For eco-conscious families, this is welcome news: Canada's current favourite vehicle segment, the compact SUV, is finally getting some consistent attention with hybrid powertrains.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offers a superior drive experience over its conventional powertrain for roughly $2,000 more on average than gas-only models. That's a gap that an owner can reasonably expect to make up over the life of a vehicle with the hybrid's better fuel efficiency, which is probably why it's so popular with reported delivery wait times of six months or more.

The RAV4 Hybrid XSE grade tested here — a sport-oriented model exclusively available as a hybrid — costs $41,750 as tested before the $1,815 freight and PDI, and its 163 lb-ft 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine combines with an 88 kW electric motor for a total system output of 219 hp. Facing off against the RAV4 is the Ford Escape Hybrid, which returns for 2020 after an absence of eight years. For this test we have an Escape Hybrid Titanium trim model ringing in at a very similar $41,299 plus the $1,850 destination charge, and has the same powertrain layout with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine combined with an 88 kW electric motor, but Ford is down on power compared to the RAV4, listing just 200 net hp and 155 lb.-ft. of torque.

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#toyotarav4 #fordescape #suvcomparison

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