2013 Toyota RAV4 vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 7.4 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

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May 7, 2013

The new RAV4 comes into clearer focus, now that it's losing its third-row seat and its six-cylinder engine options.

As a four-cylinder five-seater, it's a direct competitor for the likes of the Ford Escape--and it even favors it a little with its athletic stance.

The Escape's trio of powertrains offer more choice and good EPA-rated fuel economy, and its handling is very sporty, though interior room is on the tight side.

The latest CR-V also pegs the gas-mileage meter and has excellent space and flexibility, with somewhat less engaging styling and civilian handling.

There's also a new Hyundai Santa Fe Sport that falls into a slightly larger size class; its turbo four option feels energetic, but drops highway fuel economy into the high 20s.

2013 Toyota RAV4 Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Ford Escape Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Honda CR-V Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7.4 The 2013 Toyota RAV4 excels at mass-market talents like gas mileage and interior room--but for turbocharged fun in a crossover, you'll have to look elsewhere.	8 After eleven years, a change-up: the 2013 Ford Escape drops the faux-SUV pitch and reels off authentically athletic looks and performance.	7.8 The 2013 Honda CR-V hits all the right marks for cost-conscious families—with its interior layout and safety ratings both best-in-class—although it doesn't feel as sprightly as former CR-V models.	8.2 The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe splits its identity in two: the three-row ute goes V-6 only, while the five-passenger Sport leans on turbo power, a flexible second-row seat and a cushy ride to make its best case ever.
MSRP From
$23,300	$22,470	$22,795	N/A
Gas Mileage
22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	21 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	N/A
EPA Class
Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD	2WD Sport Utility	N/A
Style Name
FWD 4dr LE (Natl)	FWD 4dr S	2WD 5dr LX	N/A
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	N/A
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	N/A
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door	Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle	N/A
Transmission
Automatic	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Automatic	N/A