2023 Ford Escape vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past designs, which were often likened to utilitarian shapes. This model showcased a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and a bold grille that avoided being overly flashy. The distinctive “Thor’s Hammer” headlights added a modern touch absent in earlier models. The XC90 maintained a rectilinear shape but with a refined elegance, especially in the Ultimate trim with its 21-inch wheels and Platinum Grey paint. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather seats, all contributing to a minimalist yet sophisticated cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, moving away from its earlier blocky style. The refreshed front end featured a traditional grille with a stylish LED light bar. As one of Ford’s smaller SUVs, the Escape offered a sleek design with 19-inch wheels and body-colour accents. Inside, the ST-Line Elite trim boasted diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt somewhat hard. The seats were comfortable, and the interior was designed for long drives, with a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat enhancing comfort. Despite the extensive use of plastic, the Escape maintained a practical and user-friendly interior.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine with mild-hybrid technology, replacing older powertrains. This setup delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than its predecessor but with improved fuel efficiency. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery to power a starter generator, enhancing the vehicle's smoothness and efficiency. The XC90 offered a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with minimal roll through corners and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Its brakes provided a solid pedal feel, and while it lacked extensive off-road features, it offered simplicity in driving dynamics.

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. The ST-Line Elite trim featured a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed transmission and AWD. While not a performance crossover, the Escape provided a comfortable ride with a soft suspension and well-weighted steering. Its brakes were predictable, and the suspension handled rough roads well, though the transmission lacked performance tuning.

The Volvo XC90’s interior was elegant but had limited storage space. The front seats were comfortable, but the lack of dedicated cubby space for small items was noticeable. The second row was spacious, but accessing the third row was challenging. With the third row in place, the XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,856 litres with all seats folded. Despite its smaller size compared to typical three-row SUVs, the XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle.

The Ford Escape provided comfortable seating with excellent ergonomics. The interior featured well-positioned armrests and a convenient head-up display. However, its cargo space was limited, offering up to 1,851 litres with the second row folded. While passenger space was slightly less than competitors, the back seat offered good headroom, and the front-seat backs were designed to maximize space for taller passengers.

The XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. While the system offered advanced natural-language recognition, many functions were embedded in the touchscreen, which could be frustrating. Keyless entry was standard, with an optional head-up display.

The Ford Escape came with Sync 4 technology, featuring an 8-inch or optional 13.2-inch touchscreen. The larger screen enhanced the cabin’s look, and Sync 4 was well-organized with easy navigation between features. Despite minor slow response issues, the system was user-friendly, with a static “Home” button for easy access. A six-speaker sound system was standard, with an optional Bang & Olufsen system.

The Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist, all contributing to Volvo’s Pilot Assist technology.

The Ford Escape also received a five-star NHTSA rating but did not achieve a Top Safety Pick from IIHS due to a Marginal side-impact test score. Standard Co-Pilot360 features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology.