Hybrid crossovers are popular. The Ford Escape Hybrid arrived in 2004 and was the pioneer in a market packed with internal combustion engines. But as electrified vehicles started getting more attention and governments imposed harsher regulations to cut CO2 emissions, new hybrid SUVs arrived. In recent years, however, some automakers have taken further steps in the electrified scenario, developing plug-in hybrid SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime and the 2020 Ford Escape PHEV are the two newest mainstream plug-in hybrid compact crossovers, offering more power and range than their regular hybrid variants. Here's a look at some of their specs, including fuel economy, range, and recharging times.

Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. Ford Escape PHEV: Powertrain Breakdown

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Toyota extended the "Prime" name to its most popular crossover, but unlike the Prius Prime, which has a different styling than the regular Prius, the RAV4 Prime keeps the bold styling of the current RAV4. Toyota has reserved some of the details on the RAV4 plug-in, but we know it will be powered by a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle I-4 engine with 176 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque that's mated to two electric motors (one up front and one at the rear axle) and a battery pack to deliver an eye-popping 302 hp total and standard all-wheel drive. Toyota estimates the RAV4 Prime will launch to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, which would make it the quickest RAV4 in the lineup.

Although the Escape was technically the SUV that started this green movement, this is the first time Ford has produced a plug-in hybrid Escape. Compared to the RAV4 Prime, the Escape PHEV won't be as impressive of a performer. Its powertrain is also composed of a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle I-4, but here it produces 168 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a 48-hp electric motor and a 14.4-kW-hr lithium-ion battery, delivering 221 hp in total. An e-CVT transmission sends all that power to the front wheels, as all-wheel drive is not supported in the Escape PHEV. Given the big horsepower differences, we expect the Ford to reach 60 mph in about 9.0 seconds.

Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. Ford Escape PHEV: Fuel Economy and Electric Range

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Toyota estimates the RAV4 Prime will deliver 90 mpg-e combined, which, with its presumably large battery, should yield 39 miles of electric range. We'll have to wait until the summer to get the all the fuel economy numbers on the Prime.

Ford expects to launch the Escape PHEV this spring, and it should deliver about 30 miles of electric range. Fuel economy hasn't been released yet for the plug-in Escape, but the non-plug-in Escape Hybrid returns an impressive 44/37/41 mpg in city/highway/combined in front-wheel-drive form.

Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. Ford Escape PHEV: Charging Times

Ford says it should take about 10 to 11 hours to charge the Escape's 14.4-kW-hr battery on a Level 1 wall charger, which is not that bad if you plug it in overnight. However, if you want faster charging, you'll have to upgrade to a Level 2 charger that will do the job in 3.5 hours.

Toyota has not yet released charging time for the RAV4 Prime.