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Ford Explorer vs. Volvo XC90

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer and Volvo XC90 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Ford Explorer and the Volvo XC90.

When comparing the Ford Explorer's and the Volvo XC90's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Volvo XC90 has the advantage in the area of reliability. The Ford Explorer and Volvo XC90 have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer's and the Volvo XC90's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Volvo XC90.

Pricing: A used 2024 Ford Explorer ranges from $39,237 to $59,113 while a used 2024 Volvo XC90 is priced between $56,839 to $72,351. For a new model, the Ford Explorer's price is between $40,144 and $62,004, with the Volvo XC90 priced between $58,080 and $74,643.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Explorer loses 47.6 percent of its value and the Volvo XC90 loses 54.4 percent of its value. This means the Ford Explorer retains 6.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volvo XC90.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.7 out of 10 while the Volvo XC90's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 7 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Volvo XC90 being ranked 7 out of 22 Best Luxury Large SUVs.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.5 out of 10. For the Volvo XC90 the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Volvo XC90 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the Volvo XC90 base engine makes 247 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 501 miles. The XC90 is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 508 miles. This gives the Volvo XC90 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Explorer. The Explorer uses regular unleaded, and the XC90 uses premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Explorer, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Ford Explorer and the Volvo XC90 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Ford Explorer has the better rating with a Top Safety Pick+ award compared to the Volvo XC90’s Top Safety Pick award.

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Model & Pricing
Ford Explorer
Volvo XC90

2024 Ford Explorer
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Ford Explorer for Sale

2024 Volvo XC90
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Volvo XC90 for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

$40,144 - $62,004

Starting MSRP:

$36,860

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

$37,697

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$31,990 - $43,320

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

$58,080 - $74,643

Starting MSRP:

$56,600

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

$88,803

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

$43,900 - $155,295

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$47,137

Price Range:

$39,237 - $59,113

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

$47,563

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

$40,678 - $66,020

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

2,001

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

3,213

# Good or Great Deals:

309

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$64,068

Price Range:

$56,839 - $72,351

Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

$108,428

Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

$48,353 - $235,429

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

811

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

10,013

# Good or Great Deals:

315

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

Depreciation %:

Resale Value $:

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)

46.3%

Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

27.5% - 53.5%

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

$31,258

Depreciation %:

55.2%

Resale Value $:

$25,342

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

57%

Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

42.8% - 61.5%

Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.7 / 10

Reliability:

8.5 / 10

Retained Value:

7.5 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10

Volvo XC90 Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.2 / 10

Reliability:

8.6 / 10

Retained Value:

7.1 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

9.1

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

10.4

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

8.6 - 13.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

19.5%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volvo XC90

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

9.7

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

10.4

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

8.5 - 18.9

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

22.4%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.2

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

3.6

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.6 - 14.8

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

4.1

Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

3.1

Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Large SUVs)

1.5 - 32.7

Ford Explorer Rankings

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

2 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

2 / 10

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

3 / 18

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

3 / 17

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

4 / 39

Safest Crossover SUVs

5 / 67

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 39

Safest Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

6 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 67

Best Family Crossover SUVs

6 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

6 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

6 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 32

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

6 / 32

Best Family Midsize SUVs

6 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs

7 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs

8 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 39

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

9 / 67

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 39

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

10 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

11 / 39

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

12 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

13 / 39

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

13 / 39

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

13 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

13 / 16

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

14 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

14 / 21

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

15 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

15 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

16 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

17 / 67

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 39

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 34

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

17 / 32

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

20 / 39

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

20 / 28

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

22 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

22 / 39

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

23 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

25 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

28 / 30

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

29 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

37 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

53 / 59

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

59 / 67

Volvo XC90 Rankings

Best Off-road Luxury Crossover SUVs

2 / 68

Best Luxury Large SUVs Under $60k

2 / 2

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

3 / 68

Most Affordable Luxury Large SUVs

3 / 19

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs Under $60k

3 / 13

Best Luxury Large SUVs for the Money

3 / 11

Best Family Luxury Crossover SUVs

4 / 68

Luxury Large SUVs with Best Resale Value

4 / 22

Best Family Luxury Large SUVs

4 / 22

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows Under $60k

4 / 8

Best Family Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 29

Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs

6 / 68

Best Luxury Large SUVs

7 / 22

Most Affordable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

8 / 26

Best Off-road Luxury Large SUVs

8 / 22

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs

9 / 68

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 29

Best Off-road Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

9 / 29

Most Reliable Luxury Large SUVs

10 / 22

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

11 / 29

Luxury Large SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

11 / 22

Most Reliable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

12 / 29

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

12 / 29

Most Comfortable Luxury Large SUVs

15 / 22

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs for Towing

18 / 68

Best Luxury Large SUVs for Tall People

18 / 22

Luxury Large SUVs with the Most Legroom

18 / 22

Best Luxury Large SUVs for Towing

19 / 22

Most Comfortable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows

22 / 29

Luxury Large SUVs with the Most Horsepower

22 / 22

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

24 / 29

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

24 / 29

Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

25 / 29

Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

26 / 29

Most Affordable Luxury Crossover SUVs

37 / 59

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

38 / 68

Most Comfortable Luxury Crossover SUVs

38 / 68

Luxury Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

39 / 68

Best Luxury Crossover SUVs for Tall People

47 / 68

Luxury Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

49 / 68

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Flex Fuel, Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Ford Explorer Trim Levels

Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Timberline, XLT

Volvo XC90 Trim Levels

B5 Core Bright Theme, B5 Plus Bright Theme, B6 Core Bright Theme, B6 Plus Bright Theme 6P, B6 Plus Bright Theme 7P, B6 Ultimate Bright Theme 6P, B6 Ultimate Bright Theme 7P

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

4 years

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

TOP SAFETY PICK +

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

TOP SAFETY PICK

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

300 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.069 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

247 hp @ 5400 rpm

Torque:

258 foot-lbs @ 1800 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.054 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.3 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

RWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


21 / 28 / 24

Range (city/hwy):

376 / 501 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


22 / 27 / 24

Range (city/hwy):

414 / 508 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Automatic Parking:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Massage Seats:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Roadside assistance:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Seats

Standard

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Massage Seats:

Available

Navigation System:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Quad Seats:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Standard

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Air Suspension:

Available

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

Standard

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.7 inches

Front Leg Room:

43 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

61.8 inches

Rear Head Room:

40.5 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

61.9 inches

Cargo Space:

18.2 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

87.8 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

170.0 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

38.9 inches

Front Leg Room:

40.9 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.7 inches

Rear Head Room:

38.5 inches

Rear Leg Room:

37 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

56.6 inches

Cargo Space:

15.8 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

85.7 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

119.6 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4345 lbs

Width:

89.3 inches

Height:

69.9 inches

Length:

198.8 inches

Wheelbase:

119.1 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.9 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4589 lbs

Width:

84.3 inches

Height:

69.9 inches

Length:

195 inches

Wheelbase:

117.5 inches

Ground Clearance:

8.5 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

255/65R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

19.0 x 8.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

235/55R19

Exterior Colors

Black

Agate Black

Gray

Carbonized Gray

Green

Forged Green

Silver

Iconic Silver

White

Oxford White

Blue

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Onyx Black Metallic

Gray

Bright Dusk Metallic / Platinum Grey Metallic / Vapour Grey Metallic

Green

Not available

Silver

Silver Dawn Metallic

White

Crystal White Metallic

Blue

Denim Blue Metallic

Interior Colors

Beige

Sandstone

Black

Not available

White

Not available

Interior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Charcoal

White

Blonde in Blonde/Charcoal Interior

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