2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

Volvo had come a long way from its boxy cars and wagons of the past decades. The brand maintained its family-friendly, safety-oriented image while moving upscale, nearing the luxury class. After Ford sold Volvo to China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new vehicle platforms from scratch, leading to today's lineup of sedans and crossover SUVs. The original XC90, launched in 2003, received updates until 2015. The 2016 model marked the debut of the current XC90, Volvo's flagship SUV, built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform.

The 2022 XC90 had a striking stance and sleek profile, with a body seemingly tilted forward, ready to launch. Its long roofline and pronounced wheel arches emphasized athleticism, while the snub nose recalled the classic 245 wagon's upright grille. The interior, described as "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featured natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover on the center console, and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, though Nappa leather was still available. The test car's leather seats proved comfortable during a week of high temperatures and humidity.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered a choice of powertrains, starting with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The Aviator Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models combined the twin-turbo V6 with a 10-speed hybrid automatic transmission, a 75-kilowatt electric motor, and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing standard AWD. Prices ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The top-of-the-line Black Label Grand Touring model, with an optional $750 paint job, had an MSRP of $91,225.

The Aviator was a visually appealing three-row, midsize SUV with a successful modern Lincoln face. However, the test vehicle's plain wheel designs detracted from its overall look. The Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence, electric door handles, and soft-close doors added a touch of luxury. Inside, the Black Label Grand Touring's cabin featured patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, chrome accents, and rich caramel-hued leather seats. While materials were mostly high-end, some chrome detailing and stitching appeared cheap. The key fob also felt too lightweight and plasticky for a luxury vehicle, though the Phone As A Key digital key technology was a convincing alternative.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model had a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 model combined a supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, generating a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The T5 models were front-wheel drive (FWD) with available all-wheel drive (AWD), while the T6 and T8 models were AWD only. All XC90 models used a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission.

The XC90 engines required Premium (91-octane) gasoline. The EPA estimated the T5 FWD models to achieve 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined, while the T5 AWD models were rated at 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway/23 mpg combined. The T6 AWD models achieved 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway/22 mpg combined. The T8 model had a 27 mpg combined rating on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range. The extended range variant offered a 26 mpg combined gasoline rating, a 66 MPGe rating, and an EV range of up to 36 miles. Charging the battery from empty to full took about five hours at 240 volts (Level 2). The XC90 provided a superb driving experience, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, generated an impressive 494 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 630 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. The EPA estimated the Aviator Grand Touring's electric driving range at 21 miles, with a combined 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Pure EV driving mode allowed for electric-only operation, while the Preserve EV mode saved battery charge for later use. The battery recharged in under four hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charging station. Conserve, Normal, and Excite driving modes automatically switched between electricity and gasoline to maximize efficiency, while Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Tow/Haul modes were also available.

During an extended evaluation drive, the Aviator Grand Touring covered 22.3 miles on electric power, with a fuel economy equivalent to 163.4 mpg. Over 94.7 miles, it averaged 24.3 mpg, demonstrating the technology's ability to maximize efficiency. The Aviator Grand Touring offered plenty of power and quick acceleration, though the drivetrain's response was sometimes unpredictable. The brake pedal produced inconsistent behavior, common with regenerative braking systems. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package, with an adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension, managed body motions well, providing a flat, predictable cornering stance. However, the Aviator was not particularly fun to drive, even in the Excite driving mode, due to its heavy and numb steering. It excelled in providing a quiet, smooth, and isolating ride.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with either captain's chairs and a center console or three-across seating in the second row. The third row was accessible with a one-handed slide and fold of the second row, suitable for kids but lacking legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration and powertrain. The XC90's interior featured ample storage space, comfortable seating, and a standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well during a heat wave, providing a cool sanctuary from the weather.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort, with a four-zone automatic climate control system, a heated power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and automatic heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The massaging, 30-way Perfect Position front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, while the second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, with a center console for storage and controls. However, the third-row seat was not suitable for adults, with limited kneeroom, legroom, and leg support. The Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a nine-inch diagonal, portrait-oriented touchscreen interface. The system supported familiar smartphone gestures but was occasionally glitchy and slow to respond. Apple CarPlay worked well, though Android Auto was not tested. The XC90 also had a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display, a 360-degree surround view camera system, and an advanced air cleaner. The standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound system could be upgraded to a $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins system, offering exceptional surround sound staging. The XC90 included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring came loaded with technology, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, Lincoln Connect connected services, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. However, it ran the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system provided spectacular sound, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra-recorded chimes added a unique touch. The Aviator also featured wireless charging, the Phone As A Key digital key system, digital instrumentation, and a comprehensive head-up display. Front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera system were standard, with Active Parking Assist 2.0 available for automated parking.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued the brand's commitment to safety, with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for highway driving with minimal driver intervention. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered Co-Pilot360 1.5, Co-Pilot360 1.5 Plus, and Co-Pilot360 2.0 driver aids, depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle included automatic high-beam adaptive-pixel headlights, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The driver aids performed well on straight highways with light traffic but struggled in curves and dense traffic. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.