2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Volvo XC60 featured subtle styling updates that enhanced its sporty appeal. The new front fascia included "air blades" on either side of the grille, contributing to a more dynamic look. A redesigned rear bumper concealed the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced across all models. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind the heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, including the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design, with a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. The B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, adding flair to an otherwise subdued interior. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a more opulent and complex interior. The Black Label Grand Touring model was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed hybrid automatic transmission, offering both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The Aviator's exterior design was marked by its modern Lincoln face, though the wheel designs on the Black Label Grand Touring were considered plain. The Aviator's interior was lavish, featuring patterned metal trim, chrome accents, and rich caramel-hued leather seats. However, some elements, like the chrome detailing on the switchgear, felt less luxurious. The Aviator's key fob was lightweight and plastic, but the Phone As A Key digital key technology offered a modern alternative. The Aviator's cabin was designed for comfort, with ambient lighting and soft-close doors, though the electronic door latches required careful handling.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 options. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 version also included an electric supercharger. The XC60 B5 delivered 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and the B6 exclusively in all-wheel drive. The XC60 B5 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's standout features were its quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, with a zero to 60 mph time of 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet, with a zero to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered an impressive 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It offered 21 miles of electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowing the powertrain to switch between electricity and gasoline for efficiency. During testing, the Aviator achieved 163.4 mpg equivalent by relying heavily on electric power. The twin-turbo V6 provided ample power, though the drivetrain's responsiveness varied. The brake pedal exhibited inconsistent behavior due to the regenerative braking system. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package and adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension managed its weight effectively, providing a smooth ride. However, the Aviator's steering was heavy and numb, and it lacked the fun-to-drive factor, even in Excite mode.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious and supportive, but the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. With the third-row seats in use, the Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with them folded, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The system supported over-the-air updates and was compatible with iPhones, though Android users benefited more from syncing their profiles. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, and Lincoln Connect services. However, it ran the older Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system was impressive, and the vehicle included wireless charging and Phone As A Key technology. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were effective, and the parking sensors and surround-view camera system were useful.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received top ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and more. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist driver-assistance system was available as an option.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered Co-Pilot360 driver aids, with features varying by trim level. Our test vehicle included adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, and more. The driver aids performed well on highways but were less reliable in dense traffic. The steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complex. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.