Keep in mind the Rav4 is the only small SUV that comes standard with pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane departure steering assist, dynamic cruise control, and auto high beams, if that stuff is important to you. Also might want to look at the Rav4 hybrid for more mpg and much better acceleration. You also get two years or 25k miles of free maintenance, another thing the competitors lack. The Rav4 is an IIHS top safety pick + while the Escape is not. The 2017 CX5 I'm not sure about, but the old model was so I'm sure this one will be.