2022 Volvo XC40 vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge adhered closely to traditional automotive design, making the transition from internal-combustion engines to electric power as seamless as possible for consumers. From the outside, it closely resembled its gasoline counterpart, maintaining the same basic shape and structure. The most noticeable difference was the solid panel in the grill, which replaced the traditional airflow design needed for engine cooling. Other subtle changes included the enlarged fuel-filler flap for the charge port, trim-specific 19-inch alloy wheels, and the absence of tailpipes. The XC40 was a visually appealing vehicle, with details like the Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion, all contributing to its premium appearance. Inside, the XC40 showcased Volvo's Scandinavian design sensibility, offering an airy and roomy cabin with harmonious lines and premium finishes, solidifying its place in the luxury SUV category.

The 2023 Ford Escape, in contrast, embraced a more modern European design language, moving away from the rugged, boxy aesthetic of its predecessors. The refreshed model featured a more traditional front end with a stylish LED light bar and the Ford blue oval logo. As one of the smallest vehicles in Ford’s lineup, the Escape offered a range of trim levels, with the ST-Line Elite being the top-tier option. Despite its sleek design, the Escape maintained an upscale appearance, similar to a Mazda CX-5. Inside, the ST-Line Elite trim boasted diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt hard and plasticky. The seats were comfortable and supportive, making the Escape a pleasant vehicle for long drives. However, the interior was dominated by plastic materials, which felt cost-cutting in some areas.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was a thrilling drive, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and two permanent magnet electric motors, delivering 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, impressive for a compact SUV. The gasoline-powered XC40 models, the T4 and T5, offered turbo four-cylinder engines with 0-100 km/h times of 8.5 and 6.4 seconds, respectively. The Recharge featured regenerative braking, allowing drivers to engage one-pedal driving to maximize battery charge. Its low centre of gravity and familiar suspension setup contributed to its stable and planted handling. The XC40 Recharge boasted a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, with fast-charging capabilities, while the gasoline models had fuel efficiency ratings of 9.3 and 9.4 L/100 km combined.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The latter was available exclusively with AWD and provided better acceleration and passing power. However, the Escape was not a performance crossover, with a soft suspension and no paddle shifters for manual gear changes. The brakes offered predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness found in some competitors. The Escape's suspension was a boon on rough roads, providing a comfortable ride.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. The absence of a gasoline engine allowed for a front trunk, or "frunk," providing extra storage space. Inside, the cabin featured ample cubbies and nooks, with door pockets for water bottles, a bag hook on the passenger dash, and map pockets on the front seat backs. USB power ports were available in both the front and rear. The front seats were comfortable, while the rear seats were suitable for outboard passengers but tight for a middle passenger. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the second row folded and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided a comfortable interior with supportive seats and excellent ergonomics. The steering wheel felt great to hold, and the armrests were well-positioned. The Escape's cargo space was competitive, with up to 1,061 litres behind the second row and 1,851 litres with the seats folded. However, it fell short of segment leaders like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Passenger space was slightly less than some competitors, but the back seat offered good headroom and soft, scalloped front-seat backs for added comfort.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was loaded with tech, featuring a 9.3-inch centre-stack touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The Android Automotive operating system provided built-in Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store, with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth as standard. The system supported over-the-air updates for both infotainment and vehicle software. However, the range and state of charge were displayed as a percentage, which could cause range anxiety for some drivers.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 infotainment system, available with an 8-inch or 13.2-inch touchscreen. The larger screen, standard on higher trims, enhanced the cabin's look and offered a well-organized interface with tiles for navigation, music, and Bluetooth pairing. The system supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a wi-fi hotspot. While Sync 4 was slightly slow to respond, its feature set and ease of use were commendable. A Bang & Olufsen sound system was optional on higher trims.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, while the gasoline 2021 XC40 T5 AWD earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 Recharge's extensive safety equipment included collision warning and avoidance, blind-spot information, lane keep assist, and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. A new sensor platform enhanced active safety features, and Volvo's Connected Safety system shared road condition data with other connected vehicles.

The 2023 Ford Escape earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side-crash tests. However, it received a Marginal score in the IIHS's updated side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, and lane-centring technology for a semi-autonomous driving experience.