2021 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's design evolution, showcasing a blend of elegance and modernity that surpassed its predecessors. The SUV's exterior featured a striking grille with blacked-out, honeycomb accents on the R-Design trim, complemented by black window surrounds and mirrors. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and curving LED taillights were distinctive Volvo signatures, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options like matte wood trim and wool fabric seats, while the leather and aluminum interior exuded sophistication. The seats were praised for their comfort and support, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features, making long journeys a pleasure.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Explorer maintained a family resemblance with its SUV siblings, offering a sporty exterior with raked belt lines and distinctive visages. The Explorer's design was versatile, with six trim levels providing various grille and finish options. Inside, the Explorer accommodated three rows of seating, with the base model offering cloth upholstery and higher trims featuring leather. The dashboard was clean and functional, with an 8-inch LCD touchscreen and a center console housing a rotary gearshift. The Explorer's interior was practical, with ample storage options and a focus on comfort, particularly in the popular XLT trim, which offered enhanced features and finishes.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6, with its supercharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Polestar tune further boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these figures, the XC90 was not known for its sporty performance, with mid-range acceleration being adequate but not exceptional. Fuel economy was a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city and 26 highway. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but its added weight and limited electric range made it less appealing.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, at its lightest, weighed 4,345 pounds and featured a base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Limited Hybrid trim increased power to 310 hp and 331 lb-ft, while higher trims boasted a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 with 365 hp and 380 lb-ft. The sport-oriented Explorer ST offered 400 hp and 415 lb-ft, providing the most engaging driving experience among the trims. The Explorer excelled in towing capacity, with the ability to tow between 5,000 and 5,600 pounds, making it a practical choice for those needing towing power.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured a refined interior with the Sensus infotainment system, which was faster and more responsive than previous versions. The system integrated climate controls within the touchscreen, with physical buttons for essential functions. The XC90 offered seven seats as standard, with an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows provided generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Ford Explorer offered seating for seven in the base model, with captain's chairs in higher trims reducing capacity to six. The second row provided 39 inches of legroom, making it competitive with other midsize SUVs. The Explorer offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row deployed, and 81 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While the cargo volume was not class-leading, it was sufficient for most needs, and the Explorer's interior was designed for practicality and comfort.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel was limited in customization compared to competitors.

The 2021 Ford Explorer offered an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Explorer provided multiple charging options, including USB ports and 12-volt power points, with a 110-volt AC power outlet available on higher trims.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test rating prevented it from achieving a Top Safety Pick+ designation. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and innovative safety systems.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and an "Acceptable" rating for adaptive headlights. The Explorer's base model included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, offering features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added advanced driver-assistance features, enhancing safety and convenience.