2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 represented a pinnacle in Volvo's design evolution, showcasing a blend of modern aesthetics and classic elements. The R-Design trim featured a blacked-out, honeycomb grille, black window surrounds, mirrors, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, all complemented by bright 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive, while the subtle arching shoulder crease emphasized width and stability. The interior, with its Thunder Grey Metallic paint and beige-leather and aluminum accents, exuded luxury. The seats, available in leather, wool, or carbon-fiber trim, were sculpted for comfort and support, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was a testament to elegance and understatement, despite its massive size. The exterior featured simple rectilinear shapes, body-color grille, and full-width taillight assembly, with splashes of chrome for a classy touch. The Pristine White example with a white-painted grille, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo was particularly striking. Inside, the Navigator impressed with seven color palettes and a taste for finer details, such as layered wood trim and a floating center console. The materials were high-quality, and the Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, making the Navigator's interior one of the most comfortable and luxurious in its class.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune further boosted these numbers 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 unimpressive, 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 its added weight negated the speed benefits, and its fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a single, powerful engine: a twin-turbo V6 from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, made the Navigator feel surprisingly agile for its size. The 4WD system was smooth and efficient, and the towing capacity was impressive at 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined. The Navigator's suspension, while equipped with adaptive dampers, felt rudimentary compared to competitors, and the steering and brakes lacked the precision found in the Cadillac Escalade. Despite these shortcomings, the Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a refined and powerful highway cruiser.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was well-organized, with the Sensus infotainment system initializing quickly and responding promptly. The system housed all climate controls, which could be inconvenient, but the overall layout was stellar. The XC90 offered seven seats as standard, with an integrated booster cushion for young children in the second row. The third row was tight, suitable only for small children. Cargo space was generous, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded. Sightlines from the driver's seat were excellent, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, capable of comfortably seating six adults. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children, and the second row featured manually-reclining captain's chairs, with an optional bench for a total of eight passengers. Cargo space was ample, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more storage. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, a convenient feature for loading and unloading. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with a high driving position providing excellent visibility. However, parking the large vehicle could be challenging, despite the 360-degree cameras.

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 the Bowers & Wilkins stereo system, with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, were standout features. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked the customization options found in competitors' systems.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt small compared to newer systems, and the instrument panel lacked full-screen map capabilities. The cameras were low-resolution, and the infotainment system did not support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, the software was intuitive, and voice recognition was fast and accurate. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app, with remote app functions included for five years. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connection options. Drive mode animations on the instrument panel added a touch of elegance.

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, making the XC90 one of the safest vehicles on the road.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models and three stars in RWD models. The IIHS had not rated the Navigator in its current generation. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.