Comparison - Volvo XC90 T8 R-Design 2020 - vs - Ford Explorer Timberline 2021

General

Other Names:

Also called:

XC Classic (China)

Also called:

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2020 Volvo XC90 - The Swedish king of crossovers
2020 Volvo XC90 R-Design Test Drive Video Review
The Volvo That Changed The Game | 2020 Volvo XC90 T8
2020 Volvo XC90 | Ageing Gracefully
Review | 2017 Volvo XC90
What Is The Best Luxury SUV? Q7 v Cayenne v XC90 v Range Rover Sport | Drive.com.au ​
LUXURY! 2021 Volvo XC90 Recharge Review
Is the 2021 Volvo XC90 the ULTIMATE midsize luxury SUV
Is the 2021 Ford Explorer ST a performance SUV you should buy?
2022 Ford Explorer Timberline AWD Review and Snow Test
Is the 2022 Ford Explorer ST a BETTER performance SUV than an Audi SQ7?
Ford Explorer King Ranch - Interior & Exterior Lighting Overview
2016 Ford Explorer - Off-Road Review
2020 Ford Explorer ST Review | A Fast & Family Friendly SUV
2016 / 2017 Ford Explorer Review and Road Test
Is the 2023 Ford Explorer a BETTER midsize SUV to BUY than a Honda Pilot?
Make: 
Model: 
Average Price: 
$
62,600
Updated: 
19 Oct 2019
$
45,765
Updated: 
21 May 2021
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2020
2021
Total Seating: 
7
6
Transmission: 
8-speed Automatic
10-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
4
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
18.50gals
17.90gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Ice White
#FBFDFE
Bursting Blue Metallic
#316185
Crystal White Metallic
#FFFFFF
Osmium Grey Metallic
#627C8B
Thunder Grey Metallic
#586377
Onyx Black Metallic
#060A11
Color: 
Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
#FDFFFB
Agate Black Metallic
#303030
Iconic Silver Metallic
#C7CAD0
Forged Green Metallic
#374448
Carbonized Gray Metallic
#4F453E

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

The 2020 Volvo XC90 Hybrid comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed automatic.Lightly refreshed exterior design.Six-seat option available for T6 and T8 Momentum and Inscription models.Digital driver display and road sign identification now standard.Expected increase in EV range for T8 plug-in hybrid.

Pros
Elegant interior and exterior styling
Precise handling that inspires confidence
Spacious second- and third-row seating for a midsize SUV
Many standard safety technology features
Available as a plug-in hybrid

Cons
Overly busy ride quality for a vehicle in its class
Comes up short in performance and real-world fuel economy
Some touchscreen controls can be hard to use

By: 
edmunds.com

The XC90 receives a visual freshening for 2020 by way of a new grille and front bumper; Volvo also has restyled the XC90's wheels. Base Momentum models now come with low-profile roof rails and integrated tailpipes while sporty R-Design models swap matte silver exterior trim for gloss black. All XC90 models now come standard with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, R-Design and Inscription trims gain front parking sensors as standard, and Volvo has tweaked the operation of both the rear cross-traffic alert feature and added active-steering support for the City Safety driver-assistance feature.

Pros
Sleek exterior, chic cabin, a plethora of standard driver-assistance features.

Cons
Unrefined engine sounds, flinty ride, laggy infotainment response upon startup.

By: 
caranddriver.com

The 2020 Volvo XC90's #11 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Midsize SUVs category. Currently the Volvo XC90 has a score of 7.6 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 39 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

Pros
First-rate cabin materials
Spacious seating and cargo areas
Many standard tech and safety features
Good fuel economy

Cons
Poor predicted reliability rating
Tepid performance from base engine
Jittery ride when equipped with larger wheels

By: 
usnews.com

For 2021 New Sport Appearance package available on XLT trim.More affordable version of the Explorer ST debuts.Platinum trim is now available for the Hybrid model.New off-road-themed Timberline debuts midway through the model year.

Pros
Strong engines for quick acceleration
Rear-wheel-drive platform improves handling and towing
Roomy cargo area

Cons
Too much wind noise at highway speeds
The price can get frighteningly expensive in a hurry
Lackluster interior material quality

By: 
edmunds.com

Ford has made a few tweaks to its mid-size crossover for 2021, Off-road enthusiasts may find the new Timberline trim interesting; it features a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and more rugged exterior styling cues.

Pros
Smooth and controlled ride,
cargo friendly interior design,
comfortable front seats.

Cons
Third row space is tight,
plasticky interior bits,
most desirable models are pricey.

