2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its luxurious design, featuring chrome and brightwork that differentiated it from the Ford Expedition, on which it was based. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system, lattice-type grille insert, and illuminated star logo added to its distinctiveness. The Navigator also offered a Reserve Monochromatic Package with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels, available in White, Ceramic Pearl, and Infinite Black. The test vehicle, a standard-length Navigator Reserve with 4WD, showcased a Dark Slate leather interior with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a panoramic glass roof, all contributing to its luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC90 maintained Volvo's conservative styling while adding character with softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription test car featured extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced Swedish minimalism with matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery, creating a restrained yet elegant atmosphere. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a high-end touch, though it seemed out of place in the otherwise minimalist interior.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Slow Climb (with the towing package). The Navigator's towing capacity was 8,700 pounds with RWD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The SUV averaged 16.4 mpg on the testing loop, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg combined. Despite its size, the Navigator exhibited excellent body motion control and a hint of athleticism, though it felt huge around town.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 produced 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the T6 delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined for 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T5 came with FWD, while AWD was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8. The XC90 struggled with acceleration on electric power alone, and the gasoline engine often had to assist. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and cabin quietness, with a 5,000-pound towing capacity for most models (4,000 pounds for the FWD T5).

Entering the 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up, but once inside, passengers enjoyed ample space and comfort. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and heated steering wheel ensured a customizable driving experience. The second row offered a choice between a three-person bench or two captain’s chairs, with the latter option including a large center console. The third-row seat provided exceptional legroom and thigh support. Cargo space was class-leading, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103.3 cubic feet maximum. The longer Navigator L offered even more space.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom about average for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats in both the second and third rows lacked support. The optional power moonroof and upright roof profile gave the interior a spacious feel. The Inscription test car featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet maximum.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was slow to load content, but it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and wireless device charging. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed the smartphone to function as the vehicle key. The voice recognition system worked reasonably well, though it required specific command pathways. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided a compelling audio experience. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, though the test vehicle lacked the optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system featured a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was easy to use, though the text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the second-row USB-C ports limited front-seat charging options. The available 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and head-up display added to the XC90's tech offerings.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came with the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Reserve trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the RWD model had a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests and "Superior" ratings for front-crash prevention tech in vehicle-to-vehicle testing. The NHTSA gave all 2021 XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered more standard safety features than most competitors, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, though it struggled with highway curves.