2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Volvo XC60

$40,050 · Crossover

$47,050 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Volvo XC60 is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Explorer starting at $40,050, which is exactly $7,000 less than the XC60's $47,050 entry point. Performance metrics also reveal a clear split: the Explorer generates a substantial 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the XC60's 247 hp and 266 lb-ft. However, the Volvo demonstrates greater fuel efficiency, achieving a 26 MPG combined rating versus the Explorer's 24 MPG combined, though the Explorer utilizes cheaper regular unleaded fuel. Dimensionally, the Explorer is larger, measuring 198.8 inches long compared to the XC60's 185.4 inches. Finally, cargo capacity heavily favors the Explorer, though the specific cubic footage for the XC60 is not provided, only its exterior measurements.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 wins for daily commuting due to its superior fuel economy (26 MPG combined) and standard All-Wheel Drive system.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer offers superior passenger/cargo volume indicated by its larger exterior footprint (198.8 inches length) and lower initial cost.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Explorer

Enthusiasts will prefer the Explorer's higher output of 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque delivered through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Explorer

The Explorer provides 53 more horsepower for $7,000 less MSRP and operates on less expensive regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

If maximizing engine output, specifically 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, is the top priority.
If maintaining an initial budget is crucial, as the MSRP is $40,050, significantly undercutting the competitor.
If ease of fueling is preferred, as the Explorer requires regular unleaded fuel versus premium recommended for the XC60.

Choose the Volvo XC60 if...

If maximizing fuel efficiency is required, demonstrated by the 26 MPG combined rating.
If standard All-Wheel Drive capability is necessary for varied driving conditions.
If preferring a more compact exterior, evidenced by the 185.4-inch length versus the Explorer's 198.8 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Volvo XC60
Length	198.8"	185.4"
Width	78.9"	74.9"
Height	69.9"	65.2"
Wheelbase	119.1"	112.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Volvo
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber)	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5500 rpm	247 hp
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	266 lb-ft
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Volvo
Transmission Type	10-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Volvo
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	23/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	432.4/564.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 gal.	18.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Volvo
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Volvo
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	10
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Infotainment Display	—	9.0 in
Stereo Power	—	220W

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Volvo
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Volvo
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.8 in.	58.2 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	56.4 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Volvo
Rear Head Room	40.5 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	56.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.1 in.	55.4 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Volvo
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/65R18	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Volvo
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Volvo
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Volvo XC60.

What is the key performance difference between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Volvo XC60?

The 2025 Ford Explorer outputs significantly more power with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, compared to the XC60’s 247 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This suggests the Explorer offers quicker acceleration potential.

How does the fuel economy compare, considering the difference in MSRP?

The Volvo XC60 achieves better efficiency at 26 MPG combined, while the Explorer achieves 24 MPG combined. However, the Explorer’s lower $40,050 MSRP and use of regular unleaded fuel may offset the slightly lower MPG over ownership duration.

Is one vehicle inherently better for hauling or interior space?

Based on exterior specifications, the Ford Explorer is substantially larger, with a length of 198.8 inches versus the XC60's 185.4 inches, which typically correlates to greater interior and cargo volume, including its noted 18.2 cu ft minimum cargo capacity.

Which model comes standard with All-Wheel Drive?

The 2025 Volvo XC60 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the standard 2025 Ford Explorer configuration is rear-wheel drive (RWD).

How much more expensive is the Volvo XC60 at the base level?

The 2025 Volvo XC60 has a base MSRP of $47,050, which is precisely $7,000 more expensive than the 2025 Ford Explorer starting at $40,050.

What transmission differences are notable between these two crossovers?

The Explorer utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission designed to manage its higher torque figures, while the XC60 employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.