2026 Ford Escape vs. 2026 Toyota RAV4: Which Compact SUV Fits Your Lifestyle? If you're shopping for a compact SUV, chances are the 2026 Ford Escape vs. 2026 Toyota RAV4 debate has crossed your mind. Both are popular picks, but they cater to different priorities. Whether you care most about powertrain options, interior flexibility, or technology, this breakdown can help you figure out which one fits your life best. Powertrain Options: Flexibility Meets Performance The 2026 Ford Escape gives you four distinct powertrain options - a 1.5-liter EcoBoost, a 2.0-liter EcoBoost, a 2.5-liter hybrid, and a 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid. The plug-in hybrid delivers 210 total system horsepower and an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 37 miles. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost tops the lineup with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, plus towing capacity up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. The RAV4 also offers a hybrid variant, but it doesn't give buyers as many powertrain configurations to choose from. For drivers in Heath, OH who want the freedom to pick their preferred fuel strategy, the Escape's lineup is hard to match. Interior Space and Versatility The 2026 Ford Escape offers a sliding second-row seat that can extend legroom by up to 5.9 inches - a feature that makes a real difference on longer drives or when hauling gear. EcoBoost models provide up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, giving you plenty of room for weekend adventures. The RAV4 does offer competitive cargo space, but it lacks the sliding second-row feature. If adaptability inside the cabin matters to you, the Escape's layout gives you more control over how you use the space day to day. Technology and Driver-Assist Features The 2026 Ford Escape comes standard with SYNC 4 and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility across all trims. Upper trims feature a 13.2-inch center touchscreen and available Connected Navigation. Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist technology includes features like Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Lane-Keeping System, and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking. Higher Escape trims add Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go, Lane Centering, and even a 360-degree camera. The RAV4 offers solid technology, but the Escape's available suite of driver-assist tools is impressively comprehensive for its class. Style and Trim Variety One area where the 2026 Ford Escape truly stands out is trim variety. With six configurations - Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-In Hybrid - there's a version for nearly every taste and budget. The ST-Line series brings sport-inspired styling with a flat-bottom steering wheel, red accent stitching, and a black mesh grille, while the Platinum trim adds an LED light bar, chrome beltline molding, and ActiveX-trimmed seats. The RAV4 offers its own trim range, but the Escape's sport-focused ST-Line lineup gives style-minded buyers a compelling edge. Which One Is Right for You? If you want maximum powertrain flexibility, a more customizable interior, and a strong lineup of driver-assist features, the 2026 Ford Escape deserves a serious look. It earned the number-one spot for initial quality among mainstream brands in 2026, which speaks to Ford's commitment to building a reliable, well-rounded vehicle. When comparing the 2026 Ford Escape vs. 2026 Toyota RAV4, the Escape stands out for buyers who want options - from how it's powered to how it's outfitted. Stop by Coughlin Ford of Heath, serving customers throughout Heath, OH, to explore the full Escape lineup and find the trim that's right for you.

The 2025 Ford Explorer is a family-friendly SUV with plenty of technology to keep your passengers entertained and excellent fuel economy and performance. We're going to dive in and look at some of its many highlights. Powerful, Economical Engines The standard engine is a 2.3L Turbocharged Direct-Injection Ti-VCT EcoBoost I-4. It produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Depending on your trim, the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with Auto Start-Stop Technology is available, providing 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. It's also paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard, but you can opt for the 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which includes manual shift paddles. EcoBoost engines are well-known for their enhanced performance and improved fuel efficiency despite being smaller than regular engines. This is made possible by three technologies: turbocharging, direct-fuel injection, and variable camshaft timing. These technologies increase airflow to the engine for faster and more powerful burning, as well as more precise combustion and valve intake and exhaust operation. Interior Comfort The Explorer features comfortable seating for six people if you choose second-row captain's chairs or up to seven if you prefer the 35/30/35 split fold-flat bench seat. The front seats are heated, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power adjustment and the front passenger's seat providing 4-way power adjustment. All seats are covered with unique cloth upholstery, but you can upgrade to even softer, luxurious ActiveX material. As the driver, all the essential information you need is displayed on a 12.3" color LCD digital information cluster. Infotainment is controlled via a 13.2" crystal-clear center-stack touchscreen. It's powered by Ford Digital Experience, which gives you access to Google and Amazon apps. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are installed. A complimentary three-month SiriusXM with 360L is included with every Explorer. Cargo Capacity and Trailering As an SUV, good cargo capacity is essential, and the Explorer doesn't disappoint. It has 20.8 cubic feet of space in the trunk, roughly equivalent to six to eight suitcases. If you fold down the third seat row, this increases to 49.8 cubic feet. If you need to carry bigger or more bulky items, folding down the second seat row will give you 84.1 cubic feet of space. The Explorer comes standard with the Ford Class III Trailer Tow Package. This package includes an engine oil cooler, a 4- and 7-pin trailer wiring harness, and a trailer hitch receiver. It also adds a Tow/Haul Mode and additional safety features. These features allow you to easily tow up to 5,000 pounds. There's so much more for you to discover in the 2025 Explorer. Book your test drive today by contacting us at Coughlin Ford of Heath in Newark, OH.

Crowned the North American Truck of the Year for its performance, innovation, safety, and design, the 2025 Ford Ranger remains the best pick for midsize pickup buyers. Its big-truck strength and durability make tough jobs feel effortless, while its tastefully crafted cabin proves hard work and refined comfort can coexist. Robust Power The Ranger is game for any challenge with its trio of high-output engines. Kickstarting the lineup is the 2.3-liter turbo-four that delivers a nice balance of power and efficiency. It generates 270 HP and 310 pound-feet of torque, allowing you to enjoy the maximum 7,500-pound towing capacity and near 1,800-pound payload rating, without upgrading to a bigger engine. It also boasts the best fuel economy in the lineup, achieving 26 MPG on the highway, making it perfect for almost everyone. The next level of power is a brawny 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6, with up to 315 HP and 400 pound-feet of torque. And while it still does the same payload and towing numbers as the turbo-four, it does so with greater ease, making every load feel lighter and every climb smoother. The final boss, a ferocious 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with a whopping 405 HP and 430 pound-feet of torque, is reserved for the off-road performance machine that is the Ranger Raptor. Smooth and Confident on Any Terrain Thanks to its nimble midsize proportions, the Ranger delivers the effortless drive you crave when handling cumbersome full-size pickups. It's also engineered to ensure that work gets done regardless of the terrain, coming with an arsenal of next-level off-road features, especially in its Raptor trim. For starters, a fully-boxed high-strength steel frame, protective underbody skid plates, over 10 inches of ground clearance, and up to 33-inch all-terrain tires let you tackle punishing trails without incurring damage. Meanwhile, several advanced 4x4 systems come in clutch when you need maximum composure and control. The Watts-Link off-road suspension with FOX Live Valve shocks continuously adjusts damping to smooth out bumps and ruts with finesse, ensuring the Ranger remains composed and comfortable even when hammering through rocky terrain. At the same time, an advanced four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case, front and rear locking axles, and terrain-specific drive modes ensures unyielding traction and confident control when traversing slippery surfaces. Spacious and Upmarket Cabin The Ranger comes with a masterfully crafted interior to ensure a serene, comforting environment for you and your crew. The roomy interior accommodates five adults comfortably and pampers them with a wealth of upscale niceties, which can include heated seats, premium leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, an in-vehicle safe, a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charging, and more! Agile, capable, and refined, the Ford Ranger is everything you want in a pickup. Experience it for yourself by contacting Coughlin Ford of Heath in Newark, OH, today to schedule a test drive!