2020 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Ford Explorer

2020 Volvo XC90
2020 Volvo XC90
$48,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Explorer
2021 Ford Explorer
$32,925MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Volvo XC90
$48,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Explorer
$32,925MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$48,350

MSRP

$32,925

Average price

$33,921

Average price

$31,405

Listings

206

Listings

5053
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great safety ratings
  • Premium interior materials
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great handling
  • Spacious third row
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Advanced safety features are not standard

2020 Volvo XC90 Reviews Summary

The XC90 has been one of our favorite family shuttles for 18 model years. This 3-row Volvo continues for 2020 as it was during its 2016 redesign, which brought dramatic new design language, chassis architecture, electrified powertrains, infotainment, and semi-automated driving capability. Among midsize SUVs, the XC90 is among the few I would recommend without any hesitation. Families who can afford to splurge will find a stylish and pampering truck that's built upon decades of safety research, which very few automakers can match.

2021 Ford Explorer Reviews Summary

There was a time when everybody in America seemingly drove an Explorer. That may be an exaggeration, but not by much. In its first four years of production, Ford sold over a million examples. In 1998, Ford was selling its second-generation Explorer at a rate of nearly 440,000 per year. Whether your family purchased an Explorer or not, this was the nameplate that invented the midsize SUV segment.

Fast forward to the 2021 model year and the Explorer is in its sixth generation. It's now a three-row SUV that clocks in at a maximum of 4,700 pounds, with a price tag north of $50,000 for the Explorer Platinum trim level. Long gone are the days when it was the only game in town. Almost every automaker has a competitor. So how does the Explorer shake out for 2021?

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 250 hp I4

Engine

2.3L 300 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

21

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

30

MPG Highway

28
2020 Volvo XC90
2020 Volvo XC90
$48,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Explorer
2021 Ford Explorer
$32,925MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Volvo XC90
$48,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Explorer
$32,925MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$48,350
$32,925
Average price
$33,921
$31,405
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.8
Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Read full review

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great safety ratings
  • Premium interior materials
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great handling
  • Spacious third row
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Summary
The XC90 has been one of our favorite family shuttles for 18 model years. This 3-row Volvo continues for 2020 as it was during its 2016 redesign, which brought dramatic new design language, chassis architecture, electrified powertrains, infotainment, and semi-automated driving capability. Among midsize SUVs, the XC90 is among the few I would recommend without any hesitation. Families who can afford to splurge will find a stylish and pampering truck that's built upon decades of safety research, which very few automakers can match.

There was a time when everybody in America seemingly drove an Explorer. That may be an exaggeration, but not by much. In its first four years of production, Ford sold over a million examples. In 1998, Ford was selling its second-generation Explorer at a rate of nearly 440,000 per year. Whether your family purchased an Explorer or not, this was the nameplate that invented the midsize SUV segment.

Fast forward to the 2021 model year and the Explorer is in its sixth generation. It's now a three-row SUV that clocks in at a maximum of 4,700 pounds, with a price tag north of $50,000 for the Explorer Platinum trim level. Long gone are the days when it was the only game in town. Almost every automaker has a competitor. So how does the Explorer shake out for 2021?

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 250 hp I4
2.3L 300 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
250 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
21
21
MPG Highway
30
28
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.