2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy. Known for its conservative styling, Volvo managed to infuse the XC90 with more character while retaining its recognizable features. The XC90 maintained its boxy profile and blunt front end with a rectangular grille, but the softer lines, increased chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights added a modern touch. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials, including matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a touch of luxury, albeit slightly out of place in the otherwise restrained cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design becoming standard. The front end received a restyle, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt lacked the previous model's elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's interior continued to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a unique touch, resembling a twilight sky. The updated Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, digital instrumentation, and widescreen HUD kept the Navigator competitive in the luxury SUV market. The Black Label trim, with its Central Park theme and luxurious features, showcased the Navigator's commitment to comfort and style.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8. Despite the impressive power figures, the small engine struggled to provide the flexibility of larger engines in competitor SUVs. The XC90's drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power—offered varying levels of efficiency and performance, but Pure mode was limited to low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and maintained a quiet cabin. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds (4,000 pounds for the FWD T5), the XC90 was capable but not class-leading.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, the Navigator boasted a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview technology, provided a smooth ride by preparing for road imperfections in advance. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator handled various driving conditions, including snow and mud, with ease, thanks to its 9.7 inches of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg combined, and it achieved 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom were average for the segment, with the third row being tight for adults. The seats in the second and third rows lacked support. The optional power moonroof and upright roof profile gave the interior a spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but a power-adjustable steering wheel was not available. Storage space was limited, with a shallow center console storage bin. Cargo space was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, placing it near the bottom of the segment. A hands-free power tailgate was available.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to offer exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs, now with massaging, heating, and ventilation, provided a luxurious experience. The third-row seat remained roomy and supportive, benefiting from the independent rear suspension design. Storage space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row (34.3 cubic feet for Navigator L), 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded (73.3 cubic feet for Navigator L), and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed (120.2 cubic feet for Navigator L).

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Standard USB ports included two front USB-A and two rear USB-C ports. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and head-up display were available. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, but the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a modern and user-friendly interface. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions were retained. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The new 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in all crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA awarded the XC90 a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required driver attention. The system represented a step toward fully autonomous driving but was not infallible.