The Toyota RAV4 has ended the Ford F-150’s 42-year reign in 2024 as the best-selling vehicle in the USA, depending on which list you look at.* Whatever the final tally, the truth is that the RAV4 is increasing sales, while the F-150 is showing a slight decline.

These are two different, but popular, vehicle types. The RAV4 joins the Honda CR-V, Tesla Model Y, and Nissan Rogue as the four compact crossovers in the top ten, while the F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra are full-size pickups. The Toyota Camry and Corolla join the Honda Civic as the three passenger cars on the list.

While the RAV4 and F-150 are very different vehicles, they both offer lifestyle as a possible purchasing decision, so let’s have a look at these two popular choices.

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Ford F-150 Lariat vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited

Comparing two feature-rich models

Ford F-150 Lariat

The Ford F-150 has a range of eight trims to choose from, excluding the Lightning EV. This goes from the very basic single-cab XL starting at $38,810 to the super-powerful Raptor starting at $72,000. I will look at the mid-range Lariat with the hybrid drive, as this offers luxury features that take this vehicle into the lifestyle category. The Lariat starts at $63,360. This generation of the F150 was launched in 2021, and as yet there are no plans to update it.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LImited

There are twelve trims of the Toyota RAV4 if you separate the ICE and hybrid options, although a few would overlap in terms of features. There is also a plug-in-hybrid, which I am not considering here. Prices range from the gas LE at $29,250 to the Hybrid LImited starting at $40,605. We’ll look at the top Hybrid Limited. The current generation RAV4 was launched in 2018, with the hybrid option added in 2019. It had a major facelift in 2021, and a brand new generation is due to launch in 2026.

F-150 Lariat hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid Limited basic specs

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F-150 Lariat vs RAV4 Hybrid Limited features

Things that make the drive safer and more enjoyable

Ford

If your lifestyle or work needs the attributes of a truck, the F-150 would be an obvious choice. If you don’t need a truck, a compact crossover like the RAV4 is a proven winner. But we don’t just buy on price, and neither of the models discussed here are even the cheapest in their range. Quite often, we search for features to entertain and amuse us during the drive, make the drive more comfortable and less stressful, help us be better drivers, and keep us safe when the drive goes wrong.

Ford F-150 Lariat

The Lariat has a large customizable instrument cluster and a 12.0-inch infotainment display with Apple and Android connectivity. It can also act as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Ford’s new sync 4 software package allows for over the air updates to keep the truck up to date.

Optional extras include live weather and traffic updates, Sirius XM radio, and a Bang & Olufsen stereo.

The F-150 has the famous office-in-truck features, with a large work bench, fold-flat front seats, and a rear seat in the crew cab to sleep on. The front seats are leather-trimmed, heated, and ventilated, while the temperature control is dual-zone and automatic.

The F-150 has Ford’s standard Co-Pilot driver assist technology, and Blue Cruise hands-free highway driving as an option. This truck gets a maximum of five stars in crash tests from the NHTSA, as well as Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, the insurance industry ratings agency.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited

The RAV4 Hybrid Limited comes with a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 10.5-inch infotainment screen, Apple and Android connection, and a six-speaker sound system as standard, with an 11-speaker JBL system as an option.

Compact crossovers generally sell practicality, and the RAV4 does not disappoint. There are loads of nooks and crannies to store stuff, while a height-adjustable false floor in the cargo space is handy to keep your stuff out of sight. Cargo volume is generous, with nearly 38 cu-ft behind the rear seats, and nearly 70 with the rear seats folded down.

The upholstery is a leather-like material, and the front and rear seats are heated. The steering wheel can tilt and telescope to accommodate different size drives, while dual-zone climate control will keep everyone cozy or cool as needed.

Toyota is serious about driver assist, with a comprehensive package that includes pre-collision warning and braking, lane keeping, and proximity warning. The RAV4 gets five stars from the NHTSA, as well as a Top Safety Pick when tested in 2023. The hybrid was not specifically tested, but hybrid and ICE models generally get the same ratings.

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How to pick one

Truck utility vs crossover practicality

Toyota

Besides five seats and four wheels, the F-150 and RAV4 are totally different vehicles. But when you have the two bestselling models in the US, there has to be some sales overlap. Some simply prefer a truck, even for everyday driving, while for others a crossover is ideal for work. Both vehicles also face significant challenges from other models in their categories, so US buyers are spoiled for choice.

Ford F-150

The Ford costs a lot more, but has a massive power advantage and the towing and cargo utility of a big truck. But it is also much less fuel-efficient than the Toyota. If you need a truck, the F-150 is a great choice, although it is getting a lot of competition from the likes of RAM, GMC, and Chevrolet.

Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 is smaller, lighter, more efficient, easier to park, while still offering the space and versatility of a crossover. In 2024, the US economy was booming, but inflation was high, and buyers were looking for value. The RAV4 was more affordable to buy and run than the big Ford, and that probably contributed to its great sales performance.

The RAV4 comes with the built-in reliability and resale value buyers expect from Toyota, but it too faces very strong competition. The Honda CR-V is proving very popular, while there are several other hybrid crossovers challenging for market share, including the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-50, and Subaru Forrester.

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