2020 Ford Escape vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's evolution in design, showcasing a modern aesthetic that rivaled its classic predecessors. The SUV's exterior featured a striking grille with blacked-out, honeycomb accents on the R-Design trim, complemented by black window surrounds and mirrors. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and curving LED taillights were distinctive, enhancing the vehicle's identity. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options like matte wood trim and wool fabric seats, while the leather and aluminum interior provided a sophisticated contrast. The seats were praised for their comfort and support, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features, making long journeys a pleasure.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Escape presented a sleek and modern design, albeit at the cost of some cargo space. Its large grille and headlights drew inspiration from the Ford GT supercar, making it one of the more attractive compact crossovers. Inside, the Escape boasted a contemporary cabin with a digital instrument panel and a floating infotainment screen. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, offered an 8-inch Sync 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing the driving experience. The Escape prioritized passenger space, providing ample headroom and legroom, while offering practical storage solutions throughout the cabin.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which was deemed insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing adequate power for highway driving. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's performance was criticized for its lack of linear acceleration and noisy engine. The T8 plug-in hybrid variant offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but its added weight diminished the expected speed benefits. Fuel economy was unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2020 Ford Escape stood out with four engine options, including a new 3-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, available on the SEL and standard on the Titanium trim, delivered 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, offering brisk acceleration. The hybrid drivetrain, with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, produced 198 horsepower, while the plug-in hybrid variant was optional on higher trims. The Escape's steering was direct and taut, providing an athletic feel, and its brakes were strong and responsive. The most efficient version was the non-Sport hybrid, achieving 44 mpg city, 37 highway, and 41 combined.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which was faster and more responsive than previous versions. The system integrated climate controls within the touchscreen, with limited physical buttons on the dash. The cabin layout was praised for its organization, offering seven seats as standard, with an optional integrated booster cushion for children. The first and second rows provided generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was suitable for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Ford Escape, while offering a sleek design, sacrificed some cargo space compared to its predecessor. It provided 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which decreased in hybrid models. With the backseat folded, the Escape offered up to 65.4 cubic feet of space. Despite this, the Escape emphasized passenger space, with ample headroom and legroom for second-row passengers. The front seats offered a commanding view, and the cabin featured numerous storage compartments for convenience.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, delivering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen facilitated navigation, although onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2020 Ford Escape's base trim featured a small 4.2-inch audio control screen, while the SE trim upgraded to an 8-inch Sync 3 screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Titanium trim included a head-up display, although its flip-up screen design limited its effectiveness for taller drivers. The latest version of Sync offered multitasking capabilities, enhancing the infotainment experience.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, although its headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and innovative safety systems.

The 2020 Ford Escape came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Ford Co-Pilot360, which offered forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Escape earned a Good rating from the IIHS in all phases of testing, although it had not been tested by the NHTSA.