VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
194hp @ 4700
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
221lb-ft @ 1400
Towing
5000lbs
3500lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140cc
2.0 L/120cc
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Volvo Xc40 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 while the Volvo Xc40 produces 194hp @ 4700. Pricing starts at $47,155 for the Explorer and $39,900 for the Xc40. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
300hp @ 5500
194hp @ 4700
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
221lb-ft @ 1400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140cc
2.0 L/120cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
—
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (Est)mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
14.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
174.8in
Width (in)
78.9in
75.2in
Height (in)
70.2in
65.2in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
106.4in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4457lbs
3861lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
3500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Xc40
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher starting price
Volvo Xc40
Lower starting price ($39,900)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Explorer or Xc40?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Xc40 delivers 194hp @ 4700 and 221lb-ft @ 1400 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Xc40?
The Explorer starts from $47,155 and the Xc40 from $39,900. The Xc40 is cheaper by $7,255 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Xc40?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Xc40 can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the Xc40?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.