What To Know
- If you’re looking for a spacious and versatile SUV with a powerful engine and a wealth of features, the Volvo XC90 T8 is a great choice.
- However, the Ford Explorer is a strong value proposition, offering a spacious and versatile interior, a powerful engine, and a wealth of features at a more affordable price.
- If you’re looking for a luxurious and high-tech SUV with a powerful engine and a wealth of features, the Volvo XC90 T8 is an excellent choice.
When it comes to choosing a three-row SUV, the Ford Explorer and the Volvo XC90 T8 stand out as two of the most compelling options on the market. Both vehicles offer a spacious and versatile interior, a powerful and efficient powertrain, and a wealth of advanced features. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll put the Ford Explorer and the Volvo XC90 T8 head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Powertrain: A Tale of Two Engines
The Ford Explorer offers a range of engine options, including a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 engine, and a 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine. The Volvo XC90 T8, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of performance, the Volvo XC90 T8 has a clear advantage. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, while the Ford Explorer takes 6.1 seconds with the 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine. However, the Ford Explorer offers better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway compared to the Volvo XC90 T8’s 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
Interior and Cargo Space: Room for the Whole Family and Their Stuff
Both the Ford Explorer and the Volvo XC90 T8 offer spacious and comfortable interiors with seating for up to seven passengers. The Ford Explorer has a slightly larger cargo area behind the third row of seats, at 18.2 cubic feet compared to the Volvo XC90 T8’s 14.1 cubic feet. However, the Volvo XC90 T8 offers more cargo space with the second and third rows folded down, at 85.7 cubic feet compared to the Ford Explorer’s 87.8 cubic feet.
In terms of interior features, both vehicles come standard with a wealth of amenities, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a premium audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. The Volvo XC90 T8 offers a few more standard features, such as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a hands-free power liftgate.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features: A Commitment to Protection
The Ford Explorer and the Volvo XC90 T8 both come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. These include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Volvo XC90 T8 offers a few more advanced features, such as a 360-degree camera system and a semi-autonomous driving mode called Pilot Assist.
Price and Value: Which SUV Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck?
The Ford Explorer has a starting price of $33,245, while the Volvo XC90 T8 starts at $63,200. This significant price difference is largely due to the Volvo XC90 T8’s more powerful engine, more extensive standard features, and more advanced safety features.
Which SUV is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious and versatile SUV with a powerful engine and a wealth of features, the Volvo XC90 T8 is a great choice. However, if you’re on a budget or you prioritize fuel economy, the Ford Explorer is a strong contender.
The Verdict: A Close Call, but the Volvo XC90 T8 Edges Out the Ford Explorer
In a close battle between two highly capable SUVs, the Volvo XC90 T8 emerges as the winner. It offers a more powerful engine, more standard features, more advanced safety features, and a more luxurious interior. However, the Ford Explorer is a strong value proposition, offering a spacious and versatile interior, a powerful engine, and a wealth of features at a more affordable price.
In a nutshell: Choosing the SUV that Matches Your Lifestyle
The choice between the Ford Explorer and the Volvo XC90 T8 is a personal one. Consider your budget, your lifestyle, and your priorities. If you’re looking for a luxurious and high-tech SUV with a powerful engine and a wealth of features, the Volvo XC90 T8 is an excellent choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable SUV with a spacious interior and a powerful engine, the Ford Explorer is a great option. No matter which SUV you choose, you’ll be getting a vehicle that will serve you well for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Volvo XC90 T8 has a more powerful engine, with a combined output of 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque compared to the Ford Explorer’s 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2. Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Ford Explorer has a more spacious interior, with a slightly larger cargo area behind the third row of seats and more cargo space with the second and third rows folded down.
3. Q: Which SUV has more standard features?
A: The Volvo XC90 T8 has more standard features, such as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a hands-free power liftgate.
4. Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Ford Explorer is more fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway compared to the Volvo XC90 T8’s 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
5. Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Ford Explorer and the Volvo XC90 T8 have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).