2023 Ford Escape vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from Volvo's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the brand underwent a transformation, developing new platforms for its vehicles. The XC90, launched as a 2016 model, stood as Volvo's flagship SUV, built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. Its design featured a sleek roofline and pronounced wheel arches, exuding athleticism and quality. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian Modern and Swedish Luxury, with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's design and materials reflected its luxury status, offering a refined and comfortable driving experience.

The 2023 Ford Escape, in contrast, embraced a more European design language, moving away from the blocky exterior of its predecessors. The 2023 refresh introduced a traditional front end with a stylish LED light bar. Available in various trims, including the ST-Line Elite, the Escape presented a sleek design with 19-inch wheels and body-color mirror caps. Inside, the ST-Line Elite featured diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt hard and plasticky. Despite this, the seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat allowed for easy customization. The Escape's interior, while not as luxurious as the XC90, offered practicality and comfort for long drives.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a range of powertrains, including the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, achieving 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The XC90's driving experience was impressive, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model. Fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 FWD achieving up to 25 mpg combined, while the T8 offered 27 mpg combined on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided two engine options: a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 250 hp and 280 lb-ft. The latter was available exclusively with AWD and offered better acceleration and high-speed performance. Despite its power, the Escape was not a performance crossover, with a soft suspension and no paddle shifters. The brakes were predictable, and the steering was well-weighted, providing a comfortable driving experience on various road conditions.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 accommodated six or seven passengers, with easy access to the third row. Cargo space was generous, offering up to 85.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The XC90's interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the cabin's airy feel. The air-conditioning system performed well, providing a comfortable environment even in extreme weather conditions.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered comfortable seating and good ergonomics, with well-positioned armrests and convenient cupholders. However, it fell short in cargo space compared to some competitors, with 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. Passenger space was adequate, though rear-seat legroom was slightly less than some rivals. The Escape's interior was practical for daily use but might feel cramped during larger moves.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. While intuitive, the system was occasionally glitchy, but Apple CarPlay improved its functionality. The Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The XC90's audio options included a standard Harman Kardon system and an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade. USB ports and a WiFi hotspot were also included.

The 2023 Ford Escape came with Sync 4, 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. While the system was slightly slow to respond, its layout and functionality were impressive. The Escape's tech package included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Sirius XM, with a static "Home" button for easy access.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. It received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. The XC90's safety systems provided a high level of driver assistance and protection.

The 2023 Ford Escape earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA but did not receive a Top Safety Pick from IIHS due to a Marginal score in the side-impact test. Standard safety features included Co-Pilot360 with forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology, enhancing the Escape's safety offerings.