2021 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 added a blacked-out, honeycomb grille, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and bright 22-inch rims, enhancing its already handsome figure. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive features that made the XC90 instantly recognizable. The interior, with its Thunder Grey Metallic paint contrasted by beige-leather and aluminum, exuded luxury and craftsmanship, highlighted by details like the Swedish flag tag on the front passenger seat and the twist-action ignition knob.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum was a sight for sore eyes after a long flight, offering plush and roomy accommodations. The Platinum trim, the most luxurious in the lineup, featured a Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, and a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package. Despite its impressive exterior with a chrome grille and 22-inch machined-face aluminum wheels, the Expedition struggled to accommodate all passengers' luggage, highlighting a practical shortcoming. However, the extended-length MAX version could have resolved this issue, offering ample space for both passengers and cargo.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with 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, with a supercharger added to the turbocharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune further boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's fuel economy was unimpressive, averaging 20 mpg on the highway. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque but didn't significantly improve speed or fuel economy. The XC90's handling was comfortable but lacked sportiness, with lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and either RWD or 4WD. The engine produced 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, with the Platinum trim boosting these figures to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. The Expedition's towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and it offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology. The ride quality was affected by the Platinum's 22-inch wheels, transmitting road shock into the cabin despite the adaptive damping suspension. The FX4 Off-Road Package added off-road capabilities, but the test vehicle averaged only 17.1 mpg.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous models, though some functions were buried in menus. The cabin layout was 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 tight and suitable only 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 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large, wide seats for all passengers, including adults in the third row. The independent rear suspension ensured comfort, and storage for odds and ends was plentiful. Cargo volume expanded from 19.3 cubic feet to 57.5 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded, and the maximum volume behind the front seats was 104.6 cubic feet. The Expedition MAX offered even more space, with up to 121.5 cubic feet of cargo room.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a phenomenal Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-res and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, though aging, remained user-friendly. The 8-inch touchscreen was small and sometimes slow to respond. Sync 3 included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a navigation system. The test vehicle had a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless smartphone charging but lacked the available dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety scores from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the latter's 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 airbag systems.

The 2021 Ford Expedition earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover-resistance rating was lower with RWD. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, semi-autonomous parking assistance, and a 360-degree camera system.