2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling to a more characterful yet distinctly Volvo appearance. The XC90 retained classic Volvo elements like a boxy profile and a blunt front end with a rectangular grille, but introduced softer lines, increased chrome detailing, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most eye-catching, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring high-quality materials like matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined and thoughtfully arranged cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator presented a bold and elegant design, distinct from its Ford Expedition roots. The Navigator's styling was characterized by simple rectilinear shapes, a body-colour grille, and sweeping LED running lights, complemented by chrome accents. The Pristine White model with black wheels and an illuminated Lincoln logo exuded sophistication. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven colour palettes and attention to detail, such as the layered wood trim and floating centre console. The Perfect Position seats offered 30-way adjustability, providing exceptional comfort. While the Navigator's interior was luxurious, it lacked some of the advanced features found in competitors like the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centred around a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. While the XC90's power was sufficient, the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' larger engines. The XC90's ride quality was excellent, aided by an optional air-suspension system, but its towing capacity was limited to 2,250 kg.

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 quick acceleration and a satisfying engine sound. Its towing capacity was a substantial 3,765 kg. However, the Navigator's fuel efficiency was poor, and its suspension, while equipped with adaptive dampers, lacked the refinement of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The Navigator excelled on highways, offering a plush and quiet ride, but its handling and steering were less precise than some rivals.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across its three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The XC90's interior felt spacious, thanks to an optional power sunroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, but storage space was limited. Cargo capacity was 317 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered generous interior space, accommodating up to eight passengers with its optional bench seat. The boxy design provided ample cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, offering a commanding view of the road. However, parking the large SUV was challenging, despite the 360-degree cameras.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which emphasized simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The system was intuitive, but the text was difficult to read while driving, and the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt outdated compared to competitors. While it offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The Navigator's software was intuitive, and voice recognition was accurate, but it lacked onboard apps and wireless updates. The rear entertainment system included Roku streaming and various connectivity options.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings, including a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, but adaptive cruise control was optional. The Navigator lacked knee airbags but offered optional inflatable rear seat belts.