2021 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its design, adding character while maintaining recognizable Volvo elements. Unlike Lexus's radical styling revamp, Volvo kept traditional features like a boxy profile and a blunt front end with a rectangular grille. The XC90's softer lines, increased chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights added a modern touch. The Inscription trim, with extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively. The XC90 shared Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other "90" and "60" series models, emphasizing its car-based crossover nature.

Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism" with thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials. The matte-finish wood trim and wool upholstery option stood out, while the Orrefors crystal shifter added a high-end touch. The interior's restrained design avoided overwhelming flash, focusing on a clean and functional aesthetic.

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum greeted us at Los Angeles International Airport, a welcome sight after a restless redeye flight. The Platinum trim, the most luxurious in the Expedition lineup, featured Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, and second-row captain’s chairs. However, the Expedition's cargo space fell short, unable to accommodate all our luggage, forcing one passenger to carry a suitcase on her lap for the 40-mile ride.

Despite this, the Expedition Platinum impressed with its bold presence, intricate chrome grille, massive 22-inch wheels, and brightwork. The extended-length MAX version would have solved our cargo issue, offering ample space for passengers and luggage. The Expedition's leather-lined cabin, though featuring some hard plastic, provided comfort for our six-person crew, with the front seats offering a massage function.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all built around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine, turbocharged, produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine, both turbocharged and supercharged, increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8.

Despite the 400 hp, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90 Recharge's electric power was limited, often requiring gasoline engine assistance. The XC90 offered three drive modes—Pure (all-electric), Hybrid, and Power—but Pure mode was only practical at low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and maintained a quiet cabin. Most XC90 models had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, with the base FWD T5 rated at 4,000 pounds.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive or 4WD. The engine produced 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with the Platinum trim boosting output to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, depending on the specification. Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology allowed for easy trailer maneuvering.

The Expedition's acceleration impressed, even with a full load, and the twin-turbo V6 emitted a pleasant engine note. The transmission, steering, and brakes performed well. The Platinum's 22-inch wheels affected ride quality, transmitting road shock into the cabin, but the four-wheel independent suspension kept the SUV stable. The FX4 Off-Road Package, available on XLT and Limited models, added off-road capabilities, but our Platinum test vehicle stuck to pavement, averaging 17.1 mpg.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom were average, with tight third-row space and hard, unsupportive seats. The optional power moonroof and upright roof profile created a spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Storage space was limited, with a shallow center console and minimal console storage. Cargo space for the T8 Recharge model was near the bottom of the segment, with 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. A hands-free power tailgate was available.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large, wide seats for all passengers, including adults in the third row. The front seats offered a massage function, while the independent rear suspension ensured comfort. Storage was plentiful, with cargo volume expanding from 19.3 cubic feet to 57.5 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded, and 104.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Expedition MAX offered even more space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 121.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. The high cargo floor's liftover height was a consideration when loading heavy items.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. The standard 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and built-in WiFi hotspot provided modern connectivity. Two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports were standard, with a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and head-up display available. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though the text and typeface could be challenging to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, though aging, remained user-friendly. The 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, FordPass Connect services, 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and navigation system were standard. Amazon Alexa compatibility and enhanced voice recognition were also included. The test vehicle featured a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging, but lacked the available dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system. This setup included dual viewing screens, a DVD player, gaming system inputs, and streaming capabilities.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle testing. The NHTSA awarded all XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, offering smooth and quick reactions, though it struggled with highway curves.

The 2021 Ford Expedition, with a minimum 5,368-pound curb weight, had a safety advantage. The NHTSA gave the Expedition a five-star overall crash-test rating, though the RWD model received a three-star rollover-resistance rating, and the 4WD model earned four stars. Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features 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. Limited trim and above offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, semi-autonomous parking assistance, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. The lane-keeping technology was helpful on narrow freeways, though Ford's BlueCruise technology was not yet available.