2020 Ford Explorer vs 2019 Volvo XC40

2019 Volvo XC40
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford Explorer
2020 Ford Explorer
$32,765MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford Explorer
$32,765MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$33,700

MSRP

$32,765

Listings

49

Listings

556

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Pros

  • Powerful engine

  • Spacious

Cons

  • Irritating transmission

  • Poor visibility

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Spacious

Cons

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Poor value for money

2019 Volvo XC40 Reviews Summary

If any brand is experiencing a revival in terms of both form and function, it's Volvo. The Swedish automaker is experiencing a renaissance, delivering new cars that are not only breathtaking to look at inside and out, but that also provide fantastic technology, safety, and performance.

Volvo was once the Safety Brand, but with the advent of advanced safety technology, many other brands have caught up. Volvo has found its niche in high fashion, backed by continually improving safety technology that rivals the best in the world.

This recent trend started with the XC90 SUV and was followed by the V90 wagon. These are world-class vehicles, but they also fetch high prices.

Enter the 2019 Volvo XC40. It scales down much of what makes those high-end models so great, offering it in a (comparatively) more affordable subcompact SUV package. The XC40 offers ingenious cargo solutions, incredibly advanced technology, and even a new way to go about car ownership. Is that enough to make it stand out compared to other subcompact SUVs? Read on to find out.

2020 Ford Explorer Reviews Summary

For nearly 30 years, the Ford Explorer has settled into the American lexicon like Cheerios. We've gobbled up millions of them, from the rock-crawling Eddie Bauers of the 1990s to the brand-new ST that can take down sports cars. The 2020 Explorer brings an all-new chassis, cranks up the technology, and introduces hybrid and high-performance powertrains in a space the size of a small living room. The Explorer's also getting very expensive while other automakers catch on to Ford's winning formula—for a lot less money.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 187 hp I4

Engine

2.3L 300 hp I4

Drivetrain

FWD

Drivetrain

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

187 hp @ 4700 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

23

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

28
2019 Volvo XC40
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford Explorer
2020 Ford Explorer
$32,765MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford Explorer
$32,765MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$33,700
$32,765
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.7

4.7

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

7.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Powerful engine

  • Spacious

Cons

  • Irritating transmission

  • Poor visibility

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Spacious

Cons

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Poor value for money

Summary

If any brand is experiencing a revival in terms of both form and function, it's Volvo. The Swedish automaker is experiencing a renaissance, delivering new cars that are not only breathtaking to look at inside and out, but that also provide fantastic technology, safety, and performance.

Volvo was once the Safety Brand, but with the advent of advanced safety technology, many other brands have caught up. Volvo has found its niche in high fashion, backed by continually improving safety technology that rivals the best in the world.

This recent trend started with the XC90 SUV and was followed by the V90 wagon. These are world-class vehicles, but they also fetch high prices.

Enter the 2019 Volvo XC40. It scales down much of what makes those high-end models so great, offering it in a (comparatively) more affordable subcompact SUV package. The XC40 offers ingenious cargo solutions, incredibly advanced technology, and even a new way to go about car ownership. Is that enough to make it stand out compared to other subcompact SUVs? Read on to find out.

For nearly 30 years, the Ford Explorer has settled into the American lexicon like Cheerios. We've gobbled up millions of them, from the rock-crawling Eddie Bauers of the 1990s to the brand-new ST that can take down sports cars. The 2020 Explorer brings an all-new chassis, cranks up the technology, and introduces hybrid and high-performance powertrains in a space the size of a small living room. The Explorer's also getting very expensive while other automakers catch on to Ford's winning formula—for a lot less money.
Video

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 187 hp I4
2.3L 300 hp I4
Drivetrain
FWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
7
Horsepower
187 hp @ 4700 rpm
MPG City
23
21
MPG Highway
33
28
Look and feel

2019 Volvo XC40

9/10

2020 Ford Explorer

5/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 as 9 out of 10 and the 2020 Ford Explorer as 5 out of 10. The XC40 includes many elements from its larger sibling, the XC90, and has an upright appearance, providing a more SUV-based design with plenty of head- and legroom. The XC40 comes in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription, each offering unique design elements and features. The 2020 Ford Explorer refines the upscale, utilitarian design of the Explorer, making it appear lower and more athletic. The widened headlights, extra-large grille, and italic "Explorer" lettering on the hood's edge cast a prominent and recognizable face. However, the interior has been criticized for its use of low-grade materials and lack of luxury feel, especially considering its price point.
Picture of 2019 Volvo XC40
Picture of 2019 Volvo XC40
Picture of 2019 Volvo XC40
Picture of 2019 Volvo XC40
Picture of 2019 Volvo XC40
Picture of 2019 Volvo XC40
Picture of 2019 Volvo XC40
Picture of 2019 Volvo XC40
Picture of 2019 Volvo XC40
Performance

