2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture platform, the XC60 shared its elegant, tailored design with other Volvo models, featuring short overhangs and an agile form. The upright grille with the iconic iron mark logo and Thor's hammer-shaped LED headlights added a distinct Swedish touch. Inside, the XC60 boasted a serene, Scandinavian-inspired cabin with clean lines and authentic materials. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a nod to Volvo's early adoption of large displays, and the attention to detail in the cabin, from the HVAC vents to the harmonious textures and colours, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a departure from its past iterations, which closely resembled the Ford Expedition. The Navigator's styling was elegant and understated, with rectilinear shapes defining its grille, windows, and lighting elements. The Pristine White model with a monochromatic package and illuminated Lincoln logo exuded class. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven colour palettes and taste for finer details, such as the layered wood trim and floating centre console. The Perfect Position seats offered 30 different adjustments, providing a level of comfort and customization rarely seen in vehicles of its size. While the Navigator's interior was spacious and luxurious, it lacked some of the advanced features found in its German competitors.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all centred around a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 model increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, combined a turbocharged engine with an 87-hp electric motor, delivering up to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided a smooth and agile driving experience, making it an excellent choice for road trips. Fuel consumption figures ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV, with premium gasoline recommended.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD, the Navigator offered a surprisingly sprightly performance for its size. Its towing capacity was a substantial 3,765 kilograms. However, fuel efficiency was less impressive, with a combined rating of 13.8 L/100 km. 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 powerful engine and plush cabin made it a comfortable choice for highway driving.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed with comfort and practicality in mind. Its front seats were highly adjustable, and the heating system excelled in winter conditions. The cabin offered smart storage solutions, and the XC60 provided 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. The XC60's towing capacity was 1,587 kilograms, making it a versatile option for families.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, with its boxy design, offered ample space for up to eight passengers. The second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a bench option available. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some advanced features found in competitors. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, but parking the large SUV could be challenging.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. While it required a learning curve, frequent iPad users found it intuitive. The system offered smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system was exceptional.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt dated compared to newer competitors. While it offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The software was intuitive, and voice recognition was accurate, but the lack of onboard apps and wireless updates was a drawback.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping aid, and Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system. Volvo's decision to limit the top speed to 180 km/h was a unique safety measure.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, but adaptive cruise control was optional. The Navigator's safety features were solid, though not as advanced as some competitors.