2025 Volvo XC60 vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Volvo XC60 captivates with its sophisticated Scandinavian design and refined composure, boasting 247 hp and achieving a commendable 26 MPG combined. Contrast this with the robust, power-forward attitude of the 2026 Ford Explorer, which absolutely dominates in raw output with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer's larger footprint, measuring 198.8 inches long versus the Volvo's 185.4 inches, suggests greater road presence and cabin volume, though its MPG rating drops slightly to 24 combined. Where the Volvo commands a higher entry price of $47,050, the Explorer undercuts it significantly at $38,330, creating a tangible $8,720 difference. While the XC60 offers balanced AWD capability, the Explorer brings 53 more horsepower to the fight, making the choice a toss-up between luxury refinement and brute-force value.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 is the better commuter due to its superior 26 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Explorer's 24 MPG.
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer is better for families due to its larger physical dimensions and greater inherent cargo potential.
2026 Ford Explorer
Enthusiasts will prefer the Explorer's intoxicating performance edge, delivering 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer wins on value, offering 53 more horsepower for an MSRP that is $8,720 lower than the Volvo.
Choose the Volvo XC60 if...
- You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the XC60 returns 30 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer a more compact, maneuverable package at 185.4 inches in length.
- You seek a standard all-wheel-drive system paired with premium, understated design.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- Maximum power output is key, evidenced by the 300 hp available.
- Your budget is tighter, with the Explorer starting at $38,330.
- You need the enhanced stability offered by a rear-wheel-drive platform and a 10-speed transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volvo XC60 | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 198.8" |
| Width | 74.9" | 78.9" |
| Height | 65.2" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 112.8" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Volvo | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Volvo | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 247 hp | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| 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 | Volvo | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Volvo | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/30 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 432.4/564.0 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Volvo | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volvo | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 220W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volvo | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volvo | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.0 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.2 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.4 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volvo | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.4 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volvo | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | P255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Volvo | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Volvo | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volvo XC60 and 2026 Ford Explorer.
What is the major performance gap between the 2025 XC60 and the 2026 Explorer?
The Ford Explorer holds a significant advantage, producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque from its powertrain. In contrast, the Volvo XC60 offers a respectable 247 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque.
How do the fuel economy ratings compare for these two crossovers?
The Volvo XC60 is the efficiency champion, achieving 26 MPG combined (23 city/30 highway). The Ford Explorer trails slightly at 24 MPG combined (20 city/29 highway), but importantly, it runs on regular unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle has the higher starting price?
The 2025 Volvo XC60 commands a significantly higher entry point at $47,050. The 2026 Ford Explorer is far more accessible, starting at just $38,330, marking a difference of $8,720.
Is the 2026 Explorer physically larger than the XC60?
Yes, the Ford Explorer is considerably larger across the board, measuring 198.8 inches long compared to the XC60's 185.4 inches. It is also notably wider and taller.
Does the drivetrain layout differ between these models?
Yes, the Volvo XC60 comes standard with all-wheel drive coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Ford Explorer emphasizes RWD capability with a more extensive 10-speed automatic gearbox.
Does the XC60 require premium fuel?
The 2025 Volvo XC60 recommends premium unleaded fuel for its engine to achieve optimal performance. The Ford Explorer has the advantage of running on less expensive regular unleaded fuel.
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