2020 Ford Expedition vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and bright 22-inch rims, adding a touch of elegance to its already handsome figure. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive, while the subtle arching shoulder crease emphasized width and stability. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, creating a stunning visual appeal.

The XC90's interior was a testament to Volvo's craftsmanship, with options like matte wood trim and wool fabric seats in the Inscription models, and leather with aluminum or carbon-fiber trim in the R-Design. The seats were sculpted for comfort, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage. The rear seats were nearly as comfortable as the front, and the cabin was filled with rich leather and padded materials for both quality and safety. Details like the Swedish flag tag on the front passenger seat and the twist-action ignition knob highlighted the attention to detail. The vertical touchscreen integrated seamlessly into the dash, maintaining a theme of simplicity and quality.

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, featured a clean and somewhat conservative design that aged well over time. The King Ranch trim stood out with 22-inch aluminum wheels, a mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and exclusive gray-painted lower exterior trim. Special front fender emblems indicated its unique status within the lineup. The Star White metallic paint on the test SUV looked impressive, though the taillight shape and the body-colored roof C-pillar were minor design drawbacks.

Inside, the King Ranch trim boasted special Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, with numerous King Ranch cattle-brand logos. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the steering wheel was heated, providing a comfortable experience. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated, offering first-class accommodations. The third-row bench was genuinely comfortable for adults, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. Cargo space was ample, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row in the standard-length Expedition and 34.3 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase Expedition MAX. Folding the seats expanded the cargo area significantly, making it a versatile choice for carrying cargo and passengers.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added to the turbocharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune upgrade boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was also unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but the added weight negated the speed benefits, and the fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. The 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth power delivery, and the Expedition accelerated with enthusiasm. The rear-wheel-drive models offered 9.8 inches of ground clearance, while the MAX 4WD had 9.7 inches. Towing capacity was impressive, with the standard Expedition capable of towing 9,300 pounds with rear-drive and 9,200 pounds with 4WD. The Expedition MAX could tow 9,000 pounds. Fuel economy was decent, with an average of 17.7 mpg in the King Ranch with rear-wheel drive, slightly below the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous models, though it still had some quirks. The system controlled all climate functions, which could be inconvenient. The cabin layout was otherwise stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded, and sightlines from the driver's seat were excellent.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled at towing, carrying cargo, and hauling people. The King Ranch trim featured power running boards for easy access, and the front seats were heated and ventilated. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated, and the third-row bench was comfortable for adults. The independent rear suspension design improved ride and handling while conserving interior space. Cargo space was 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row in the standard-length Expedition and 34.3 cubic feet in the Expedition MAX. Folding the seats expanded the cargo area to 104.6 cubic feet in the standard model and 121.5 cubic feet in the MAX.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined 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, providing an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2020 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen, which felt small for such a large SUV. The system was easy to use but occasionally slow to respond. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, a navigation system, and an available Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. The rear-seat entertainment system had dual screens embedded into the front head restraints, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a helpful feature for towing.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), though the headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and advanced safety systems.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The ADAS worked well, providing smooth and accurate assistance. The Expedition received 5-star ratings in every NHTSA crash test and a 4-star rollover resistance rating.