2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's design evolution, showcasing a blend of modern aesthetics with a nod to its classic roots. 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 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 for wool fabric seats and matte wood trim, emphasizing simplicity and quality. The cabin was thoughtfully designed, with comfortable seats that provided excellent support and optional massage functions, making long journeys a pleasure.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator embraced a unique design language that set it apart from its competitors. The Aviator's exterior was characterized by crisp lines and chrome accents, creating a sharp and sophisticated look. Inside, the Aviator offered a warm and inviting cabin with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen that dominated the dash. The piano button shifter added a touch of elegance, while the soothing chimes contributed to the luxurious atmosphere. The Aviator's trims ranged from Standard to Black Label, each offering a range of features that enhanced comfort and convenience, such as heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof.

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, while the T6 added a supercharger for a total of 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Polestar tune further boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these figures, the XC90's performance was not particularly sporty, with mid-range acceleration being adequate but not exceptional. The T8 plug-in hybrid variant offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but the added weight of the hybrid system diminished its speed advantage. Fuel economy was a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city and 26 highway, and the T8 offering limited electric range.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Touring trims featured a plug-in hybrid setup, increasing output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with an electric range of up to 21 miles. The Aviator's performance was smooth and powerful, though its size and weight led to noticeable body roll in corners. The drive mode selector offered options like "Excite" and "Conserve," but the Aviator was best suited for highway cruising rather than city driving.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured a well-organized cabin with a Sensus infotainment system that was faster and more responsive than previous iterations. The system housed all climate controls within the touchscreen, which could be cumbersome for some users. The XC90 offered seven seats as standard, with an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows provided ample legroom and comfort, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was generous, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The second row was particularly spacious, especially in models with captain's chairs and a center console. The Aviator's power-button door releases were a unique feature, though they raised concerns about functionality if the battery were to die.

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 R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, offering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system, which was user-friendly and well-organized. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with large icons that made navigation easy. The Aviator also offered a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display with clear graphics.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test results prevented it from earning the Top Safety Pick+ designation. 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 innovative systems like whiplash protection.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, which included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added features like reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, achieving a Top Safety Pick accolade.