2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Ford Explorer

Volvo made subtle styling changes to the 2022 XC60, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look, a rear bumper that hides the tailpipes, and new wheel designs. The front grille was reworked to move sensors behind the heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, adding flair to an otherwise subdued interior. The Inscription trim level offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Ford Explorer lineup included eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. New for 2022 was the Explorer ST-Line, adding a sporty look to the XLT version. The King Ranch model, priced at $59,880 with options, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof. Visually, the King Ranch had emblems, 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets but looked similar to other trims. The Explorer's rear-drive platform allowed for a long hood and athletic appearance, with blacked-out roof pillars creating a "floating roof" effect. Inside, the King Ranch had exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. The cabin mixed quality and questionable materials, reflecting its near $60,000 price tag.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also included an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD and the B6 in AWD only. The B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid had a 2.0-liter engine, rear electric motor, and AWD, producing 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, with a 0-60 mph time of 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims had a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and RWD or 4WD. It towed up to 5,300 pounds and achieved 24 mpg combined. The Limited trim offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-liter V6, producing 318 hp and 322 lb-ft, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and achieving 27 mpg combined. The ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims featured a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft, towing up to 5,600 lbs and achieving 21 mpg combined. The King Ranch 4WD averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer felt robust and capable off-road, with the Timberline model offering 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The King Ranch provided a comfortable and athletic driving experience, while the sport-tuned ST offered enhanced performance features.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average in both rows. Mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them down. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo space at 21.1 and 49.3 cubic feet, respectively. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, despite a somewhat pinched roofline.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. The third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. The King Ranch model featured triple-zone climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. Massaging front seats and 14-way power adjustment for the driver were standard. Practical storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage in the front door armrests and dashboard. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, providing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a head-up display and upgraded audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins. The new system integrated Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The system supported over-the-air updates and was compatible with iPhones, though without Google profile syncing. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.1-inch portrait-style touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The King Ranch model included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system struggled with voice recognition and commands, highlighting the need for an upgrade to Sync 4. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and Active Park Assist 2.0 for autonomous parking.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. The optional Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for all trims. The NHTSA had not published complete ratings for 2022, but the 2021 model received five-star ratings except for rollover resistance, which was four stars. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360 with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. Additional safety features included post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions. The Co-Pilot360 system operated smoothly but had issues with steering wheel sensitivity and braking in moderate traffic.