2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, maintaining its traditional styling while adding a touch of modern flair. The XC90 retained its boxy profile and blunt front end, but introduced softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most eye-catching, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring high-quality materials like matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined yet understated cabin atmosphere.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, originally the second-generation MKX, underwent a transformation in 2019, adopting a more attractive design and a new name. For 2021, the Nautilus retained its exterior styling but introduced a revamped cabin with a sleek dash design, soft materials, and a large touchscreen. The "Piano Key" shifter-button layout was a unique touch, and the 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen system was user-friendly and visually appealing. The Nautilus offered trims like Standard, Reserve, and Black Label, each with varying levels of luxury and technology, including features like a panoramic sunroof, massaging seats, and a premium audio system.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, with standard AWD. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. Despite its power, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, with FWD standard and AWD optional. The Reserve and Black Label trims featured a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, generating 355 hp and 380 lb-ft, with standard AWD. The V6 provided smooth and controlled power delivery, complemented by an adaptive suspension that offered a comfortable ride. The Nautilus also featured an engine stop-start system, although it introduced a slight delay in response. Overall, the Nautilus delivered a pleasant driving experience, with a focus on luxury and comfort.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across its three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. An optional power moonroof and standard four-zone climate control enhanced the interior's spacious feel. The Inscription trim offered 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with all seats down. A hands-free power tailgate was standard.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus provided up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing competitors like the Lexus RX 350 and Cadillac XT5. With the rear seats in use, it offered 37.2 cubic feet of space. The Nautilus emphasized two-row comfort, with ample head- and legroom in the rear seats. The front seats, especially the 22-way multi-contour power-adjustable units, were particularly comfortable. The Nautilus featured a large center console bin and deep in-door pockets for storage, along with a power liftgate and available hands-free power liftgate.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though the text and typeface could be difficult to read while driving. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display were available. However, the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and only second-row USB-C ports were provided.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-definition graphics and a sensible menu layout. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were well-integrated, and a wireless charging pad was available. The Revel 19-speaker premium audio system delivered excellent sound quality. The Nautilus's infotainment system was intuitive and easy to use, with no unnecessary barriers or complications.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid, which combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came with the CoPilot360 package, featuring 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 included adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, surround-view parking monitor, and adaptive headlights. However, the standard backup camera was of low quality, making it difficult to see in low-light conditions.