2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a departure from its predecessors, which often resembled dressed-up Ford Expeditions. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, the Navigator stood out with its unique design and luxurious feel. Its elegant and understated styling was impressive for a vehicle of its size, featuring rectilinear shapes and subtle chrome accents. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking. Inside, the Navigator offered a modern and muted interior with high-quality materials and tight panel gaps. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, added to the luxurious experience, making it a formidable competitor in the luxury SUV market.

The 2022 Volvo XC60, on the other hand, received subtle styling updates that enhanced its sporty appearance. The new front fascia with "air blades" and a reworked grille added a touch of sophistication. The interior remained largely unchanged, maintaining its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The XC60's interior, while subdued compared to other Volvo models, offered a comfortable and refined experience. The Inscription trim level added Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, elevating the luxury feel. Overall, the XC60's design changes and interior features made it a strong contender in the luxury crossover segment.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a remarkable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada, delivered impressive performance for a vehicle of its size. The Navigator's towing capacity was substantial at 3,765 kilograms, making it a practical choice for those needing to haul heavy loads. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with an average consumption 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 like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in handling, the Navigator's power and refinement on the highway were noteworthy.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 options. The B6 powertrain, with a total output of 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, offered a smooth and efficient driving experience. The XC60's acceleration times were slightly slower than the previous model, but the B6 version still managed a respectable 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's standout features were its quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by the optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered even more power, with 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, while the Polestar Engineered version pushed output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft. Overall, the XC60 prioritized luxury and comfort over outright performance, providing a refined driving experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, accommodating up to eight passengers with its optional bench seating. The boxy design contributed to generous cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and a total of 2,925 litres. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage capacity. The Navigator's interior featured heated rear seats and a three-zone climate system, although it lacked some advanced features found in German competitors. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, offering a commanding driving position with excellent visibility. However, parking the large SUV could be challenging, despite the assistance of 360-degree cameras.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive edge in passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom. However, rear-seat headroom was limited compared to some rivals. The XC60 offered 611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,410 litres with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly reduced cargo capacity. The XC60's driving position provided good visibility, and large exterior mirrors aided in manoeuvrability. While the XC60's cargo space was less than some competitors, its interior design and functionality made it a practical choice for luxury crossover buyers.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which felt small compared to newer competitors. While the system included Bluetooth and SiriusXM, 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 models but with a unique Lincoln skin. Voice recognition was fast and accurate, but the system lacked onboard apps and wireless software updates. The Navigator offered wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming, providing a decent tech experience despite some limitations.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system. The system included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Android-specific features, such as Google Assistant and Google Maps, were integrated into the infotainment system, allowing for over-the-air software updates. The system was compatible with iPhones, although Android users benefited from additional functionality. The XC60's graphics were impressive, and the new layout with sideways swiping made navigation intuitive. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety had not rated the Navigator in its current generation. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and inflatable rear seat belts for the second row, a rare safety feature aimed at reducing chest injuries.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received the "Top Safety Pick+" rating. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2022 XC60, but the 2021 model received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. Volvo's driver assistance system, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring, was available as an option, providing a comprehensive safety package.