2019 Volvo XC40

7/10

2020 Ford Explorer

8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 7 out of 10 and the 2020 Ford Explorer 8 out of 10. The XC40 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offers brisk acceleration, well-weighted steering, and responsive turn-in, providing a balanced driving experience. The XC40 also features a Drive Mode button with various driving modes to suit different preferences. The Explorer offers a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) chassis, providing even weight distribution and improved handling. The ST trim, in particular, features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, delivering smooth, uninterrupted power. The majority of Explorer models come with a 2.3-liter turbo inline four, providing a stout 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Form and function

2019 Volvo XC40

9/10

2020 Ford Explorer

9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 9 out of 10 and the 2020 Ford Explorer 9 out of 10. The XC40 makes incredible use of its space, offering plenty of front-seat head- and legroom. It features smart storage solutions, including a removable trash bin in the center console and a large tray with a wireless charging pad. The rear seats provide ample legroom and clever storage trays, while the hands-free power liftgate and versatile cargo area enhance practicality. The new Explorer offers ample space for passengers and cargo, with improved roominess in the second and third rows. The available 10-inch vertical touchscreen and 12-inch digital instrument cluster provide a high-tech and well-organized interface. However, some ergonomic issues and visibility challenges have been noted, affecting the overall user experience.
Technology

2019 Volvo XC40

8/10

2020 Ford Explorer

7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 8 out of 10 and the 2020 Ford Explorer 7 out of 10. The XC40 features a large portrait-oriented touchscreen with a user-friendly interface, integrating most vehicle controls. It offers seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the available Multimedia Package enhances the system with a navigation system and a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Explorer comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. The available Premium Technology Package offers a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, providing an enhanced user experience. However, some issues with the system's layout and functionality have been noted.
Safety

2019 Volvo XC40

7/10

2020 Ford Explorer

8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 7 out of 10 and the 2020 Ford Explorer 8 out of 10. The XC40 comes standard with a comprehensive set of safety features, including airbags, tire pressure monitoring, whiplash protection, road-sign information updates, and City Safe automatic braking. Optional packages add advanced safety technologies such as blind-spot detection, cross-traffic alert, and a semi-autonomous driving system with adaptive cruise control. The Explorer comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, offering forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The available Assist+ option adds adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking. However, some issues with the system's functionality and performance have been noted.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2019 Volvo XC40 is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2020 Ford Explorer scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2019 Volvo XC40 emerges as the more compelling choice, offering a well-rounded package with standout styling, practicality, balanced performance, and advanced safety and technology features.

Choose the 2020 Ford Explorer if:

7.2of 10overall
  • You prioritize exterior styling, roominess, and advanced technology features.
  • You seek a powerful and refined driving experience with various engine options.
  • You value standard safety features and a customizable infotainment system.
556 results
See all

Choose the 2019 Volvo XC40 if:

7.8of 10overall
  • You prioritize standout styling, ample space, and smart storage solutions.
  • You seek a balanced driving experience with responsive acceleration and well-weighted steering.
  • You value advanced safety features and a user-friendly infotainment system.
49 results
See all

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2019 Volvo XC40 is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2020 Ford Explorer scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2019 Volvo XC40 emerges as the more compelling choice, offering a well-rounded package with standout styling, practicality, balanced performance, and advanced safety and technology features.

Choose the 2020 Ford Explorer if:

Shop Now
7.2of 10overall
  • You prioritize exterior styling, roominess, and advanced technology features.
  • You seek a powerful and refined driving experience with various engine options.
  • You value standard safety features and a customizable infotainment system.
556 results

Choose the 2019 Volvo XC40 if:

Shop Now
7.8of 10overall
  • You prioritize standout styling, ample space, and smart storage solutions.
  • You seek a balanced driving experience with responsive acceleration and well-weighted steering.
  • You value advanced safety features and a user-friendly infotainment system.
49 results
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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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