Toyota Rav4 Vs Ford Maverick: Which Compact Suv Reigns Supreme?

When it comes to compact SUVs, two vehicles that often come to mind are the Toyota RAV4 and the Ford Maverick. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, efficiency, and style, making them popular choices among car buyers. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into the key aspects of these two SUVs, helping you make an informed decision about which one suits your needs and preferences better.

Performance and Efficiency: A Close Match

The Toyota RAV4 and Ford Maverick offer a range of engine options, each delivering distinct performance and efficiency characteristics.

• Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 comes with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offers a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD).

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine that generates 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and is available in both FWD and AWD configurations.

In terms of fuel economy, the RAV4 Hybrid and Maverick Hybrid excel with impressive EPA ratings. The RAV4 Hybrid can achieve up to 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, while the Maverick Hybrid boasts an estimated 42 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Comfort: A Balancing Act of Space and Features

Both the RAV4 and Maverick offer spacious and comfortable interiors, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses.

• Toyota RAV4: The RAV4’s interior is well-designed and offers ample space for passengers and cargo. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and the rear seats provide plenty of legroom and headroom. The cargo area is also generous, offering 37.5 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick’s interior is surprisingly spacious for a compact SUV. The front seats are comfortable and offer good support, and the rear seats provide ample legroom and headroom. The cargo area is also impressive, offering 37.1 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 82.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

In terms of features, both SUVs offer a range of amenities to enhance comfort and convenience. These include a touchscreen infotainment system, a multi-function steering wheel, and a variety of driver assistance technologies.

Safety Features: A Commitment to Protection

When it comes to safety, the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Maverick offer a comprehensive suite of features to keep you and your passengers protected on the road.

• Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a suite of advanced safety features that includes lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick also comes standard with a range of safety features, including lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

Off-Road Capability: Exploring the Great Outdoors

If you’re an adventure enthusiast who enjoys exploring off-road trails, both the RAV4 and Maverick offer capable off-road performance.

• Toyota RAV4: The RAV4’s Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims come with enhanced off-road features, including all-wheel drive with a locking center differential, hill descent control, and a multi-terrain select system. These features allow the RAV4 to tackle challenging terrain with confidence.

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick is also available with an all-wheel drive system, but it lacks some of the more advanced off-road features found on the RAV4. However, its compact size and impressive ground clearance make it capable of handling light off-road trails.

Price and Value: Balancing Budget and Features

When it comes to pricing, the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Maverick offer competitive starting prices, but their fully loaded variants can vary significantly.

• Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 has a starting price of $27,975 for the base LE trim. The top-of-the-line Limited trim starts at $38,880.

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick has a starting price of $21,490 for the base XL trim. The top-of-the-line Lariat trim starts at $30,800.

In terms of value, both SUVs offer a good mix of features and capabilities for their respective price points. However, the RAV4 offers a wider range of trim levels and more advanced features, while the Maverick stands out with its affordability and impressive fuel economy.

In a nutshell: Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

The Toyota RAV4 and Ford Maverick are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a blend of practicality, efficiency, and style. While the RAV4 offers a more refined interior, advanced safety features, and a wider range of trim levels, the Maverick impresses with its affordability, impressive fuel economy, and spacious cargo area. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy, the Toyota RAV4 or the Ford Maverick?

A: The Ford Maverick Hybrid offers slightly better fuel economy than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, with EPA-estimated ratings of 42 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway compared to the RAV4 Hybrid’s 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious cargo area, the Toyota RAV4 or the Ford Maverick?

A: The Ford Maverick has a slightly larger cargo area than the Toyota RAV4, offering 37.1 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 82.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down compared to the RAV4’s 37.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Q: Which SUV offers more off-road capability, the Toyota RAV4 or the Ford Maverick?

A: The Toyota RAV4 offers more advanced off-road features than the Ford Maverick, including a locking center differential, hill descent control, and a multi-terrain select system. These features give the RAV4 an edge in tackling challenging off-road terrain.