2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Ford Explorer
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Volvo XC90 is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford Explorer scores 7.5 out of 10. Although both SUVs offer robust performance, practical interiors, and a plethora of technology and safety features, the Volvo XC90 edges out slightly with its blend of luxury, efficient hybrid options, and top-tier safety ratings. For those prioritizing upscale design and cutting-edge hybrid tech, the XC90 is the recommended choice.
Choose the 2021 Ford Explorer if:
Shop Now- You need ample cargo space and superior second-row legroom.
- You desire strong towing capacity and a range of powerful engines.
- You appreciate a well-rounded tech suite across various trim levels with substantial upgrades.
Choose the 2021 Volvo XC90 if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a luxurious, minimalist design with high-quality materials.
- You want advanced hybrid efficiency with a sophisticated powertrain.
- You seek comprehensive standard safety features with excellent crash test ratings.
Overview | |
MSRP$49,000 | MSRP$32,925 |
Average price$41,396 | Average price$31,423 |
Listings1553 | Listings5002 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2021 Volvo XC90 Reviews SummaryVolvo may be known for sensible station wagons, but the XC90 SUV is the Swedish automaker’s de facto flagship. The current generation debuted design features, technology, and powertrains that have since found their way into most other Volvo models. Several years into the current-generation model’s lifecycle, the XC90 is no longer a trendsetter, but remains Volvo’s contender in the competitive midsize luxury SUV segment, with the automaker’s typical emphasis on safety features. The current-generation XC90 launched for the 2016 model year, so most competitors—including the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class—have been updated or redesigned since then. The Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator didn’t even exist when this generation of XC90 launched. A redesigned version is expected to arrive soon, so changes to the 2021 XC90 are minimal. All 2021 Volvo models are now limited to 112 mph for safety reasons and get Care Key, which lets owners limit the top speed before loaning the car out to a friend or family member. The XC90 also gets a handful of newly standard tech features, and some small cosmetic changes. Volvo offers the XC90 in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with three powertrain options: T5 and T6 gasoline engines, and the T8 plug-in hybrid. Our test car was a range-topping T8 Recharge Inscription, combining the top Inscription trim level with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which has the highest output of the three. | |
2021 Ford Explorer Reviews SummaryThere 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 | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 250 hp I4 | Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower250 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower |
MPG City21 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway30 | MPG Highway28 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 250 hp I4 | Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower250 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway30 | MPG Highway28 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.8 cu ft | Cargo Space18.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight4374 lbs | Curb Weight4345 lbs |
Height69.9 in | Height69.9 in |
Length195.0 in | Length198.8 in |
Width84.3 in | Width89.3 in |
Wheelbase117.5 in | Wheelbase119.1 in |
Maximum Payload1631 lbs | Maximum Payload1425 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity4000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity5300 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Volvo XC90 is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford Explorer scores 7.5 out of 10. Although both SUVs offer robust performance, practical interiors, and a plethora of technology and safety features, the Volvo XC90 edges out slightly with its blend of luxury, efficient hybrid options, and top-tier safety ratings. For those prioritizing upscale design and cutting-edge hybrid tech, the XC90 is the recommended choice.
Choose the 2021 Ford Explorer if:
Shop Now- You need ample cargo space and superior second-row legroom.
- You desire strong towing capacity and a range of powerful engines.
- You appreciate a well-rounded tech suite across various trim levels with substantial upgrades.
Choose the 2021 Volvo XC90 if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a luxurious, minimalist design with high-quality materials.
- You want advanced hybrid efficiency with a sophisticated powertrain.
- You seek comprehensive standard safety features with excellent crash test ratings.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $49,000 | $32,925 |
Average price | $41,396 | $31,423 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 5.0 | 4.8 |
Expert reviews | 7.7 out of 10Read full review | 7.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Volvo may be known for sensible station wagons, but the XC90 SUV is the Swedish automaker’s de facto flagship. The current generation debuted design features, technology, and powertrains that have since found their way into most other Volvo models. Several years into the current-generation model’s lifecycle, the XC90 is no longer a trendsetter, but remains Volvo’s contender in the competitive midsize luxury SUV segment, with the automaker’s typical emphasis on safety features. The current-generation XC90 launched for the 2016 model year, so most competitors—including the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class—have been updated or redesigned since then. The Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Aviator didn’t even exist when this generation of XC90 launched. A redesigned version is expected to arrive soon, so changes to the 2021 XC90 are minimal. All 2021 Volvo models are now limited to 112 mph for safety reasons and get Care Key, which lets owners limit the top speed before loaning the car out to a friend or family member. The XC90 also gets a handful of newly standard tech features, and some small cosmetic changes. Volvo offers the XC90 in three trim levels—Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription—with three powertrain options: T5 and T6 gasoline engines, and the T8 plug-in hybrid. Our test car was a range-topping T8 Recharge Inscription, combining the top Inscription trim level with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which has the highest output of the three. | 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 | 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 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 250 hp I4 | 2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | |
Horsepower | 250 hp @ 5500 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 30 | 28 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.8 cu ft | 18.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4374 lbs | 4345 lbs |
Height | 69.9 in | 69.9 in |
Length | 195.0 in | 198.8 in |
Width | 84.3 in | 89.3 in |
Wheelbase | 117.5 in | 119.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1631 lbs | 1425 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 4000 lbs | 5300 lbs |
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.