2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out with its distinctive design, avoiding the common trend of emulating competitors' styles. It carried forward the successful design language of the Navigator, resulting in a sharp-looking vehicle with crisp lines and tasteful chrome accents. Inside, the Aviator offered a luxurious cabin that was hard to associate with its Ford Explorer roots. The interior was defined by comfort and warmth, featuring soft-touch materials and a prominent 10.1-inch touchscreen. Unique elements like the piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the Aviator's air of class and luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 embraced a modern and upscale aesthetic, moving away from its boxy past. The exterior had a poised stance with a sleek roofline and pronounced wheel arches, while the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights added a touch of Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" with natural wood and metal trim. The interior was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, and offered a choice between Nappa leather and a tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's cabin was a sanctuary, providing comfort and a respite from harsh weather conditions.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a robust performance with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque across the Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims featured a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain provided brisk acceleration and a smooth power delivery, although the Aviator's size resulted in noticeable body roll in corners. The drive mode selector offered options like "Excite" and "Conserve," catering to different driving preferences.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 provided a choice of three powertrains. The T5 models featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 models added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model. The electric motor's early torque delivery smoothed out power transitions, making the XC90 enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The second row, especially in the Grand Touring model, provided a luxurious experience with captain's chairs and a digital control panel. However, the power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. It offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both rows down. The XC90 excelled in interior storage, with ample pockets and compartments. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The XC90's interior was comfortable and spacious, with effective air conditioning that handled extreme weather conditions well.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system. The landscape format of the screen provided a natural layout, and the system was easy to use with sensible menu layouts. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were well-integrated, and the digital instrument panel and optional head-up display offered clear graphics.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality with familiar gestures. However, it was occasionally glitchy and slow to respond. The nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen was well-positioned for driver visibility, and the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel was customizable. The Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The XC90's audio options included a standard Harman Kardon system and an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping aid, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system provided assisted driving capabilities on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.