VS

Ford Explorer EV vs Volvo XC40 comparison

Compare performance (340 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (34,200 £ vs 36,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Ford Explorer EV or Volvo XC40?

Ford Explorer EV vs Volvo XC40: Key differences

Ford Explorer EV

4.9 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • only slightly cheaper
  • substantially more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely more trunk space

Volvo XC40

5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly lighter

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Explorer EV

Electrifying Experience: Ford Explorer EV vs. Fuel-Savvy Volvo XC40

As the automotive industry shifts towards sustainability, choosing the right SUV has never been more exciting—or challenging. Today, we dive into an exhilarating comparison between the 2024 Ford Explorer EV and the 2024 Volvo XC40, two SUVs that exemplify the evolution of transportation technology. Each vehicle offers its unique charms, innovations, and performance capabilities that cater to distinct preferences and needs of modern drivers.

XC40

Powertrain and Performance: Electric vs. Petrol MHEV

The Ford Explorer EV, an electric-powered SUV, impresses with its cutting-edge electric motors that deliver power outputs ranging from 170 HP to a thrilling 340 HP, offering multiple driving configurations from rear-wheel to all-wheel drive. Notably, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 5.3 seconds, thanks to its high torque outputs peaking at 679 Nm.

On the flip side, the Volvo XC40 brings an advanced Petrol Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) system to the table. Available with engine options producing 163 HP or 197 HP, its system ensures a confident acceleration, reaching 100 km/h from rest in a respectable 7.6 seconds. While it might lag behind the Explorer EV in terms of rapid acceleration, the XC40 delivers a smoother, more classic driving experience with its dual-clutch automatic transmission offering seamless gear shifts.

Explorer EV

Efficiency and Range: A Battle of Extremes

When it comes to efficiency, the Ford Explorer EV leaves an eco-friendly mark with zero CO2 emissions and a consumption as low as 13.9 kWh/100 km. Its battery capacity options of 52 kWh, 77 kWh, and 79 kWh provide an extensive range, reaching up to 602 km between charges, without sacrificing power or performance.

In contrast, the Volvo XC40, with a consumption rate of 6.5 L/100 km and CO2 emissions standing between 147 and 148 g/km, offers a practical solution for those not ready to transition fully to electric. Its fuel tank capacity of 54 L ensures long drives without frequent stops, though earth-conscious consumers might not appreciate its CO2 efficiency class of E.

XC40

Dimensions and Design: Space Meets Style

Despite their shared SUV classification, the Explorer EV and XC40 distinguish themselves with distinctive design and dimension nuances. The Ford Explorer EV boasts a slightly longer body at 4468 mm with standard five-door access, prioritizing a sleek, aerodynamic profile that doesn’t sacrifice the trunk capacity, offering up to 450 L of cargo space.

Equally accommodating, the XC40 measures slightly shorter at 4425 mm but makes up for it with clever interior space management, providing a competitive trunk capacity of 452 L. The XC40’s design screams Scandinavian simplicity and sophistication, creating an interior ambiance that's both luxurious and welcoming.

Explorer EV

In-Depth Innovation and Technology

The Ford Explorer EV shines in its incorporation of modern technological advancements. Its electric architecture allows for over-the-air software updates, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, and an intuitive infotainment system—all elevating the driving experience into the digital age.

Volvo’s XC40 stays true to its heritage with top-tier safety features and thoughtful driver-assistance technologies, including its revered IntelliSafe suite. This sophisticated system ensures peace of mind with adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist, reinforcing Volvo's commitment to safety.

XC40

Final Verdict: Choose Your Adventure

Ultimately, the decision between the Ford Explorer EV and the Volvo XC40 comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. The Ford Explorer EV leads the charge with its electric innovation and impressive range, ideal for those ready to embrace the electric future. Meanwhile, the Volvo XC40 remains a compelling option for traditionalists seeking a balance of modern features and classic driving dynamics. Regardless of choice, both SUVs guarantee a refined driving experience, reflecting the evolving landscape of automotive technology.

Frequently compared as well

Ford Explorer EV
Kia EV3
VS
Ford Explorer EV plays the roomy family hero with grown‑up comfort and long‑legged cruising, while the Kia EV3 counters with city‑smart size, clever storage, and value that squeezes your budget less than your parking space. If you haul kids, dogs, and flat‑packs, go Explorer; if you want a …
Skoda Karoq
Volvo XC40
VS
The Skoda Karoq is the sensible, spacious family SUV that puts practicality and value first — roomy boot, low running costs and a no-nonsense interior that feels built to last. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, serves up Scandi style, sharper tech and a more premium cabin (plus safety kit you can brag …

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Explorer EV

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Ford Explorer EV is only slightly cheaper – starting at 34,200 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 36,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,562 £.

XC40

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Ford Explorer EV offers substantially more power – delivering 340 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 143 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Ford Explorer EV is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 5.3 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.6 s. That’s about 2.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Ford Explorer EV delivers substantially more torque with 679 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 379 Nm more.

Explorer EV

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Volvo XC40 is slightly lighter – 1,688 kg compared to 1,996 kg. The difference is around 308 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Ford Explorer EV offers barely more boot space – 472 L compared to 452 L. That’s a difference of about 20 L.

