2021 Ford Expedition vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum greeted us at Los Angeles International Airport, a welcome sight after a tiring redeye flight from Maui. With six passengers, each carrying a suitcase and a backpack, the plush and roomy interior of the Expedition was a relief. However, the SUV's inability to accommodate all our luggage became apparent, forcing one passenger to hold a suitcase on her lap for the 40-mile ride home. Despite this, the Expedition Platinum's luxurious features, including Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, and a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, made it a visually appealing and comfortable ride.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a sleek and modern design, moving away from Volvo's boxy past. The XC90's body appeared ready to launch forward, with a long, sleek roofline and pronounced wheel arches emphasizing its athleticism. The interior exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, a clear crystal gear selector handle, and an optional Nappa leather or tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's design and materials conveyed a sense of quality and luxury, making it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Ford Expedition came equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4WD. The engine produced 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm, except for the Platinum trim, which boasted 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, depending on the specification. The Expedition's acceleration was impressive, even with a full load, and the twin-turbo V6 emitted a pleasant engine note. However, the ride quality suffered due to the Platinum's 22-inch wheels, transmitting road shock into the cabin despite the adaptive damping suspension.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and controlled handling. The T8 Inscription extended range model provided spirited acceleration, with the electric motor eliminating turbo lag and smoothing power delivery. Fuel economy varied, with the T8 achieving 27 mpg combined on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large, wide seats for all passengers, including adults in the third row. However, the regular-length model struggled to transport more than five people and their luggage simultaneously. The Expedition MAX offered more cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 121.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. The independent rear suspension ensured comfort, and storage for odds and ends was plentiful. However, the high cargo floor's liftover height could be a challenge when loading heavy items.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 accommodated six or seven passengers, depending on the configuration. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 provided 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. Towing capacity ranged from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the powertrain. The XC90's interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a spacious cabin, enhanced by a standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well during a heat wave, providing a comfortable environment.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured the Sync 3 infotainment system, which, despite its age, offered a user-friendly interface. The 8-inch touchscreen display, however, appeared small and sometimes slow to respond. Sync 3 included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a navigation system. The test vehicle had a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging but lacked the available dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system provided tablet-like functionality with familiar gestures. However, it was occasionally glitchy and slow to respond. The 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen was well-positioned for easy access, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offered customization and crisp graphics. The $1,650 Advanced package included a head-up display, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, and an advanced air cleaner. The XC90 came with a standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound system, with an optional $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins upgrade for audiophiles. The SUV also featured multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2021 Ford Expedition had a safety advantage due to its weight, earning a five-star overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not performed crash tests on the SUV. The Expedition came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included 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 surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's commitment to safety, featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for minimal driver intervention on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.