2023 Volvo XC90 vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented itself as a sophisticated three-row, midsize crossover, boasting a modern Lincoln face and grille that stood out in the automaker’s lineup. It featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring model added a hybrid system with a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack, enhancing its appeal. However, the Aviator's wheel designs were considered plain, and the interior, while luxurious with high-end materials, was seen as overly ornate, with a mix of patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, and chrome accents. The electronic door latches, though innovative, required careful handling to avoid pinching fingers.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's past designs, offering a purposeful yet understated look. Its front end was solid and assertive, complemented by the iconic “Thor’s Hammer” headlights. The XC90's dimensions leaned towards a rectilinear shape, but it was far from the boxy designs of the past. The Ultimate trim featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Grey paint with rich undertones. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather steering, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design was enhanced by wood deco inlays, creating a clean and sophisticated cabin environment.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive power with 494 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 630 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. Despite its added weight from the electric motor and battery, it offered a 34-kilometre electric driving range and averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowing for a tailored driving experience. During testing, the Aviator achieved a fuel economy equivalent to 1.4 L/100 km when relying on electric power. However, the drivetrain's responsiveness was inconsistent, and the regenerative braking system required careful handling for smooth stops. The available Dynamic Handling Package improved cornering and ride quality, but the Aviator was not particularly engaging to drive, focusing more on comfort and isolation.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. This powertrain produced 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, offering a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery to power a 13-volt starter generator, enhancing smoothness and efficiency. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle's insulation minimized road and wind noise, and the brakes provided a confident pedal feel. While the XC90 lacked extensive off-road capabilities, it offered a straightforward driving experience with minimal drive modes, appealing to those who preferred simplicity.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were spacious and supportive, but the third row was cramped, making it unsuitable for adults. With the third-row seats in use, the Aviator offered 519 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,200 litres. The tight access to the third row and limited legroom were notable drawbacks.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, but its minimalist design led to limited storage space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging, especially with the standard seven-passenger seating. The XC90 provided 356 litres of cargo space with the third row in use, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 1,856 litres. While the XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle, its overall size was less accommodating compared to other three-row SUVs.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition and point-of-interest accuracy. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system provided exceptional sound quality, and the optional Phone As A Key system allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, but the Active Park Assist 2.0 system was not tested.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen running Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. The natural-language recognition was a standout feature, allowing for seamless voice commands. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions was a drawback, as it lacked physical buttons for certain controls. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was available as an option.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The vehicle also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and evasive steering assist. However, the steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complex, and the lane-keeping system struggled in curves. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Pilot Assist technology provided additional support for maintaining distance and lane position. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its comprehensive suite of driver aids.