2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in three model series: B5, B6, and Recharge T8. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid, offering the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All models came standard with all-wheel drive. The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The Recharge T8 test vehicle, in Ultimate trim, featured seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, an active air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, with an MSRP of $89,145, including the destination charge. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued and earthy color palette, with various wheel designs up to 21 inches. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator shared its rear-wheel-drive platform with the Ford Explorer, benefiting from classic design proportions. It featured a blunt nose, short front overhang, and a tapered roofline, creating an alluring silhouette. However, the 2025 styling was considered less elegant and more generic, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. The interior exuded a classic architectural sensibility, with electronic door releases that could pinch skin. The Aviator didn't rely heavily on screens but was technologically advanced. The remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic and chrome detailing. The Aviator was available in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims, with prices ranging from $60,990 to $89,090, including a $1,695 destination charge. The test vehicle, in Reserve trim with optional AWD, featured Whisper Blue paint, a center console between second-row captain's chairs, and several option packages, with an MSRP of $83,550. The Reserve II Package added upgraded exterior lighting, 30-way-adjustable front seats with massage, heated and ventilated second-row seats, a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, and 22-inch wheels.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The battery and electric motor offered 32 miles of electric-only driving, with an average of 27 mpg in hybrid mode. In Power mode, the XC90 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Recharging took about 12 hours with a standard outlet, or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. Evaluation day conditions affected the electric range and fuel economy, with the XC90 providing 28 miles of electric range and 24.5 mpg. The XC90 was quick but not a performance SUV, with impressive grip from its P275/40R21 Pirelli Scorpion Verde tires. However, the ride quality was firm, and the cabin wasn't as quiet as expected for a luxury SUV. The steering lacked sharpness and communication, and the suspension allowed more roll, pitch, and dive than ideal.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, delivered through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose between Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions driving modes. The test vehicle had adaptive air suspension, which firmed up in Excite mode. The Aviator was powerful, with swift transmission downshifts for passing. The EPA rated it at 20 mpg in combined driving, but the test vehicle achieved 17.7 mpg. The Aviator offered clear sightlines, aided by thin windshield pillars and large sideview mirrors. The ride quality was pleasant, but the 22-inch wheels and thin tires struggled with rough surfaces. On freeways, the adaptive air suspension couldn't fully filter road imperfections, and the tires generated road noise. The Aviator's driving character wasn't athletic, with heavy steering and a focus on comfort. The adaptive Air Glide suspension controlled body motions and roll, ensuring a composed ride. The Aviator could go fast, but there was little reward in driving it aggressively.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 was well-equipped, even in Core trim, with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. A panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and upgraded lighting. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, but their design could catch on clothing. Once adjusted, the XC90 was exceptionally comfortable, with a commanding driving position and good sightlines. The climate control system struggled to cool the cabin in Pure mode. The XC90 seated seven, or six with captain's chairs, with a comfortable second-row bench and tight third-row access. Interior storage was adequate, and cargo space was limited with the third row in use. Folding the third row provided up to 65.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and with the second row down, it offered 85.7 cubic feet.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's Perfect Position front seats offered 30 ways of adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, providing exceptional comfort. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, with heating and ventilation. The quad-zone climate control system allowed individual temperature settings. The third-row seat was less accommodating, with low, flat cushions and limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a center console featuring a smartphone charging pad, tray, and cupholders. The Aviator had deep door panel storage pockets and an optional console between the second-row seats. The third-row seat provided 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a large compartment under the load floor. Folding the third row created 42.7 cubic feet of space, and maximum cargo capacity was 78.6 cubic feet.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were complimentary for four years, with subscription payments required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with a three-month complimentary period for SiriusXM. The XC90 offered a 14-speaker Harman Kardon or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The infotainment system was more intuitive than previous versions, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The Google Assistant was generally effective, though sometimes required different prompts. The XC90 included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience technology. It included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant in the test vehicle struggled with voice prompts. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well, making the Lincoln Digital Experience platform less relevant. The Aviator included an app called Elevated Journey, offering mindfulness coaching for the road. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality. The Aviator's head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data, including lane departure and blind-spot warnings.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in every assessment except rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, the XC90's advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were not as innovative as some rivals. It included Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. Pilot Assist struggled with curves and lane markings, and made a significant error during testing, shaking confidence in the technology.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite of ADAS, with features like active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and reverse braking assist. The reverse braking assist system was overly sensitive, but adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist worked well. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, with a four-year subscription. It operated on approved highways and was proactive in handing control to the driver when necessary. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA, with a four-star rollover rating, and Good ratings from the IIHS.