2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 20-inch option. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille that some felt reduced the vehicle's elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's interior continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, enhanced by the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen added to the vehicle's tech appeal.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive, clean exterior design, with updates like pixelated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights and a more angular front bumper. The XC40's interior retained its minimalist design, featuring thin air vents and scalloped door elements. The Ultimate trim added luxurious touches like a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob. Despite its entry-level status, the XC40's fit and finish were commendable, though the all-black interior felt somewhat utilitarian.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered robust performance and a pleasing note under acceleration. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and a new electronic brake booster enhanced the driving experience, providing a smooth ride even on imperfect roads. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg combined, and during testing, it averaged 18.6 mpg.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, with the base B4 model featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 197 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The B5 model offered a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four with 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 model could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The XC40 Recharge, with its two electric motors, produced 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and an EPA-rated 223-mile range. The Recharge also had a higher towing capacity of 4,409 pounds compared to the B5 AWD model's 3,500 pounds.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior featured exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage, making long trips enjoyable. The third-row seats provided ample space and comfort. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L increased these figures to 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while compact, offered reasonable space for its class. It provided ample rear-seat headroom and a generous amount of shoulder room, making the second-row middle seat usable. Cargo space was 20 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than some competitors. The XC40 featured good interior storage, with large door panel carve-outs and a spacious center console storage bin and phone tray.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator upgraded to a Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system included physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 adopted an Android-based infotainment system with Google apps, including Google Maps and Google Assistant. It featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch touchscreen. The Ultimate trim included a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and multiple USB-C ports. The system's graphics were pleasing, but users who preferred Apple products might find the Google integration less satisfying. The lack of analog controls meant that most functions were accessed via the touchscreen, which could be less convenient for some users.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several 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, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways but required constant driver attention. The system performed well under specific conditions but did not fully eliminate the need for driver vigilance.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, traffic sign recognition, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. The Plus trim added front parking sensors, while the Ultimate trim included side parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. The XC40 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it had an "Acceptable" rating in the updated side-impact test and a four-star rollover rating.