2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and bright 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive Volvo elements. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, emphasizing the vehicle's luxurious feel. The XC90's interior was a testament to Volvo's craftsmanship, with options like matte wood trim, wool fabric seats, and leather with aluminum or carbon-fiber trim. The seats were exceptionally comfortable, offering power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, originally the second-generation Lincoln MKX, underwent a facelift in 2019 and was renamed. The 2021 model retained its attractive exterior but featured a revamped cabin with clean lines, soft materials, and a large, crisp touchscreen. The "Piano Key" shifter-button layout was unconventional but user-friendly. The standard 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen system was intuitive and easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Nautilus offered three trims: Standard, Reserve, and Black Label, each with increasing levels of luxury and technology. The Black Label trim included a twin-turbo V6, 21-inch wheels, adaptive suspension, and a 19-speaker premium stereo system, among other high-end features.

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 felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with an added supercharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune upgrade boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was also a concern, 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 had limited electric range and higher costs.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The Reserve and Black Label trims offered a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, delivering 355 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the V6 models featuring standard AWD. The V6 provided smooth and controlled power delivery, especially at highway speeds. The adaptive suspension enhanced ride comfort, making the Nautilus feel firm and planted through corners. The engine stop-start feature aimed to conserve fuel but introduced a slight delay in response.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous versions, though it relied heavily on the touchscreen for climate controls. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available on the T6 and T8 powertrains but not on the R-Design model. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus provided up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space, more than the Lexus RX 350 and Cadillac XT5. With the rear seats in use, it offered 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The Nautilus emphasized two-row comfort, with plenty of head- and legroom in the rear seats. The front seats, especially the 22-way multi-contour power-adjustable units, were the most comfortable. The center console and door handles featured soft-touch materials, enhancing comfort. The Nautilus also had a large center console bin and deep in-door pockets for storage.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The four-zone climate control and a phenomenal Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power were highlights. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-definition graphics and a sensible menu layout. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the available wireless charging pad enhanced convenience. The Revel 19-speaker premium audio system provided excellent sound quality. The SYNC display had crisp graphics, though the standard backup camera was of low quality.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety scores from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and advanced airbag systems.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came with the CoPilot360 package, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features like adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, and adaptive headlights were available. However, the standard backup camera's low quality was a drawback.