2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

When shopping for a 2023 Lincoln Aviator, buyers first had to decide on the powertrain. The standard option was a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The Aviator Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models combined this V6 with a 10-speed hybrid automatic transmission, a 75-kilowatt electric motor, and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack, offering standard AWD. Prices ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The top-tier Black Label Grand Touring model, with an optional $750 paint job, had an MSRP of $91,225. The Aviator was a stylish three-row, midsize SUV, though some wheel designs, particularly on the Black Label Grand Touring, were considered too plain. The Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence and electric, light-touch door handles added a touch of luxury, but the interior's mix of materials and design elements could feel overwhelming.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's past boxy designs. The XC90 had a purposeful yet understated look, with a stout front end, assertive grille, and distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights. The test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones. Inside, the XC90's design was elegant, with a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior included wood deco inlays and a clean, button-light design, contributing to a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, offered more than just efficiency. Despite the added weight from its electric motor and battery, the drivetrain produced an impressive 494 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 630 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. The EPA rated it for 21 miles of electric driving range and 23 mpg combined in hybrid mode. Various driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Tow/Haul, allowed for tailored performance. During an extended evaluation, the Aviator achieved 22.3 miles on electric power alone and averaged 24.3 mpg over 94.7 miles. The SUV's power was evident, though the drivetrain could be unpredictable, and the brake pedal sometimes felt inconsistent. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package and adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension managed its weight well, providing a smooth and quiet ride, though it lacked the fun factor in aggressive driving modes.

For 2023, Volvo replaced the older turbocharged 2.0-liter engines in the XC90 with new B5 and B6 engines featuring mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The B6 engine, with both a supercharger and turbocharger, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. These mild-hybrid systems improved fuel efficiency slightly and provided smoother operation. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable and reserved, with quick acceleration, a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, and minimal road and wind noise. The brakes were solid and confidence-inspiring. The XC90's simplicity in driving dynamics, with fewer customizable modes, appealed to those who preferred straightforward operation. During a test drive through a New Hampshire snowstorm, the XC90 handled well, though dedicated winter tires would have provided more confidence.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, a heated power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats offered exceptional comfort, though finding the perfect setting required some effort. The second-row captain’s chairs were spacious and supportive, with a center console for storage and controls. However, the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access, making it unsuitable for adults. With the third-row seats in use, the Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's front seats offered a peaceful and pleasant experience, though the minimalist design led to limited storage space for smaller items. The lack of a dedicated space for a cell phone and the small center console bin were notable drawbacks. The second row was comfortable and spacious, but adjusting the seats was challenging. The standard seven-passenger seating could be configured to six-passenger seating with captain’s chairs for an additional $500, but this required upgrading to the B6 engine. Accessing the third row was difficult, and space was limited. With the third-row seats in place, the XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down, and a maximum of 65.5 cubic feet, which was less than some competitors.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was packed with technology, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, Lincoln Connect, SiriusXM satellite radio, and navigation. However, it ran the older Sync 3 software, which had limitations in voice recognition and point-of-interest database accuracy. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system was outstanding, and the Phone As A Key digital key system was convenient. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were effective, even with polarized sunglasses. Parking sensors and a surround-view camera system were useful, though the Active Parking Assist 2.0 system was not tested.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, the first of its kind as standard in a vehicle. Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant were integrated, enhancing the user experience with natural-language recognition. Commands could also be issued via Google Home devices. However, many key functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to some frustration. The minimalist design meant fewer physical buttons, which could be inconvenient for adjusting features like the heated steering wheel or seat position. Despite these quirks, the system's capabilities were impressive.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with various Co-Pilot360 driver aid packages, depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle included features like automatic high-beam adaptive-pixel headlights, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic rear braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complicated, but the tech performed well overall. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the Grand Touring model was not specifically rated.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS in 2022. The XC90's advanced driver safety tech included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist, which helped maintain distance and lane position from a standstill to highway speeds. These features were standard, reinforcing Volvo's commitment to safety.