2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its luxurious presence without significant updates, as Lincoln awaited the transition to an electric version. The fourth-generation Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and refreshed in 2022, continued to offer a sophisticated design with minor changes, such as the return of the popular Flight Blue paint color. Our test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured the Monochromatic Package, which included black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. Despite its upscale appearance, the chrome plastic on some switchgear detracted from the overall luxury feel. The interior, predominantly black with real wood trim and chrome accents, was enhanced by ambient lighting from the Reserve I package, adding character to the cabin.

In contrast, the 2024 Volvo XC90 exuded a sense of practicality, safety, and sustainability with its subdued and earthy exterior paint palette. The XC90 offered a range of appealing wheel designs, with most versions featuring a Bright theme that contrasted with the blacked-out trend. Inside, the XC90's design was dated but rich in materials, especially in the Ultimate trim. Volvo's wool-blend upholstery and ventilated Nappa leather options added a touch of luxury, while the Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim elevated the cabin's elegance. The XC90 allowed buyers to mix and match paint, wheels, and upholstery, catering to individual preferences.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain, the Navigator offered five driving modes: Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with Hill Climb available with the towing package. Despite its adaptive damping suspension, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floating over larger dips. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but reducing fuel efficiency. The Navigator's nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes, especially on mountain roads, and its size proved cumbersome in urban settings.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. The SUV offered 32 miles of electric-only range and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. Recharging was straightforward, with options for standard and 240-volt outlets. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. While the XC90 was quick, its handling was not thrilling, and the ride quality suffered on irregular pavement. The SUV's steering lacked sharpness, and the brakes faded during prolonged use on hot days.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats across all three rows and a cavernous cargo area. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage. However, the numerous adjustments proved challenging to perfect. The Navigator's storage space was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. For those needing more cargo space, the extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly more room behind the third-row seat, second row, and front seats.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The XC90's front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, but their design occasionally hindered entry. The SUV seated seven, with a comfortable second-row bench and a tight but accommodating third row. Interior storage was adequate, and cargo space expanded to 65.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant excelled in voice recognition, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided lush sound. The Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology allowed owners to unlock, start, and drive the SUV using a digital key. However, the wireless smartphone charger overheated devices, and the rear-seat Lincoln Play infotainment system went unused by teenagers.

The 2024 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system utilized Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with premium sound system options available. The infotainment system, though small, was intuitive and included a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The digital voice assistant generally performed well, though occasional rephrasing was necessary. The XC90 also featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and an available head-up display, with a surround-view camera supporting standard parking sensors.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) through the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages. Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones, requiring frequent driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, but a full crashworthiness assessment was unavailable.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in all assessments except rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named the XC90 a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. While the XC90's ADAS offerings were not groundbreaking, they included a large-animal detection system and a notification system for distracted drivers. Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, performed adequately but made a significant error during testing, undermining confidence in the system.