Compare the2026 Volvo EX30VS 2026 Ford Escape PHEV

The EX30 has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The Escape PHEV doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

The EX30 has a standard Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the WHIPS allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Escape PHEV doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The EX30 has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Escape PHEV doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the EX30’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Escape PHEV doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

Both the EX30 and the Escape PHEV have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The EX30 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Escape PHEV’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The EX30’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the Escape PHEV’s (12 vs. 5 years).

Volvo pays for scheduled maintenance on the EX30 for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volvo will pay for tire rotations, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Ford doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Escape PHEV.

The EX30’s standard electric motor produces 58 more horsepower (268 vs. 210) than the Escape PHEV’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The EX30’s standard electric motors produces 212 more horsepower (422 vs. 210) than the Escape PHEV’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Car and Driver the Volvo EX30 electric motors is faster than the Ford Escape PHEV:

On the EPA test cycle the EX30 gets better mileage than the Escape PHEV running on electricity:

On the EPA test cycle the EX30 gets better mileage than the Escape PHEV running its gasoline engine:

The EX30 can travel with zero emissions on a full charge for 203 to 261 miles. The Escape PHEV has to start its internal combustion engine after only 37 miles.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volvo EX30 higher (10 out of 10) than the Ford Escape PHEV (7). This means the EX30 produces up to 11.8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Escape PHEV every 15,000 miles.

For better stopping power the EX30 Twin Motor’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Escape PHEV:

The EX30 stops much shorter than the Escape PHEV:

For better traction, the EX30’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Escape PHEV (245/45R19 vs. 225/60R18).

The EX30’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Escape PHEV’s standard 60 series tires. The EX30’s optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the Escape PHEV’s 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the EX30 offers optional 19-inch wheels. The Escape PHEV’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

The EX30 Ultra handles at .85 G’s, while the Escape PHEV pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the EX30’s turning circle is 2.1 feet tighter than the Escape PHEV’s (35.1 feet vs. 37.2 feet). The EX30 Cross Country’s turning circle is .5 feet tighter than the Escape PHEV’s (36.7 feet vs. 37.2 feet).

The EX30 is 1 foot, 1.4 inches shorter than the Escape PHEV, making the EX30 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the EX30 easier. The EX30’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 22.9 inches, while the Escape PHEV’s liftover is 27.9 inches.

The EX30’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Escape PHEV’s (2000 vs. 1500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Ford Escape PHEV is only 1500 pounds. The EX30 offers up to a 3527 lbs. towing capacity.

If the windows are left open on the EX30 the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Escape PHEV can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The EX30’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Escape PHEV’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

The EX30’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Escape PHEV offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the Volvo EX30 and Ford Escape PHEV offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The EX30 features standard power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the Escape PHEV’s foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Volvo EX30 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Escape PHEV.

The EX30 Ultra’s Park Pilot Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Escape PHEV doesn’t offer an automated parking system.