Escape vs V60 Cross Country
The Escape and the V60 Cross Country are direct rivals in the compact suv class, one from Ford and one from Volvo. Think of these two as neighbors: the overlap is large and the gaps are few.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance V60 Cross Country wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.4
- Engine & Performance1.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The V60 Cross Country has 67 hp more power
The numbers aren’t close. The V60 Cross Country lists 247 hp for total system output, while the Escape lists 180 hp. The V60 Cross Country’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The V60 Cross Country has 59 lb-ft more torque
A clear win for the V60 Cross Country: 258 lb-ft against 199 lb-ft. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
V60 Cross Country leads
The V60 Cross Country dominates the engine & performance section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. On the V60 Cross Country, you get 67 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. The engine & performance verdict goes to the V60 Cross Country.
Total system output
Escape: 180 hp V60 Cross Country: 247 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Escape: 199 lb-ft V60 Cross Country: 258 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to space & practicality. Net result on space & practicality: level.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t off-road & towing. Both cover off-road & towing well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Safety & Tech
In the safety & tech section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the Escape and the V60 Cross Country list in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Escape | V60 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I3 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 180 hp | 247 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Escape | V60 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 31 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Escape | V60 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 37.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 65.4 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Escape | V60 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Escape | V60 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the V60 Cross Country if…
- you want more power (247 hp vs 180 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (258 lb-ft vs 199 lb-ft of torque)
- you already know your way around Volvo’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Escape or the V60 Cross Country?
On the specs compared here, the V60 Cross Country makes more sense for most buyers; the Escape doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Honestly, the Escape versus the V60 Cross Country is one of those matchups where your priorities matter more than the logo. The biggest reason I lean toward the V60 Cross Country is simple: it has 67 hp more power.
Fit matters more than scores here. The Escape suits buyers focused on the things a spec sheet can’t capture; the V60 Cross Country suits those focused on engine & performance.
My pick: the V60 Cross Country.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.