2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Ford Explorer

Volvo subtly updated the styling of the 2022 XC60, giving it a sportier look with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper that conceals the tailpipes. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, maintaining a clean interior design with a new digital instrument cluster. While the B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, the overall interior remained subdued compared to other Volvo models. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a range of models, including the new ST-Line trim, which added a sporty look to the XLT version. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline, giving it an athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars created a "floating roof" effect. The interior of higher-trim Explorers combined quality and questionable materials, with features like triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. However, the third-row seat was cramped for adults, and practical storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage solutions.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 version 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 and came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60 B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's standout features were its quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge delivered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims featured a 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The hybrid drivetrain, available on the Limited trim, combined a 3.3-litre V6 engine for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kg. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, standard on the ST and Platinum trims, produced 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,540 kg. The Explorer's ride felt robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and offered an engaging driving experience. The sport-tuned Explorer ST provided additional performance features, including black 21-inch wheels and performance brakes.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 611 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. The third-row seat was suitable only for children due to limited space. Higher trims featured amenities like triple-zone climate control and massaging front seats. However, practical storage was lacking, with limited centre console space and missed opportunities for additional storage solutions. The Explorer provided 528 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,264 litres with the third row folded, and 2,132 litres 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 Wi-Fi hotspot. The system included 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 infotainment redesign featured a new layout with sideways swiping for menu access.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system included FordPass Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and navigation. Higher trims featured wireless charging, a surround-view camera, and a Bang and Olufsen sound system. The older Sync 3 system had limitations in voice recognition and functionality compared to the newer Sync 4 technology available in other Ford models. The Platinum trim included a 12.3-inch digital display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" 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, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. An optional driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The NHTSA had not published complete ratings for 2022, but the 2021 model received five-star ratings except for a four-star rollover rating. 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-centring assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also featured post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions.