With its 2013 redesign, the Toyota RAV4 became more competitive with small crossovers like Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Subaru Forester.
By losing the available third-row seat, a V-6 option, and the spare tire hanging off the side-opening hatch, the RAV4 arrived into the mainstream, after years of surprisingly strong sales offering what was essentially a niche layout.
As a four-cylinder five-seater, it's now a direct competitor in the segment.
The Mazda CX-5 is perhaps the pick for those who want more driving enjoyment in their little crossover—and the base version of the Mazda returns up to 35 mpg on the highway.
The latest Honda CR-V pegs the gas-mileage meter and has excellent space and flexibility, with somewhat less engaging styling and civilian handling.
The Ford Escape offers more choice in powertrains, and good EPA-rated fuel economy, and its handling is very sporty, though interior room is on the tight side.
The Subaru Forester has better mileage, a focused XT model with steering-wheel paddle shifters, and a new off-road mode.
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport falls into a slightly larger size class; its turbo four option feels energetic, but drops highway fuel economy into the high 20s.
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 2015 Toyota RAV4Browse Used Listings |  2015 Ford EscapeBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Honda CR-VBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Hyundai Santa FeBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Mazda CX-5Browse Used Listings |  2015 Subaru ForesterBrowse Used Listings |
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The 2015 Toyota RAV4 is a practical crossover with confident handling. Just know that driving enjoyment is not its strong point. |
With athletic looks and the performance to match, plus a roomy interior and loads of available cabin tech and convenience features, the 2015 Ford Escape is bolder and more exciting than most rivals, without much compromise. |
The 2015 Honda CR-V is neither sporty nor particularly quick, but fuel efficiency is excellent and it prioritizes interior space, earnest practicality, and cleverly chosen features in a way that buyers appear to crave. |
The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe is really two vehicles in one, with the larger model geared toward big families and the smaller Sport version good for those with smaller broods. |
The 2015 Mazda CX-5 is an athletic, fuel-efficient, well-designed small crossover. |
The 2015 Subaru Forester remains one of the best cars you can buy, thanks to exceptional safety, versatility, and all-weather capability. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $23,680 | $23,450 | $23,445 | $24,950 | $21,545 | $22,195 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded H-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 4WD |
| Style Name | |||||
| FWD 4-Door LE (GS) | FWD 4-Door S | 2WD 5-Door LX | FWD 4-Door 2.4 | FWD 4-Door Manual Sport | 4-Door Manual 2.5i PZEV |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2015 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2015 Ford Escape | 2015 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2015 Honda CR-V | 2015 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2015 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2015 Mazda CX-5 | 2015 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2015 Subaru Forester | |
