2022 Ford Expedition vs 2023 Volvo XC90

Ford made several changes to the 2022 Expedition, including exterior styling revisions and updated infotainment tech. The front featured a new grille, headlights, and bumper, while the rear received revised taillights, tailgate trim, and a new bumper. Redesigned wheels were introduced across the model lineup. The 2022 Expedition came in various trims, including a new Timberline trim for off-road enthusiasts. The Stealth Edition packages added black 22-inch wheels and other unique exterior features. Inside, a redesigned dashboard housed the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with the latter featuring a 15.5-inch touchscreen display. The test model's MSRP was $80,155, including several options.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant departure from Volvo's older, boxy designs. The front end appeared stout and solid, with an assertive grille and modern "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The XC90's dimensions and shape leaned toward rectilinear but were far from the toaster-like designs of the past. The test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, had 21-inch wheels and Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones. Inside, the XC90's design was elegant, featuring two-tone leather, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The interior had a minimalist feel with wood deco inlays and few physical controls.

The 2022 Ford Expedition used a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. With 93-octane fuel, it could reach 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. The Stealth Edition Performance Package could boost these figures to 440 hp and 510 lb-ft. The V6 engine drove the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with 4WD as an option. Fuel economy ranged from 17 to 19 mpg in combined driving, with a towing capacity between 9,000 and 9,300 pounds. The Expedition's power was addictive, but its fuel economy was less impressive, with an observed 16.2 mpg. The sport-tuned suspension of the Stealth Edition Package contributed to a sometimes harsh ride quality. However, the Expedition was surprisingly easy to park and excelled on the highway, making it ideal for long road trips.

For 2023, Volvo replaced the older turbocharged 2.0-liter engines with new B5 and B6 engines, featuring mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 engine, used in the test car, produced 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness but didn't offer significant fuel-economy benefits. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The brakes inspired confidence, and road and wind noise were minimal. The XC90 didn't have extensive off-roading features but performed well in a New Hampshire snowstorm.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered exceptional comfort and ease of access, with power running boards and plenty of room for passengers. The test vehicle had power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and climate controls. The third-row seat was easy to access and comfortable, though headroom could be tight for taller passengers. Cargo space behind the third row was 19.3 cubic feet, expandable to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 104.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's front seats were peaceful and pleasant, but the interior had limited cubby space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult with the standard bench seat. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in place, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. This cargo capacity was less than some competitors. The XC90 drove like a smaller car, which was a plus for maneuverability.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured the next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The standard Sync 4 system included a 12-inch touchscreen, while Sync 4A offered a 15.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect, and a connected navigation system. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM, HD Radio, wireless smartphone charging, and premium sound systems. Sync 4A had some quirks, such as occasional issues with Apple CarPlay and voice recognition. The Expedition also offered an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV and Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran on Google OS, featuring Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant. The system's natural-language recognition was excellent, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, many key functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to some frustration. The minimalist design meant fewer physical buttons, which could be inconvenient for adjusting certain features. Despite these quirks, the Google OS system was impressive overall.

The 2022 Ford Expedition's safety features were grouped into three Ford Co-Pilot360 collections. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, a driver monitoring system, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, speed-limit-sign recognition, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. The King Ranch and Platinum trims included a surround-view camera system, rear automatic emergency braking, and Active Park Assist 2.0. The Expedition also offered Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving technology, which worked well but had some quirks.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, carrying a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The XC90's advanced driver safety tech included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which helped maintain distance and lane position. These safety features were standard on the 2023 XC90.