2021 Ford Explorer vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Ford Explorer presented a familiar aesthetic, reminiscent of Ford's traditional SUV lineup, with its sporty, raked belt lines and distinctive visages. Despite its resemblance to the Edge, the Explorer stood out with its variety of grille options and six trim levels, ranging from the base model to the luxurious Platinum. Inside, the Explorer offered three rows of seating as standard, with a clean dashboard and an 8-inch LCD touchscreen. The XLT trim, popular among consumers, provided enhanced features like a power front passenger seat and a 6.5-inch instrument panel screen, while higher trims offered leather upholstery and additional luxury touches.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication, moving away from Volvo's boxy past. The XC90's design featured a sleek roofline, pronounced wheel arches, and the iconic "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. Inside, the XC90 embraced a "Scandinavian Modern" aesthetic with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The interior was marked by exquisite details like a crystal gear selector handle, emphasizing its luxury status. Volvo's commitment to a leather-free future was evident, though leather remained an option for those seeking ventilated seats.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, weighing in at 4,345 pounds, offered a range of powertrains. The base model featured a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Limited Hybrid variant increased power to 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, while higher trims boasted a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine, with the Explorer ST offering a robust 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Despite its focus on towing, with capacities ranging from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, the Explorer's performance was more about utility than sporty driving.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining gasoline and electric power for a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The XC90's driving experience was refined, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model. Fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 achieving up to 25 mpg combined, while the T8 offered 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range.

The 2021 Ford Explorer accommodated seven passengers in its base model, with captain's chairs reducing capacity to six in other trims. It offered 39 inches of second-row legroom, surpassing some competitors but falling short of others like the Kia Telluride. With the third row in use, the Explorer provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 81 cubic feet with seats folded, though this was less than some rivals.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. Cargo capacity was 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The XC90's towing capacity ranged from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds. The interior was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, and the air-conditioning system proved effective even in extreme heat.

The 2021 Ford Explorer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. Higher trims included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Charging options included USB ports and 12-volt power points, with a wireless charging pad available from the Limited trim.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system, with a 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, offered intuitive controls but was occasionally slow. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and optional head-up display enhanced driver information. The standard Harman Kardon sound system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system. The XC90 included USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care app for remote vehicle control.

The 2021 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. Additional safety features were available in higher trims, including adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's safety legacy, with features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping aid, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system offered semi-autonomous driving assistance. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.