2020 Lincoln Corsair vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's evolution in design, showcasing a modern aesthetic that surpassed its classic predecessors. The SUV's exterior was adorned with distinctive features like the blacked-out honeycomb grille and "Thor's hammer" LED headlights, which were standard across all trims. The R-Design trim added a sporty flair with black window surrounds and 22-inch rims, enhancing its already striking appearance. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options like matte wood trim and wool fabric seats, emphasizing Volvo's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The seats were praised for their comfort and support, making long journeys a pleasure. The interior was thoughtfully designed, with padded materials for safety and a seamless integration of the vertical touchscreen into the dash, reflecting Volvo's dedication to simplicity and quality.

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair, on the other hand, distinguished itself with a unique design that set it apart from its Ford roots. Every body panel and trim piece was exclusive to Lincoln, giving the Corsair a refined and elegant look. The low hood line and restrained chrome grille, paired with teardrop headlights, contributed to its sophisticated appearance. The Corsair's design borrowed cues from luxury SUVs but maintained its individuality. Inside, the Corsair offered a luxurious cabin with rich materials and thoughtful details. The dashboard featured curved matte-finish wood and a floating center stack, while the two-tone steering wheel added a touch of elegance. Despite some minor drawbacks, such as the tall lower dash and matte black plastic center console, the Corsair's interior felt upscale and comfortable, with fashion-forward color combinations.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which was deemed insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with its supercharged engine, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing adequate power for highway driving. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6's performance to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was considered unrefined for its price range. Fuel economy was unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but its added weight negated the speed benefits, and its fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined.

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair featured two turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, both paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0T trim offered 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, with FWD standard and AWD optional. The 2.3T trim, with 295 hp and 310 lb-ft, was available only with AWD. The Corsair's engines provided smooth power delivery, although the 2.3T engine was noisy when downshifting. The Corsair excelled in ride comfort, with adaptive dampers standard on the 2.3T trim, providing a composed and rock-solid driving experience. Fuel economy was competitive, with the 2.3T rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined. A plug-in hybrid trim, the Grand Touring, was expected to offer 266 hp and an electric range of over 25 miles.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was designed with practicality and comfort in mind. The Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous models, although some functions were buried within menus. The XC90 offered seven seats as standard, with an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows provided generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair's interior was designed for comfort and convenience. Seat controls were located on the doors, and the Perfect Position seats offered 24 ways of adjustment, including massage settings. The driving position was airy, with good sightlines and ample headroom and legroom for rear passengers. Cargo space was limited, with 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 58 cubic feet when folded. The Sync 3 infotainment system was user-friendly, although some controls were difficult to access. The center console was spacious, with a sliding storage bin and a wireless phone charger.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Bowers & Wilkins stereo was a standout feature, offering exceptional sound quality. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was easy to navigate, although onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair offered the option to use a smartphone as an ignition key, although this feature was not tested. The head-up display was wide and informative, displaying directions and controls for the semi-automated driving feature. The instrument panel was minimalist, with limited customization options. Voice recognition and destination searches were fast and accurate, and in-car WiFi was available.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, although its headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and unique whiplash protection system.

The 2020 Lincoln Corsair was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and forward emergency braking. The Co-Pilot360 system included standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, while Co-Pilot360 Plus added lane-keep assist and rear emergency braking. Rear side airbags and knee airbags were also standard.