2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past utilitarian designs, showcasing a more refined and modern aesthetic. The front end of the XC90 appeared robust yet understated, with a grille that was assertive without being ostentatious. The distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a contemporary touch, a stark contrast to the boxy Volvos of the 1980s and 90s. The XC90's rectilinear dimensions were complemented by 21-inch wheels, adding a hint of drama to its otherwise stoic presence. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design was enhanced by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its imposing presence with a design that emphasized luxury and functionality. The Navigator Reserve model featured a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim, giving it a sleek, cohesive look. The interior was dominated by black leather with real wood trim and chrome accents, creating an upscale atmosphere. The ambient lighting added character, while the 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats offered unparalleled comfort, albeit with a learning curve for adjustments. The Navigator's cabin was spacious, with ample room in all three rows, and the extended body style provided a cavernous cargo area, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older T5 and T6 engines. This new setup delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than its predecessor but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery to power a 13-volt starter generator, reducing the engine's load and enhancing the fuel-saving auto stop-start technology. The XC90 offered a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with its eight-speed automatic transmission providing seamless shifts. Despite its size, the XC90 handled corners well, and its brakes inspired confidence with a solid pedal feel.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered an impressive 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD drivetrain, the Navigator offered five drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite. The adaptive damping suspension with Road Preview aimed to enhance ride quality, but the Navigator's ride was inconsistent, feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floaty over larger dips. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving handling but at the cost of fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban environments, with its large dimensions making parking and manoeuvring difficult.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, though its Scandinavian minimalism led to some storage frustrations. The lack of dedicated space for smaller items, such as cell phones, was notable, and the centre console bin was relatively small. The second row was comfortable but adjusting the seats proved challenging. The XC90's seven-passenger seating configuration made accessing the third row difficult, and cargo space was limited compared to competitors. With the third-row seats folded, the XC90 provided 1,183 litres of cargo space, maxing out at 1,856 litres with all rear seats down.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo capacity. The power-deploying running boards facilitated easy access to the cabin, and the 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided exceptional comfort. The second-row captain's chairs allowed for easy access to the third row, where even taller adults found ample headroom and legroom. The Navigator's storage space was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The long-wheelbase Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen infotainment display running on Google OS, the first of its kind as standard in a vehicle. This system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant, offering seamless natural-language recognition. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions led to some frustration, as more physical buttons would have been appreciated. Keyless entry was standard, with a head-up display available as an option.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator boasted a range of digital displays, including a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Sync 4 system offered Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The digital assistant excelled in understanding commands, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided exceptional sound quality. The Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology allowed for digital key access, while the Lincoln Play system offered rear-seat entertainment, though it went unused by our teenage passengers.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. These technologies supported Volvo's Pilot Assist, which maintained distance from the car ahead and provided gentle steering assistance.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Unique ADAS features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with certain driving conditions, requiring driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.