2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a striking departure from its predecessors, which often resembled dressed-up Ford Expeditions. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, such as side glass and the general shape of the rear seats, the Navigator stood out with its unique design and luxurious feel. Its elegance and understated styling were impressive for a vehicle of its size, featuring simple rectilinear shapes and a few chrome accents that added a touch of class. The interior was equally impressive, with seven colour palettes and a focus on finer details, such as layered wood trim and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The Perfect Position seats offered unparalleled comfort with 30 different adjustments, making the Navigator a standout in terms of interior luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge maintained a familiar design, closely resembling its gasoline-powered counterparts. The most noticeable difference was the solid panel in the grill, which redirected airflow and highlighted its electric nature. The XC40's exterior was impeccably assembled, with even gaps and a quality finish. Inside, the XC40 embraced Scandinavian design sensibilities, creating an airy and roomy cabin despite its compact size. The harmonious dash elements and clever storage solutions added to its appeal. Volvo's steady progression into the premium automotive category was evident in the XC40 Recharge, which offered a genuine luxury experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada, provided the Navigator with impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. Despite its size, the Navigator felt responsive and capable, with a towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging in the double digits, aligning with the estimated 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined rating. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, its suspension felt less refined compared to competitors, and the steering and brakes lacked the precision found in the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge, on the other hand, offered an exhilarating driving experience with its 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack powering two electric motors. With 402 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque, the XC40 Recharge could accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Its regenerative braking system allowed for energy recapture, and the one-pedal drive feature maximized regenerative braking. The XC40 Recharge's lower centre of gravity contributed to its stable and planted handling, while its suspension setup provided a familiar and comfortable ride. With a combined fuel efficiency rating of 2.8 Le/100 km and a range of 359 kilometres, the XC40 Recharge was both efficient and fun to drive.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered an abundance of interior space, akin to a small bedroom, comfortably accommodating six adults. While technically a seven-passenger SUV, the third row's middle seat was best suited for children. The Navigator's boxy shape contributed to its generous cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and a total of 2,925 litres. The Navigator Reserve featured heated rear second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, although it lacked some of the advanced features found in German competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage programs, providing a luxurious experience for the driver and front passenger.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and a comfortable cabin. The front trunk, or "frunk," provided additional storage space, while the cabin featured ample cubbies and nooks for modern essentials. The front seats were comfortable, and the rear seats, while suitable for outboard passengers, were a bit tight for a middle passenger. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the second row folded flat and had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms. Its compact size made it a practical choice for urban environments.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology offerings included a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which felt small compared to newer competitors. While it featured Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio, it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The software was intuitive, sharing its interface with Ford vehicles, and voice recognition was fast and accurate. However, the Navigator lacked onboard apps and wireless software updates, requiring an external Wi-Fi network for updates. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connectivity options, while drive mode animations added a touch of flair.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was loaded with technology, featuring a 9.3-inch centre-stack touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The Android Automotive operating system integrated Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store, allowing drivers to connect their Google accounts. Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth were standard, and the infotainment system supported over-the-air updates. However, the XC40 Recharge's range and state of charge display, which showed a percentage rather than remaining kilometres, could trigger range anxiety. Despite this, the XC40 Recharge's technology offerings were comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance. It featured standard safety equipment such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row added an extra layer of safety, although knee airbags were not offered. Adaptive cruise control was available, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Its extensive list of standard safety features included collision warning and avoidance, blind-spot information system, lane keep assist, and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. The XC40 Recharge's top speed was electronically capped at 180 km/h, and its new sensor platform enhanced active safety features. Volvo's Connected Safety system allowed the XC40 Recharge to share information about hazardous road conditions with other connected Volvo vehicles, showcasing its commitment to safety.