VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
247hp @ 5500
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
258lb-ft @ 1800
Fuel
24 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
3500lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
2.0 L/120ci
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 247hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Explorer returns 24 mpg est. while the Xc40 uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $48,465 for the Explorer and $51,250 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
247hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
258lb-ft @ 1800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
2.0 L/120ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
—
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (Est)mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
30 (2025)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
3966lbs
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
Ford Explorer
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Xc40
Value
Explorer
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Lower starting price ($48,465)
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Volvo Xc40
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Explorer or Xc40?
The Explorer gets 24 mpg est. and the Xc40 gets 26 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Xc40 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Explorer or Xc40?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Xc40 delivers 247hp @ 5500 and 258lb-ft @ 1800 of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Xc40?
The Explorer starts from $48,465 and the Xc40 from $51,250. The Explorer is cheaper by $2,785 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.