2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, all complemented by 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive Volvo elements. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint with a blue hue contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, emphasizing Volvo's commitment to subtlety and craftsmanship.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out with its chrome and brightwork, differentiating 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 luxurious appeal. The Reserve Monochromatic Package introduced body-color grille and side mirror enhancements with 22-inch black-painted wheels. The Navigator's design included fender vents, full-width taillights, and black roof pillars, giving it a wraparound glass appearance. The test vehicle, a standard-length Navigator Reserve with 4WD, featured a Dark Slate leather interior with 30-way Perfect Position front seats and mid-century modern styling cues.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added to the turbocharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune further boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque but had limited electric range and did not significantly improve fuel economy.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a single engine choice: a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The Navigator's towing capacity was impressive, with a maximum of 8,700 pounds for RWD and 8,300 pounds for 4WD. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist system made towing easier. The Navigator's acceleration was strong, but fuel economy was a drawback, averaging 16.4 mpg during testing. The adaptive damping suspension provided good body motion control, but the ride could be harsh over imperfect pavement.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous versions, though some functions were buried in menus. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available. Sightlines from the driver's seat were excellent.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, passengers enjoyed ample space and comfort. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats took time to adjust but were exceptionally comfortable. The second row offered a choice between a bench or captain's chairs, with the latter option including a large center console. The third row provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were also class-leading, with the standard-length model offering up to 103.3 cubic feet and the longer Navigator L providing up to 120.2 cubic feet.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The four-zone climate control and Bowers & Wilkins stereo system were highlights, with the latter offering 1,400 watts of power and surround-sound processing. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could display the map but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was slow to load but included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, and wireless device charging. The "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The voice recognition system worked reasonably well but was not as advanced as some competitors. 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 rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the latter's headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and advanced airbag systems.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came standard with Lincoln Co-Pilot360, which included 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 adaptive cruise control operated with refinement, and the lane-keeping assistance system was effective. 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.