2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture platform, the XC60 showcased a sophisticated design with its elegant two-box crossover form, short overhangs, and athletic body lines. The front grille, adorned with Volvo's iron mark logo, and the Thor's hammer-shaped LED headlights were distinctively Swedish. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded Scandinavian charm with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen, initially a novelty, became a user-friendly feature over time. The interior's attention to detail, from the elegant HVAC vents to the harmonious textures and colors, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a bold statement of elegance and understatement, despite its massive size. Sharing its basic structure with the Ford Expedition, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique design elements, such as its rectilinear grille and full-width taillight assembly. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package and illuminated Lincoln logo, was a striking presence during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes and tastefully layered wood trim. The floating center console and minimalist digital instrument panel added to its modern appeal. The Perfect Position seats, with their 30-way adjustability, provided unparalleled comfort, making the Navigator's interior a luxurious space for long journeys.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models, available in FWD or AWD, delivered 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 models, with AWD, increased output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, thanks to the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, as plug-in hybrids, combined a turbocharged and supercharged engine with an 87-horsepower electric motor, achieving a total of 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant further boosted performance to 415 horsepower. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring ensured agile handling, while its serene cabin and smooth suspension made it an ideal road-trip companion. Fuel economy varied from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the T5 FWD to 57 MPGe in electric-only mode for the T8.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, delivered an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered both RWD and 4WD options. Its towing capacity reached 8,700 pounds with RWD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD. Despite its size, the Navigator felt responsive, with a satisfying engine sound. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens, aligning with the EPA's 17-mpg combined rating. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, its suspension lacked the refinement of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The steering and brakes, though adequate, did not match the precision of its rivals. Nevertheless, the Navigator's powerful engine and plush cabin made it a refined choice for highway cruising.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed to provide comfort and style while ensuring safety and functionality. Its front seats were highly adjustable, offering excellent support, especially during harsh winter conditions. The heating system, including heated seats and an effective defroster, excelled in sub-freezing temperatures. The cabin featured smart storage solutions, with intuitive controls accessible even with gloves. The XC60 offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It was rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a spacious interior, akin to a small bedroom, accommodating up to eight passengers. Its boxy shape maximized cargo space, offering 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L variant provided even more storage. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The Navigator's front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with extensive adjustability and massage functions. Visibility was excellent, though parking was challenging due to its size. The Navigator's interior was luxurious, but some features, like electrically reclining second-row seats, were absent.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, a tablet-style interface that divided opinions. Familiar to iPad users, it offered intuitive controls with a learning curve. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system provided exceptional sound quality. Volvo's On Call app added remote functionalities, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology, while not cutting-edge, was functional and intuitive. Its 10-inch touchscreen, though smaller than competitors, offered clear and easy-to-navigate software. Voice recognition was fast and accurate, but the system lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima stereo was good, but not exceptional. The Navigator included 4G WiFi, wireless charging, and a smartwatch app. Rear entertainment options included Roku streaming and various connections. The Navigator's simplicity was a relief compared to more complex systems.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It featured a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping aid. Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, enhancing safety and convenience. The XC60's top speed was limited to 112 mph for safety reasons.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Optional inflatable rear seat belts added an extra layer of protection. However, the Navigator's adaptive cruise control lacked the advanced self-steering capabilities of some competitors.