2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by a tall, flat roof and an upright rear hatch, aligning with Volvo's signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof. The electric XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Despite these subtle differences, the Recharge maintained a low-key appearance, appealing to those who preferred understated electric vehicles. The interior boasted a minimalist design with high-quality materials, including real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile, creating a cohesive and premium cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a restyled front end that drew mixed reviews. The interior continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system, with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, enhanced the Navigator's tech appeal. The SUV offered a luxurious experience with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, while the second-row captain’s chairs provided comfort and entertainment through the updated Lincoln Play system. The Navigator's spacious interior and generous cargo capacity made it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a versatile powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline variants featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with the T4 producing 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, and the T5 delivering 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasted 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, thanks to its dual electric motors and 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Recharge accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.4 and 8.5 seconds, respectively. All models were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The XC40 emphasized comfort and quietness, with excellent ride quality and the option for one-pedal driving in the Recharge model.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on configuration. The SUV featured an updated adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview, enhancing ride comfort by preparing for road imperfections. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Navigator handled various road conditions with ease, thanks to its four-wheel drive and adaptive suspension, while maintaining a fuel consumption rate of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered clever storage solutions to compensate for its limited interior space. While passenger and cargo space were consistent across the Recharge and gasoline models, the XC40 lagged behind competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E in terms of legroom and cargo capacity. The small frunk and overall compact dimensions highlighted the segment's utility limitations. However, Volvo's innovative storage features, such as a removable trash bin, bag hook, and large door bins, added practicality. The centre console's phone cubby and optional wireless charging pad further enhanced convenience, though rear passengers lacked charging options.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior comfort and space, with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats offering exceptional comfort. The second-row captain’s chairs, equipped with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, provided a luxurious experience, complemented by the upgraded Lincoln Play entertainment system. The third-row seats remained spacious and supportive, benefiting from the Navigator's independent rear suspension. The SUV's generous storage and cargo capacity, especially in the long-wheelbase Navigator L, made it ideal for families. With up to 3,403 litres of cargo volume in the Navigator L, the SUV accommodated large loads with ease.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps for a seamless user experience. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with a 9-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge model introduced OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without dealership visits. The absence of a start button and the potential for a Digital Key feature highlighted Volvo's focus on innovation, though the reliance on Google's interface might not appeal to all users.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's new Sync 4 infotainment system, with its 13.2-inch touchscreen, significantly improved the SUV's tech offering. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with user profiles to save personalized settings. The voice recognition system showed improvement, though it occasionally struggled with specific commands. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, featuring Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services, enhancing rear passenger entertainment. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience, further elevating the Navigator's luxury appeal.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with the gasoline model earning a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The electric Recharge model, while not yet rated, was expected to perform well due to its safety cage and redesigned crash structure. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge model's advanced sensor suite allowed for future driver aid enhancements, showcasing Volvo's commitment to safety.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard, enhancing safety. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention remained crucial. The system performed well within its limits, but the need for constant vigilance highlighted the current limitations of such technology. These advancements represented progress towards fully autonomous driving, emphasizing the importance of responsible driving.