When it comes to payload, the Ford Explorer EV carries only slightly more – 585 kg compared to 532 kg. That’s a difference of about 53 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Ford Explorer EV is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £34,200
Explorer EV

Ford Explorer EV

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 190 - 340 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 14.6 - 17.3 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 417 - 602 km
details
Ford Explorer EV
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Ford Explorer EV

The Ford Explorer EV translates the familiar big‑American SUV presence into whisper‑quiet electric motoring, offering roomy seating and a tech‑forward cabin that will please families and road‑trippers alike. It drives with more composure than its boxy looks suggest, blending a comfortable ride and eager acceleration while undercutting the guilt of gas stops — a practical, modern alternative for buyers who want Explorer space with electric charm.

details
339B09E4-87F0-4F47-8A68-7DA1B14BD783
46E73473-7BD4-4D0A-B7B7-433A0148B614
09A01900-4D34-480B-A9A5-1A89755E12FF

Reviews Ford Explorer EV

4.9 (3 Reviews)
rate
Olle Westberg
22 Feb 2026, 20:59:34

600 km real-world range in summer; handles me — I'm just over 190 cm and 100 kg.

Better looking than the ID.4 and often available at a really good price.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
D.W.
29 Oct 2025, 18:09:06

I have owned and worked on Ford products for years and I am now driving an 07 Explorer 4.0 liter. 1 transmission and multiple soft parts and switches >300.000.
Klm. and still looks and runs great.
I am a Ford fan and will continue to be one, however the Rxplorer is looking dated. Come on you guys time for a Ford Home run. How about a totally resigned Ford Explorer. Hey how bout a diesel or a hybrid

Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 wraps Scandinavian minimalism into a compact, city-ready SUV with a premium cabin that feels both practical and grown-up. It will suit buyers who prize safety, clever storage and a composed ride, proving that small dimensions don't mean small personality.

details
223202_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior
223206_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior
223200_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior
265601_XC40_Recharge_Plug-In_Hybrid_R-Design_Leather_Charcoal_in_Charcoal
265600_XC40_AWD_R-Design_expression_in_Crystal_White_Pearl

Reviews Volvo XC40

5 (4 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Frequently compared as well

Ford Kuga
Volvo XC40
VS
The Ford Kuga is the zippier, more practical pick — roomy, better value and a bit more fun to drive — while the Volvo XC40 trades that scrappiness for a quieter, upmarket cabin, class-leading safety tech and unmistakable Scandinavian polish. If you want driving engagement and bang for your buck go …
Ford Explorer EV
Kia EV5
VS
The Ford Explorer EV arrives like a burly, tech-laden American SUV — roomy, confident on the road and aimed at buyers who want presence and practicality in electric form. The Kia EV5 counters with sharper styling, clever packaging and a value-packed tech suite, making it the smarter, more …
Nissan Qashqai
Volvo XC40
VS
The Nissan Qashqai is the sensible, hard-working compact SUV that delivers excellent everyday comfort, clever interior space and strong value for money — perfect if you want a reliable family car without the premium price tag. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, is a sharper, more upscale choice with a …
Volvo EX40
Volvo XC40
VS
Choosing between the Volvo EX40 and XC40 is basically a choice between new‑school electric chic and old‑school SUV versatility: the EX40 is the fresh, all‑electric, city‑savvy compact with the latest tech and low running costs, while the XC40 is the tougher, more familiar compact that still offers …
Ford Capri
Ford Explorer EV
VS
The Ford Capri is a cheeky, analogue icon that rewards you with pure-driver thrills, whereas the Ford Explorer EV is a spacious, gadget-rich electric SUV built for practicality and long-distance calm. Choose the Capri if you crave character and a cornering grin; choose the Explorer EV if you need …
Peugeot 3008
Volvo XC40
VS
The Peugeot 3008 is the extrovert of the pair—bold styling, a quirky, techy interior and strong value that make it a fun crossover to live with, while the Volvo XC40 plays the long game with understated Scandinavian style, class-leading safety and a more premium feel. Pick the 3008 if you want …
Ford Explorer EV
Ford Mustang Mach-E
VS
The Ford Explorer EV swaps the Mustang Mach‑E’s athletic poise for SUV practicality, three-row space and a taller stance — ideal if you need family duties, towing and sensible range without sacrificing slick tech. But if you crave sharper handling, a sportier silhouette and a more emotional drive, …
CUPRA Formentor
Volvo XC40
VS
The CUPRA Formentor is a punchy, coupe-styled compact SUV whose sharp chassis and spicy engines deliver grin-inducing drive and looks that demand attention; the Volvo XC40 answers with calm Scandinavian poise, clever practicality and safety tech that makes daily life feel worry-free. If you crave …
Ford Explorer EV
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
Price
34,200 - 48,800 £
Price
36,800 - 47,200 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
14.6 - 17.3 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
417 - 602 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
147 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
54 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,996 - 2,209 kg
Curb weight
1,688 kg
Trunk capacity
472 L
Trunk capacity
452 L
Length
-
Length
4,425 mm
Width
1,872 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
-
Height
1,652 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,328 L
Payload
531 - 585 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
190 - 340 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.3 - 8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
350 - 679 Nm
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
140 - 250 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3

General
Model Year
2,026
Model Year
2,024
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
Ford
Brand
Volvo
What drivetrain options does the Ford Explorer EV have?

The Ford Explorer EV is offered with Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.