2022 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV styling compared to other small luxury crossovers, featuring a tall, flat roof and an upright rear hatch. It seamlessly integrated with the rest of the Volvo lineup, showcasing signature elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a unique touch with a white contrasting roof, adding a retro flair. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. It also featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a distinct rear bumper, and an exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a coherent and pleasing design.

The 2022 Ford Expedition underwent several changes, including exterior styling revisions and updated infotainment technology. It featured a new grille, headlights, and bumper at the front, while the rear received revised taillights, tailgate trim, and a new bumper. The Expedition was available in XLT, Limited, and Platinum trims, with a standard four-wheel drive drivetrain in Canada. The Timberline trim catered to off-road enthusiasts with all-terrain tires and suspension modifications. Inside, the Expedition boasted a redesigned dashboard housing the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with a 15.5-inch touchscreen display available. The interior offered power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a spacious cabin with ample legroom and comfort for all passengers.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring one electric motor per axle for all-wheel drive, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. It had a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with 75 kWh of usable capacity, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and the capability for one-pedal driving. The Recharge model also had a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2022 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, with some versions offering a high-output variant. The standard engine produced 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with the potential for 400 hp and 480 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. The Stealth Edition Performance Package increased output to 440 hp and 510 lb-ft. The V6 engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering a towing capacity of up to 4,173 kg. The Expedition excelled in highway driving, with a comfortable cabin and impressive technology. However, the sport-tuned suspension and large wheels contributed to a sometimes harsh ride quality. The Expedition was surprisingly easy to park, with excellent visibility and parking aids, making it suitable for urban and suburban environments.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered no difference in passenger or cargo space between the Recharge and gasoline models. However, it was not particularly spacious, with less legroom and headroom compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The cargo area was also smaller, and the frunk was limited due to powertrain hardware. Despite this, Volvo provided clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and a bag hook in the glovebox door. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. A wireless charging pad was optional, but second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in interior space, offering comfort levels unmatched by many vehicles. It featured power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a spacious cabin with ample legroom. The second-row captain’s chairs provided comfort and climate controls, while the third-row seat offered outstanding leg support. Cargo room behind the third row measured 546 litres, with the option to fold seats for increased space. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo capacity, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, offering Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability for software-controlled vehicle functions. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. Recharge models lacked a start button, allowing drivers to shift out of park with the key fob present.

The 2022 Ford Expedition introduced the Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with a 12-inch or optional 15.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, FordPass Connect, and a connected navigation system. Sync 4A offered an upgraded voice-recognition system and an adaptive dashcard interface. The Expedition also featured a Bang & Olufsen audio system, with a 22-speaker option available. The technology included Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 and an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, allowing for future driver aid advancements.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered three Ford Co-Pilot360 packages, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Expedition also introduced Road Edge Detection and Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving technology, enhancing safety and convenience.