Differences Between Lincoln Aviator vs. Volvo XC90

See how the premier three-row luxury SUVs stack up with our Lincoln Aviator vs. Volvo XC90 comparison guide. Both are full-size family-pleasing vehicles, and both offer you a similar blend of comfort, technology, power, and efficiency. But from a competitive price with more generous standard features to more cargo room and fuel efficiency, a Volvo XC90 exceeds the competition in many ways.

Read on to compare the 2023 Volvo XC90 vs. Lincoln Aviator, and visit Volvo Cars Richmond to test-drive the Volvo XC90 today.

Lincoln Aviator vs. Volvo XC90 Specs and Performance

Lincoln Aviator vs. Volvo XC90 specs start off with a win for the Volvo XC90, as it offers standard AWD; the Aviator has standard RWD and optional AWD. The Lincoln Aviator is faster than a base-trim Volvo XC90, but as you select higher configurations, the Lincoln Aviator can't keep up. MPG ratings are a different story; the Lincoln Aviator's significantly heavier weight and focus on power are partially to blame.

The lightest Volvo XC90 has a base curb weight of 4,589 pounds, while the lightest Lincoln Aviator tips the scales with a base curb weight of 4,745 pounds.

The Lincoln Aviator has a standard 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that develops 400 horsepower. While powerful, its EPA-estimated 18/26 MPG (city/highway)³ (in an RWD configuration) may not satisfy your desire for at-the-pump savings.

The standard Volvo XC90 B5 AWD uses a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 247 horsepower, delivering an EPA-estimated 22/28 MPG (city/highway).³

However, the MPG ratings we touched on for the Lincoln Aviator are with RWD; when given equivalent AWD capabilities to a standard Volvo XC90, the Lincoln Aviator only delivers an EPA-estimated 17/24 MPG (city/highway).³

The Lincoln Aviator runs a reported zero-to-60-mph time of 5.9 seconds with AWD.⁴ The 247-horsepower Volvo XC90 B5 AWD will deliver higher MPG ratings and make the same sprint in 7.3 seconds. However, the 295-horsepower B6 AWD powertrain is right on its tail with a clock time of 6.4 seconds.

Choose the B6 AWD powertrain to compare Lincoln Aviator vs. Volvo XC90 efficiency, and it takes its place on top. That's because the Volvo XC90 B6 AWD delivers a superior EPA-estimated 20/26 MPG (city/highway).³

Volvo XC90 Hybrid vs. Lincoln Aviator Hybrid Specs

The plug-in hybrid Lincoln Aviator costs much more than the plug-in hybrid Volvo XC90 Recharge in its higher trim levels and is slower and less efficient at every level.

The Aviator Grand Touring offers a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 and electric motor system to produce 494 horsepower, runs a reported zero-to-60 time of 5.4 seconds,⁵ delivers an EPA-estimated 56 MPGe,⁶ and offers up to an EPA-estimated 21 miles⁷ of all-electric range.

A Volvo XC90 Hybrid for sale is not only faster than the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, but it's also more efficient and more capable on all-electric power.

This masterclass of plug-in hybrid enjoyment combines a 2.0-liter turbo and supercharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor system to form the T8 eAWD powertrain. It makes 455 horsepower, completes the zero-to-60 sprint in just 5.0 seconds (faster than any Lincoln Aviator configuration can manage), delivers an astounding EPA-estimated 58 MPGe,⁶ and offers up to an EPA-estimated 32 miles⁸ of all-electric range.

Lincoln Aviator vs. Volvo XC90 Styling

Declaring an objective winner for styling is impossible, as design is a matter of personal taste. But, compare Lincoln Aviator to Volvo XC90 body design, and in our opinion, the subtly sleek styling of a Volvo XC90 will be a delight to lay your eyes on.

The Aviator taps into popular SUV design trends well. Still, the Volvo XC90 forms its own personality with a combination of classic Volvo Cars design language, thoroughly modern angles, smooth lines, and exclusive styling cues.