By: 
caranddriver.com

The 2021 Ford Explorer's #16 ranking is based on its score within the Midsize SUVs category. Currently the Ford Explorer has a score of 7.6 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 28 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

Pros
Good cargo capacity
Powerful engines
Plenty of features
Composed ride and handling

Cons
Low-rent interior
Second- and third-row seats less comfortable than in rivals
Upgraded infotainment system not much of an upgrade

By: 
usnews.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Premium Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
18.00mpg
20.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
26.00mpg
27.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
16
16
Cylinders: 
4
Inline
4
Inline
Engine Size/Displacement: 
2.00L
2.30L
Torque: 
295ft-lbs
at 2 200rpm
310ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
Horsepower: 
316hp
at 5 700rpm
300hp
at 5 500rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
no
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
no
yes
Side view Camera: 
no
yes
On steering wheel: 
Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
More in Convenience: 
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)
Cooled Storage Compartment
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry
Keyless Ignition
Leather And Alloy Steering Wheel
Adaptive Cruise Control
Keyless Ignition
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry
Rear Parking Sensors
Leather Steering Wheel

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
194.90in
198.80in
Width: 
79.10in
78.90in
Height: 
69.90in
69.90in
Wheel Base: 
117.50in
119.10in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
38.90
40.70
Rear Head Room: 
38.50
40.50
Front Leg Room: 
40.90in
43.00in
Rear leg room: 
37.00in
39.00in
Front Hip Room: 
56.00in
59.20in
Front Shoulder Room: 
57.70in
61.80in
Rear Hip Room: 
56.50in
59.10in
Rear Shoulder room: 
56.50in
61.90in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
85.70cu.ft
87.80cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5300lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
15.80cu.ft
18.20cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
21.00degrees
Angle of Departure: 
22.00degrees
Curb Weight: 
4623.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
no
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
Hands-Free Entry
4 One-Touch Power Windows
Heated Mirrors
2 One-Touch Power Windows
Hands-Free Entry
Heated Mirrors

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
Height Adjustable Passenger Seat
Premium Leather
Sport Front Seats
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
8 -Way Power Passenger Seat
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
8 -Way Power Driver Seat
Passenger Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Driver Seat Thigh Extension
2 -Way Manual Passenger Seat Adjustment
4 -Way Power Passenger Seat
8 -Way Power Driver Seat
Bucket Front Seats
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Height Adjustable Passenger Seat
Leatherette
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Passenger Seat With Manual Adjustable Lumbar Support
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding center armrest
Manual Folding Split-Bench Third Row Seats
Rear Ventilation Ducts With Fan Control
Reclining Rear Seats
Split-Folding Rear Seatback
Folding center armrest
Manual Folding Split-Bench Third Row Seats
Multi-Level Heating
Rear Ventilation Ducts With Fan Control
Folding Rear Seatback

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Stabilizer Bar
Rear Suspension: 
Stabilizer Bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Four Zone Climate Control
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Three Zone Climate Control

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
no
no
More Entertainment: 
Harman/Kardon Premium Brand Speakers
600 Watts Stereo Output
3 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
14 Total Speakers
Auxiliary Audio Input And USB With External Media Control
USB Connection
1 Subwoofer(S)
3 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
6 Total Speakers
USB Connection
USB With External Media Control
Speed Sensitive Volume Control

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
20 X 8.0 In.
18 In.
Wheels more: 
All Season Tires
Painted Alloy Wheels
Temporary Spare Tire
Underbody Mounted Spare Tire
All Terrain Tires
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
275.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
45
Diameter: 
R20
Width: 
265.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
65
Diameter: 
R18

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Ventilated Disc Brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
Ventilated Disc Brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
no
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
no
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Cornering Lights
Turn Signal Mirrors
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Rear Power Adjustable Headrests
Pre-Collision Safety System
Self-Leveling Headlights
Emergency Braking Preparation
Rear Center 3-Point Belt
Post-Collision Safety System
LED Headlamp
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
LED Headlamp
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
Dual Front With Head Protection Chambers Side-Mounted Airbags
Emergency Braking Preparation
Front, Rear And Third Row Head Airbags
Post-Collision Safety System
Pre-Collision Safety System
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
4-Wheel ABS
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests

Options

Packages: 
Advanced Package
Equipment Group 800A
Smoker's Package
Exterior Options: 
22" 5-Double Spoke Black Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
Outfitters Cargo - MegaWarrior
Roof-Rail Crossbars
Outfitters Bike - Front Loader
Outfitters Cargo - Skybox
Splash Guards
Dual Panel Moonroof
Wheel Lock Kit
License Plate Bracket
Interior Options: 
Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System
Charcoal Headliner
Integrated Center Booster Cushion 2nd Row
Heated Steering Wheel & Rear Seats
Cargo Mat
Dual-Headrest DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Charcoal, premium leather
#2D2D2F
Blonde, premium leather
#D0CFCD
Color: 
Deep Cypress, leatherette
#556C75