2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was strategically placed between the grandiose Navigator and the compact MKC (later replaced by the Corsair) in Lincoln's lineup. This positioning reflected a move away from the confusing alphabet-soup naming convention that had previously plagued the brand. The unification of Lincoln's vehicle names signaled a clear departure from attempts to emulate imported luxury vehicles. The Aviator exhibited a cohesive design language across all of Lincoln’s models, incorporating stylish headlights and an upright chrome grille. Its tapered roofline and low, wide beltline conspired to give it an elongated, almost nautical appearance.

Inside the Aviator, the flowing cabin design utilized soft-touch materials and strategic use of brightwork, lending an impression of both luxury and durability. The seats were not only elegant but structurally sound, complemented by shifter buttons with a piano-key design. This detail signified a nod to traditional luxury without overwhelming the broader design. The front seats, in particular, provided incredible comfort, enveloping occupants in plush leather that extended from the dashboard to the door panels and even to the sides of the center console.

Unique features such as a panoramic moonroof and distinctive warning jingles performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra underscored Lincoln’s commitment to a holistic luxury experience. Five trims made up the Aviator’s lineup: Standard, Reserve, Grand Touring, Black Label, and Black Label Grand Touring, each offering increasing levels of opulence. The Standard trim came well-equipped with modern conveniences and the Sync 3 infotainment system. Meanwhile, the Grand Touring locked in a panoramic moonroof and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain, offering top-tier features and the Black Label variants pushed the envelope further with luxurious upholstery and advanced stereo systems becoming standard.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC90 succeeded in reshaping Volvo's traditionally conservative design through the introduction of the current-generation model in 2016. The XC90 preserved iconic Volvo styling cues such as a boxy profile and blunt front end while incorporating softer lines, additional chrome trim, and distinctive LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights.

Our test vehicle, the Inscription trim, emphasized a flashy persona with extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels. The R-Design trim sported a new gloss-black grille for a more athletic look, while the base Momentum trim retained modest styling. As a car-based crossover sharing Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) with other "90" and "60" series models, the XC90 balanced traditional aesthetics with modern flair.

Inside, Swedish minimalism reigned supreme. Matte-finish wood trim lent a natural aesthetic, complemented by a wool upholstery option and an Orrefors crystal shifter, creating a subtly luxurious, understated environment. The XC90’s interior did not seek to overwhelm but rather to provide a serene, thoughtfully designed space.

Underneath the 2020 Lincoln Aviator’s hood, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine delivered a robust 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine was part of the same family used in the Ford Explorer, Expedition, and F-150. The Grand Touring trim elevated this powertrain with a 100-horsepower electric motor, adding up to an impressive combined output of 494 hp and 630 lb-ft. This setup was managed through a 10-speed automatic transmission with power sent to either RWD or AWD.

The hybrid drivetrain provided smooth, confident acceleration by leveraging electric power at low speeds, ultimately conserving fuel and offering a refined driving experience. The Aviator’s light steering and cushioned braking system contributed to its plush ride, evoking comparisons to the prestigious Rolls-Royce Cullinan in terms of driving refinement.

Fuel economy for the non-hybrid Aviator hovered around 18 mpg city, 26 highway for RWD, and slightly less for AWD. The PHEV achieved a combined 23 mpg with a 21-mile electric-only range and a rating of 56 MPGe.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three engine variants, each built around the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 added a supercharger for a total of 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors, resulting in 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. Power options ranged from FWD in the T5 to AWD in both the T6 and T8.

While the 400 hp output enabled robust performance, the reliance on a small four-cylinder engine meant the XC90 occasionally struggled with acceleration, especially in electric mode. Three drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power—offered different driving experiences, though Pure mode felt restricted to low-speed use.

The ride quality on the XC90 was superb, supported by an optional air suspension system and a focus on minimizing body roll. The cabin maintained a quiet ambiance, only interrupted by essential sounds like the air conditioning. Additionally, a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds on most models underscored its functional capability, though it trailed behind the Aviator’s 6,700-pound maximum towing capacity.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, as a three-row SUV, found itself competing against the likes of the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, and Cadillac XT6. Although the base second-row bench wasn't tested, the optional captain’s chairs proved to be excellent. The third row was serviceable for adults, albeit better suited for children during extended trips. With the second and third rows folded, the Aviator offered 77 cubic feet of cargo space, a respectable figure comparable to the Cadillac XT6.

However, the Aviator’s luxury came with some quirks. The door handles and seat controls were needlessly complicated, with some seat adjustments accessible only through the center touchscreen. The unconventional door-release button added to the learning curve, presenting potential challenges, particularly in emergency situations.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Volvo XC90 also featured three rows, available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations. While headroom and legroom mirrored segment averages, the third-row seats and optional second-row configuration lacked comfort for adult passengers over long distances. A power moonroof and upright profile expanded the sense of space, complemented by a standard four-zone climate control system with optional enhanced filtration.

Up front, even the top Inscription model missed out on a power-adjustable steering wheel. Storage was somewhat limited, with a shallow center console and fewer storage options, yet the Inscription trim provided highly adjustable seats and a visceral backrest massage.

Cargo capacity fell short compared to the Aviator, with the XC90 offering 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows down. Despite a hands-free power tailgate, the XC90's cargo space limitations were evident.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with the Sync 3 infotainment system, displayed on a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The landscape arrangement of this screen facilitated a seamless Apple CarPlay experience, utilizing the entire screen for intuitive interfacing. The fully digital instrument panel and expansive head-up display provided crucial information efficiently.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, favoring simplicity. The XC90’s 9-inch touchscreen resembled a tablet, enabling easy navigation through menus. Complimentary features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. However, the text-heavy menus and the center console's wireless charging pad's inadequacies tarnished the otherwise user-friendly experience.

Standard safety features on the 2020 Lincoln Aviator encompassed a suite of airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Lincoln Co-Pilot360 added advanced driver-assistance systems like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams, alongside a robust head-up display.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 excelled in safety, with the non-hybrid models earning the IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” rating. Top marks in crash tests, along with superior ratings for vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention and advanced ratings for vehicle-to-pedestrian prevention, underscored its safety credentials. NHTSA awarded the XC90 a five-star overall safety rating. Comprehensive safety features included lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid, enhancing an already formidable suite of safety tools.