2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, leading to the current XC90, which launched in 2016 as the flagship SUV on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The XC90's design was sleek and athletic, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches, while the interior boasted a "Scandinavian Modern" aesthetic with natural wood and metal trim. The vehicle offered both leather and tailored wool blend upholstery options, with the latter being a sustainable choice as Volvo aimed to go leather-free by 2030.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator, while not yet transitioning to an electric model, continued to impress with its luxurious and functional design. The fourth-generation Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and refreshed in 2022, maintained its grandeur with a triple-black Reserve model featuring a Monochromatic Package. The interior was upscale, with real wood trim and chrome accents, although some switchgear failed to convey luxury. The Navigator's cabin was spacious, with ambient lighting adding character at night. Despite its size, the Navigator's design allowed for excellent outward visibility, though maneuvering in tight spaces could be challenging.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a range of powertrains, including the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 horsepower, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining gasoline and electric power for a total of 455 hp. The T8 model, in particular, provided spirited acceleration with its electric motor eliminating turbo lag. The XC90's handling was impressive for its size, with minimal body roll and a smooth driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the T5 FWD achieving up to 25 mpg combined, while the T8 offered 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came with a single powertrain option: a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed an average of 15.6 mpg. The SUV featured five drive modes, including Excite, which improved handling but reduced fuel efficiency. Despite its nearly three-ton weight, the Navigator felt smaller on winding roads, though its brakes struggled under pressure. In urban settings, the Navigator's size was a liability, making parking and maneuvering challenging.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row, though it was best suited for children. Cargo capacity was flexible, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded. The XC90's interior was well-utilized, with ample storage and a spacious cabin enhanced by a panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed admirably during hot weather, providing a comfortable environment.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with roomy seating across all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo space. The test vehicle featured 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, though finding the perfect setting could be challenging. Storage was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen, though it was occasionally slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with the former performing well during testing. The XC90 included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display for improved driver awareness. The standard Harman Kardon sound system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system for audiophiles. The vehicle also offered multiple USB ports and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator boasted a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the Sync 4 interface. The system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, and a navigation system with voice recognition. The Navigator's wireless smartphone charger was less effective, causing the phone to overheat. The vehicle featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System and Lincoln Play touchscreens for rear passengers, though these were underutilized by teenagers during testing.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, underscoring its commitment to safety.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, offering advanced driving assistance systems like Evasive Steering Assist and Intersection Assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system, was available but required frequent driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, though full crash test results were unavailable.