However, you’ll pay for it on fuel economy with a measly EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. On the upside, Jeep has heard and responded to consumer complaints about the Compass’s Spartan safety features in the past. Today’s Compasses come standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The
Latitude Lux
, Limited
, and Trailhawk trim all come with standard 4WD. All other trims come standard with FWD and 4WD is an optional upgrade. Toyota RAV4 vs. the competition
Here’s how the 2022 RAV4 compares to its competitors:
Model | Starting price range | Engine options | Maximum seating capacity | Maximum cargo volume | Maximum towing capacity | Fuel economy (city/highway/combined) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$26,975 to $36,915 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 5 seats | 69.8 cubic ft | 3500 lb | 27/33/29 mpg | |
$28,500 to $42,120 | 1.5-liter 3-cylinder or 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 5 seats | 65.4 cubic ft | 3500 lb | 27/33/30 mpg | |
$27,475 to $40,225 | Regular or turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 5 seats | 59.3 cubic ft | 2000 lb | 22/27/24 mpg | |
$27,785 to $38,615 | 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder | Up to 7 seats | 65.3 cubic ft | 1500 lb | 21/28/24 mpg | |
$24,090 to $33,750 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder or turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder | 5 seats | 60.1 cubic ft | 1653 lb | 20/28/23 mpg | |
$26,800 to $36,600 | Turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder | 5 seats | 1500 lbs | 22/32/29 mpg | ||
$25,800 to $31,000 | 1.5-liter 4-cylinder or turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder | 5 seats | 63.9 cubic ft | 1500 lbs | 26/31/28 mpg | |
$25,895 to $35,595 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 5 seats | 74.2 cubic ft | 3000 lbs | 26/33/29 mpg | |
$26,785 to $34,210 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder | 5 seats | 59.8 cubic ft | 2000 lbs | 22/30/25 mpg |
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By Mary Alice Morris
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Reviewed by Jessica Barrett.
- 1. Ford Escape
- 2. Mazda CX-5
- 3. Volkswagen Tiguan
- 4. Kia Sportage
- 5. Honda CR-V
- 6. Chevrolet Equinox
- 7. Subaru Forester
- 8. Jeep Compass
- Toyota RAV4 vs. the competition
- How to compare car insurance quotes in under a minute
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