2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper that concealed the tailpipes. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its foundation with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 maintained its clean design with a new digital instrument cluster, a portrait-oriented touchscreen, and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, though the interior felt subdued compared to other Volvo models. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, while awaiting a future electric transformation, continued with its fourth-generation design, last refreshed in 2022. The 2023 model saw no significant updates, but changes were anticipated for 2024, including a new base trim name, standard 4WD, and an extended BlueCruise subscription. Our test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve, featured the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. Despite its Infinite Black color, keeping it clean proved challenging. The Navigator's interior, predominantly black with wood trim and chrome accents, offered upscale materials, though some chrome plastic switchgear lacked luxury appeal. Ambient lighting from the Reserve I package added character at night, enhancing the overall cabin experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger. The XC60 B5 delivered 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering FWD or AWD and the B6 exclusively AWD. Acceleration times were slightly slower than the 2021 models, with the B5 reaching 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 excelled in providing a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension, emphasizing luxury over performance. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, achieving 60 mph in 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. The test vehicle's EPA fuel economy rating was 18 mpg combined, but it averaged 15.6 mpg during testing. Drivers could choose from five Lincoln Drive Modes, with an optional Hill Climb mode available. The Navigator's adaptive damping suspension included Road Preview, using a front camera to prepare for changes in pavement. While Normal mode was used most often, the ride quality was inconsistent, with the SUV feeling like a truck over smaller bumps. Excite mode improved the ride and powertrain response but reduced fuel efficiency. The Navigator felt smaller on mountain roads, with excellent visibility and impressive grip, though the steering was slow and the brakes struggled with the SUV's weight. In urban settings, the Navigator's size was a liability, making parking and maneuvering challenging.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's interior space remained unchanged, offering competitive passenger space within its segment. Front-seat headroom was above average, but rear-seat headroom was tied with the Audi Q5 for the worst in its class. Legroom was average in both rows. Mild-hybrid models provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 offered a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats across three rows and an extended body style for increased cargo space. Power-deploying running boards facilitated cabin access, and the 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage. Second-row captain's chairs offered a pass-through to the third row, accommodating taller adults comfortably. While the front seats were comfortable, their numerous adjustments proved challenging to perfect. Storage space was generous, with various trays and covered compartments. The extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 120.2 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a head-up display and upgraded audio systems. The new operating system integrated Android-specific features, such as Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation. Android users could sync profiles, and the system supported third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air updates were enabled, and iPhone compatibility was promised, though without Google profile syncing. The system's graphics were praised, and the new layout with sideways swiping was user-friendly. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, Lincoln Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and Alexa Built-in. Pairing an iPhone and using CarPlay was seamless, though the wireless charger overheated the phone. The digital assistant excelled in voice recognition, accurately responding to commands. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided rich sound. The Lincoln Way app and Phone As A Key technology allowed digital key access. Lincoln Play offered rear-seat touchscreens, though teenagers preferred their smartphones.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2022, but the 2021 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane centering, was available as an option.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, offering advanced driving assistance systems. Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system for designated highways. BlueCruise required driver attention and struggled with curves, mixed surfaces, and construction zones. It lacked lane-change assist, necessitating driver intervention for passing. In testing, BlueCruise overreacted to a sudden lane change by another vehicle, causing excessive braking and suspension dive. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA.