2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, with new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, alongside an updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence. The SUV's front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille that, despite its Lincoln star and chrome detailing, seemed to lack the elegance and presence of its predecessor. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by the Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system, with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, added to the vehicle's appeal, ensuring it remained competitive in the screen size race.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive design, combining Volvo's current design language with a flat-roofed profile. For 2023, updates included a pixelated design for the "Thor’s Hammer" headlights, a more angular front bumper, and new wheel designs. The XC40's interior retained its minimalist design, with thin air vents and scalloped elements housing the door handles and speaker grilles. The XC40 Ultimate test vehicle featured a panoramic moonroof and an Orrefors crystal shift knob, though the all-black interior felt somewhat utilitarian. Despite being Volvo's entry-level model, the XC40 offered good fit and finish, though the materials reminded us of its position in the lineup.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. Its towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, featuring Road Preview technology, provided a smooth ride, even on imperfect pavement. The SUV's electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, while its four-wheel drive and 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance ensured it handled snow and mud with ease. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test vehicle averaging 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. The B5 models in Canada were equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo-four-cylinder engine, producing 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 models could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The XC40 Recharge, with its two electric motors, offered 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and a range of 359 kilometres. The XC40's chassis tuning provided a refined ride, though it lacked a sport driving mode. The Recharge model had a towing capacity of 2,000 kg, compared to 1,587 kg for the B5 AWD model.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptionally comfortable heated, ventilated, and available massaging 30-way power-adjustable front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a comfortable ride. The third-row seat was spacious and supportive, benefiting from the Navigator's independent rear suspension design. The Navigator's cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third-row seat, expanding to 1,627 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,925 litres with the second-row seats collapsed.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while compact, offered reasonable space for its class. It provided ample rear-seat headroom and average legroom, with generous shoulder room enhancing the feeling of spaciousness. Cargo space was 566 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,328 litres with them folded, less than some competitors. The XC40 featured good interior storage, with scalloped door panels and a large centre console storage bin. A power tailgate and keyless entry were standard.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering two data panels for navigation and music details. Physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions were retained. Sync 4 supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with a voice recognition system that was improved but not perfect. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to streaming services. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 adopted an Android-based infotainment system, using Google apps for navigation and voice recognition. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen were standard, with a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system in the Ultimate trim. The infotainment experience was similar to other Volvo models with the Android system, though users preferring Apple might find it less satisfying. The minimalist design meant a lack of analog controls, with most functions accessed via the touchscreen.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was standard. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways, though it required driver attention. The system performed well within its limits but required human intervention in certain situations.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Plus trim added parking sensors and a 360-degree camera, while the Ultimate included adaptive cruise control and Pilot Assist. The XC40 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had an "Acceptable" rating in the updated side-impact test.