2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus evolved from its predecessor, the Lincoln MKX, which shared its platform with the Ford Edge. In 2019, it underwent a facelift and was rebranded as the Nautilus, moving away from the alphanumeric naming convention and adopting a more appealing design. For 2021, the Nautilus retained its exterior styling but introduced a refreshed cabin with a sleek new dashboard design, featuring clean lines, soft materials, and a prominent touchscreen. The unconventional "Piano Key" shifter-button layout was easy to use, although finding the stop-start button required some adjustment. The 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen system was user-friendly and visually impressive, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Nautilus offered three trims: Standard, Reserve, and Black Label, each with varying levels of luxury and technology features.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's boxy past, embracing a more upscale and luxurious image. After being acquired by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, Volvo developed new platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90. The 2022 model boasted a striking stance and sleek profile, with design elements like "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights paying homage to its Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" with natural wood and metal trim, a crystal gear selector, and a choice of Nappa leather or tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's interior was spacious and comfortable, with a focus on family-friendly features and a commitment to going leather-free by 2030.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The Reserve and Black Label trims offered an optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine featured standard front-wheel drive (FWD) with available all-wheel drive (AWD), while the V6 came standard with AWD. The V6 provided impressive power, especially at highway speeds, with smooth and controlled acceleration. The adaptive suspension contributed to a comfortable ride, minimizing road bumps while maintaining stability through corners. The engine stop-start feature aimed to conserve fuel, though it introduced a slight delay in response.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 model combined a supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The T5 was available with FWD or AWD, while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. All XC90 models used an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T8's plug-in hybrid powertrain offered an EV range of up to 36 miles and a 66 MPGe rating. The XC90's driving experience was exceptional, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, thanks to the electric motor's early torque delivery.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus provided up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, surpassing competitors like the Lexus RX 350 and Cadillac XT5. With the rear seats in use, it offered 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available. The Nautilus prioritized two-row comfort, with ample head- and legroom in the rear seats. The front seats, especially the 22-way multi-contour power-adjustable units, offered optimal comfort. The interior featured a large center console bin, deep in-door pockets, and storage space below the floating center controls.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 accommodated six or seven passengers, depending on the configuration. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The XC90 could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior featured ample storage options, comfortable seating, and a spacious cabin enhanced by a panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well, even in extreme heat and humidity.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-definition graphics and a user-friendly menu layout. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with large icons for easy navigation. The system included a home button for quick access to the main screen. The available wireless charging pad added convenience, and the Revel 19-speaker premium audio system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality with familiar gestures. However, it was occasionally glitchy and slow to respond. The nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen was positioned for easy access, and the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provided crisp graphics. The Advanced package included a head-up display, 360-degree camera system, and advanced air cleaner. The standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system for superior audio quality. The XC90 featured multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came with the CoPilot360 package, offering standard driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, surround-view parking monitor, and adaptive headlights. However, the backup camera quality was subpar, making it difficult to see in low-light conditions.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's commitment to safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for highway driving assistance. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.