2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge adhered closely to traditional automotive design, making the transition from internal-combustion engines to electric power as seamless as possible for consumers. From the exterior, it closely resembled its gasoline counterpart, with subtle differences like a solid panel in the grill and the absence of tailpipes. The vehicle maintained Volvo's signature aesthetic with features like Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion, all contributing to its premium appearance. Inside, the XC40 showcased Scandinavian design sensibilities, offering an airy and harmonious cabin that belied its compact SUV classification. The interior was meticulously crafted, with a focus on luxury and quality, positioning the XC40 Recharge as a genuine luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, along with an updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence. However, the restyled front end, featuring an Audi-esque grille, was less well-received, lacking the elegance and presence of previous models. Despite this, the Navigator's interior continued to impress with its quality materials and mid-century modern design. The introduction of Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a touch of celestial elegance. The new Sync 4 infotainment system, with its larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, enhanced the Navigator's technological appeal, while the vehicle's adaptive-damping suspension and electronic brake booster improved ride comfort and braking response.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, driving two permanent magnet electric motors for all-wheel drive. It delivered an impressive 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The Recharge featured regenerative braking, which recaptured energy during deceleration, and offered a one-pedal driving mode for enhanced energy efficiency. Its low centre of gravity, due to the battery placement, contributed to its stable handling. The XC40 Recharge boasted a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, with a combined fuel efficiency rating of 2.8 Le/100 km. In contrast, the gasoline-powered XC40 models offered 0-100 km/h times of 8.5 seconds for the T4 and 6.4 seconds for the T5, with combined fuel efficiency ratings of 9.3 and 9.4 L/100 km, respectively.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada, provided a robust performance. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The SUV's adaptive-damping suspension, equipped with Road Preview technology, enhanced ride comfort by preparing for road imperfections in advance. The Navigator's fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 12.6 L/100 km during evaluation. Despite its substantial curb weight, the Navigator handled various road conditions with ease, thanks to its four-wheel drive and adaptive suspension.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. The absence of a gasoline engine allowed for a front trunk, or "frunk," providing additional storage space. Inside, the cabin featured ample cubbies and nooks for modern essentials, with comfortable front seats and a slightly tighter rear seating arrangement. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to impress with its exceptionally comfortable front seats, which were heated, ventilated, and available with massaging and 30-way power adjustments. The second-row captain’s chairs, also heated and ventilated, provided a luxurious experience, complemented by the updated Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. The third-row seats offered roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator boasted generous storage and cargo space, with up to 2,925 litres of cargo volume with the second-row seats collapsed, and even more in the long-wheelbase Navigator L.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems, including Pilot Assist for highway driving. The vehicle featured a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, running on the Android Automotive operating system. This system integrated Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store, with support for Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth. The XC40 Recharge also offered over-the-air updates for both the infotainment system and vehicle software. However, the vehicle's range reporting, which displayed a percentage of remaining charge rather than available kilometres, was a point of contention.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a user-friendly interface and support for Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The system allowed for extensive customization through user profiles, while the voice recognition system showed improvement over previous models. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, featuring Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also included an optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, while the gasoline 2021 XC40 T5 AWD earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 Recharge's extensive safety equipment included collision warning and avoidance systems, blind-spot information, lane keep assist, and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. The vehicle's new sensor platform enhanced active safety features, and Volvo's Connected Safety system shared road condition information with other connected Volvo vehicles.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous, hands-free driving technology. The SUV also featured a surround-view camera system as standard. ActiveGlide was approved for use on over 200,000 kilometres of North American roads, providing hands-free driving under certain conditions. However, the system required the driver to remain attentive, as it did not always identify potential threats.