2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a striking departure from its predecessors, shedding its Ford Expedition roots to establish a unique identity. Its imposing presence was marked by elegant, rectilinear shapes and subtle chrome accents, all contributing to a sense of understated luxury. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly eye-catching during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its modern, muted interior, featuring seven color palettes and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were of high quality, and the Black Label trims elevated the luxury experience with additional textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, added to the Navigator's appeal, making it one of the most comfortable large SUVs available.

The 2022 Volvo XC90, meanwhile, embraced a sleek and modern design, moving away from the boxy shapes of its past. Its profile suggested a forward-leaning stance, with pronounced wheel arches and a snub nose reminiscent of classic Volvo models. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian design, with natural wood and metal trim creating an authentic luxury feel. The XC90 offered a choice of leather or tailored wool blend upholstery, with the latter being a nod to Volvo's commitment to sustainability. The cabin was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, and the air-conditioning system proved effective even in extreme heat. The XC90's design and interior features made it a strong contender in the luxury SUV market.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided the Navigator with a surprisingly sprightly performance for its size. The 4WD system was smooth and responsive, offering a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds with the RWD model. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens, aligning with its EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, the suspension felt less refined compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite these drawbacks, the Navigator's power and highway refinement were noteworthy, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a range of powertrains, including the T5, T6, and T8 models. The T5 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 250 horsepower, while the T6 added a supercharger for 316 horsepower. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The XC90's fuel economy varied by model, with the T5 FWD achieving up to 25 mpg combined, and the T8 offering 27 mpg combined on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range. The XC90's driving experience was impressive, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, particularly in the T8 Inscription extended range model. The electric motor's early torque eliminated turbo lag, making the XC90 enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably, with an optional bench seat increasing capacity to eight. The boxy design contributed to generous cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and a total of 103 cubic feet. The Navigator L variant provided even more storage. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The Navigator's front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, though parking was challenging due to its size. The second-row seats could be removed for maximum storage, but lacked electric reclining features.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. Cargo capacity was slightly less than the Navigator, with 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and 85.7 cubic feet in total. The XC90's towing capacity ranged from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior was thoughtfully designed, with ample storage and a spacious cabin. The air-conditioning system performed well in extreme conditions, and the panoramic moonroof added to the airy feel of the cabin.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen, which felt small compared to newer models. The infotainment system was intuitive, though it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good, but not exceptional. 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 connectivity options.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality, though it was occasionally glitchy. The nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen was well-positioned for easy access, and the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided crisp graphics. The Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The XC90's standard Harman Kardon sound system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system for audiophiles. The vehicle included multiple USB ports and a WiFi hotspot, with a complimentary trial subscription.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover resistance was rated lower for RWD models. It lacked knee airbags but offered optional inflatable rear seat belts. 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 less advanced than competitors.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, and more. Volvo's Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities, enhancing safety and comfort on highways.