2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, especially in its Black Label trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels, presented an attractive and balanced design. It was neither awkward nor plain, with enough detailing to give it character. At night, the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence added a touch of elegance. Inside, the Black Label model offered a choice between the Chalet and Flight design themes, with our test vehicle featuring light gray premium leather upholstery. The interior was luxurious, with a simulated suede headliner and luxury floor mats, though some chrome-plated plastic pieces detracted from the overall opulence.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC60 showcased Volvo's enduring style and design leadership, aging gracefully. Our test vehicle, in Recharge spec with the Ultimate package and Dark exterior theme, looked stunning with its 20-inch wheels and Thunder Grey paint. Inside, the XC60 embraced classic Scandinavian minimalism, with black leather, wood trim, metal accents, and ambient lighting creating an opulent atmosphere. The standard panoramic sunroof and Orrefors crystal gear selector knob added to the luxurious feel, making the interior a pleasant place to spend time.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine producing 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque in the Black Label trim. The V6 required all-wheel drive and was an option on the Nautilus Reserve. The SUV featured Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with Normal mode providing the best balance. The Nautilus excelled on long road trips, offering a quiet and comfortable ride, with an 18-gallon fuel tank and an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. Over 871.1 miles, it averaged 25 mpg.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing 455 horsepower and 423 pound-feet of torque. It offered several driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, Pure, Off-road, and Constant AWD. The XC60 Recharge was exceptionally quick, reaching 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. In Pure mode, it provided an estimated 35 miles of electric driving range. During our evaluation, it averaged 54.6 mpg over a 65-mile route. The XC60 Recharge's Power mode enhanced its responsiveness, making it enjoyable to drive on twisty roads.

Inside the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label, occupants enjoyed smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with optional 22-way power adjustments and massage programs. However, rear legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. The Nautilus offered 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 68.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, a compact SUV, was best suited for four passengers, though it could accommodate five. The front seats, wrapped in Nappa leather, provided outstanding comfort with heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions. Rear legroom was limited, but the panoramic sunroof added a sense of space. The XC60 offered 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. A ski pass-through panel and air suspension buttons for easier loading were thoughtful additions.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The system was intuitive, with physical stereo and climate controls. Phone as a Key technology allowed smartphone-based access and ignition.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 came with a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system. It offered Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, with support for Apple CarPlay. The voice-recognition system was impressive, and the optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivered exceptional audio quality. Climate functions were accessible via voice commands or the touchscreen.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus included Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Black Label added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and a surround-view camera system. The Nautilus earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, known for its safety, featured Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capability. Oncoming Lane Mitigation helped avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles. The XC60 B5 and B6 mild-hybrids received top safety ratings from the IIHS, with a Top Safety Pick+ designation.