From Iron Ore aluminum decor inspired by Sweden's industrial history to warm and inviting Linear Limewood trim, the Volvo XC90 offers a personal connection to luxury that makes every drive a memorable experience. Lincoln Aviator vs. Volvo XC90 style may be a matter of taste, but the exclusive, premium nature of a Volvo XC90 is undeniable.

Discover the Volvo XC90 Today

A Volvo XC90 is an attractive way to enjoy the latest in automotive luxury. We've touched on the key advantages that one provides, but to see the rest, we invite you to visit Volvo Cars Richmond and take a Volvo XC90 out on a test drive. Our inventory of used Lincoln cars for sale may have an Aviator for a great price, too, so swing by today to find your perfect luxury SUV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Volvo XC90 more luxurious than the Lincoln Aviator?

With a thoughtful approach to satisfying your behind-the-wheel needs, the Volvo XC90 is arguably the more luxurious SUV. The Volvo XC90 has more cargo room, standard features that the Lincoln Aviator charges extra for (like AWD, a panoramic moonroof, semi-autonomous driving capabilities, and a wireless smartphone charger), timeless designs, sumptuous comfort, and exclusive showcase materials that form a deeper connection to luxury.

Which has better gas mileage, the Volvo XC90 or Lincoln Aviator?

The Volvo XC90 has better gas mileage than equivalent Lincoln Aviator configurations. The gas-powered AWD Lincoln Aviator delivers an EPA-estimated 17/24 MPG (city/highway)³ while the Volvo XC90 B5 AWD delivers an EPA-estimated 22/28 MPG (city/highway).³ For plug-in hybrid models, the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring delivers an EPA-estimated 56 MPGe,⁶ and the Volvo XC90 Recharge delivers an EPA-estimated 58 MPGe⁶ with superior power.

Which is more expensive, the Volvo XC90 or Lincoln Aviator?

The Volvo XC90 is slightly more expensive than the Lincoln Aviator in its base trim, but in equivalent higher trims, the Lincoln Aviator is much more expensive. For example, the base-trim Volvo XC90 Core has a starting price of $56,000 MSRP,¹ while the base-trim 2023 Lincoln Aviator Standard has a starting price of $53,340 MSRP.¹ The top-trim Volvo XC90 Ultimate has a starting price of $69,200 MSRP¹ while the top-trim Lincoln Aviator Black Label has a starting price of $80,725 MSRP.¹

Which should I buy, Lincoln Aviator or Volvo XC90?

Compared to the Lincoln Aviator, the Volvo XC90 has a nearly identical starting price, a higher IIHS safety rating,² higher MPG ratings, standard features that the Aviator offers as optional extras, more cargo room, more third-row legroom, exclusive high-end materials, and a timeless design. If these advantages are what you're looking for, then the Volvo XC90 will be your perfect three-row luxury SUV.

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¹Prices shown are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), Base Price or Starting At price and excludes destination fees, taxes, title, license, and registration and/or electronic filing fees, dealer fees.

²For more details, see: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/volvo/xc90-4-door-suv/2023 and https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/lincoln/aviator-4-door-suv/2023.

³For more information, please visit the official US government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov

⁴This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.edmunds.com/lincoln/aviator/

⁵This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.motortrend.com/cars/lincoln/aviator/

⁶This is a hybrid plug in vehicle. Since electricity is not measured in gallons, a conversion factor is used to translate the fuel economy into miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe). Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle battery-package/condition, and other factors. For more information, including information on MPGe, see www.fueleconomy.gov

⁷EPA-estimated all-electric range is 0-21 miles. Based on full charge. Actual range varies with conditions such as external environment, vehicle use, vehicle maintenance, lithium-ion battery age and state of health.

⁸Estimated range according to the EPA driving cycles. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on driving behavior, driving conditions, how you maintain your vehicle, battery and other external factors. Visit fueleconomy.gov for further information.