2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Volvo XC90

Stylistically, Volvo had departed significantly from its past reputation of making "rolling bricks." Vehicles like the 240dl and the early 700 series may have been adored for their safety, but their aesthetics left much to be desired. The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a stark departure from this, showcasing a purposeful yet understated design. Its front end was stout and solid without being overly shouty. The grille was assertive but balanced, and the distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern flair previously absent in older Volvos.

The XC90's dimensions were still somewhat rectilinear, retaining a touch of the brand's traditional design language, but no one would mistake it for a toaster anymore. Our test model, an AWD Ultimate trim, was equipped with large 21-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, lending a bit of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance.

The Platinum Gray paint, with its brown undertones visible in direct sunlight, offered a richness and depth we appreciated. Inside, the XC90's design was elegant, with two-tone leather steering wheels and luxurious materials like metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and Nappa leather upholstery. Volvo maintained its minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic with beautiful wood deco inlays and a clean, uncluttered dashboard.

In contrast, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted with a more sophisticated and streamlined exterior, indicating a potential new direction for the brand. Its bifurcated grille, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz designs, featured LED lighting that extended through the grille and illuminated the Lincoln star logo, creating a stunning effect. This horizontal aesthetic was mirrored at the rear with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The high placement of door handles incorporated into the beltline added a unique touch to the car’s profile.

Inside, the Nautilus truly shone. The highlight was a full-width screen, not the only impressive feature. The interior materials were of excellent quality, accented with shiny, polished metal, ambient lighting, and textures like open-pore wood and fine leather. However, the piano key shifter style, a Lincoln tradition since the mid-1950s, was not to everyone's taste. The optional $3,000 Jet Appearance Package further enhanced the exterior with two-tone paint, black trim, and black wheels, adding individuality depending on the model.

For the 2023 model year, Volvo replaced its older engines in the XC90 with the new B5 and B6 engines, both equipped with mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine, featuring a turbocharger and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Our test car, equipped with the B6 engine, combined a supercharger, turbocharger, and mild-hybrid technology to churn out 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.

While these mild-hybrid powertrains didn't offer the full benefits of a hybrid setup like those in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, they significantly improved fuel efficiency and smoothness of operation. The 2023 XC90 delivered an enjoyable driving experience, with its large wheels and thin tires helping to minimize body roll through corners despite the vehicle's bulk. It accelerated quickly, and the eight-speed automatic transmission was reliably responsive. The XC90’s insulation kept road and wind noise at bay, and its brakes provided a confident, solid pedal feel.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus's standard engine was a turbocharged four-cylinder generating 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid option, available for an extra $1,500, enhanced performance with 310 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque and achieved an impressive EPA-estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. With a range of over 600 miles, the Nautilus hybrid was a strong contender in terms of fuel economy, though it couldn't match the Lexus RX hybrid's 36 mpg combined.

All Nautilus trims came with AWD and five drive modes, with the available adaptive suspension maximizing the effectiveness of these modes. While Lincoln’s hybrid setup utilized a continuously variable transmission (CVT), it avoided the typical pitfalls of droning and over-eager engine speeds. Though not a driver's car, the Nautilus could still provide a bit of driving excitement with its hybrid powertrain and adaptive suspension.

Interior space in the 2023 Volvo XC90 was a mix of peaceful elegance and practical frustration. The Scandinavian minimalist design led to limited storage space for smaller items, and the lack of a dedicated cell phone cubby was notable. The USB port in the small center console bin only added to the inconvenience.

The second row was comfortable and spacious, but adjusting the seats was a challenge. The standard seven-passenger seating could be modified to six-passenger with captain's chairs, though this required a $500 fee and upgrading to the B6 engine. Accessing the third row was almost impossible with the middle seat in place, and while there was some space once back there, it was limited.

Cargo capacity was another area where the XC90 fell short. With all seats in place, it offered 12.5 cubic feet, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and maxing out at 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. This was less than competitors like the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, Genesis GV80, and Acura MDX. However, the XC90's smaller size made it feel more maneuverable and car-like.

In the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, comfort was a priority. All trims featured power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, with the Black Label's 24-way Perfect Position front seats offering unmatched comfort and a massage function that stayed active until turned off manually. Rear seats, although not as luxurious, provided a massive 43 inches of legroom, surpassing rivals like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE.

The Lincoln Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images to create different moods, adding a touch of luxury. Cargo space was impressive, with the Premiere trim offering 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with those seats folded down. The Reserve and Black Label trims lost some cargo space, but it was still more than what the Lexus RX provided. However, the Nautilus offered seating for only five, unlike competitors with optional third-row seating.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's tech story was layered with pros and cons. Its 9-inch vertical touchscreen ran Google OS, making Volvo the first automaker to feature this as the standard infotainment system. Google OS integrated many features of Android Auto, including Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant, all seamlessly accessible. Natural-language recognition, a standout feature, enhanced the user experience.

However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions was a drawback. Key controls like the heated steering wheel and seat adjustments required navigating the touchscreen, which could be frustrating. Despite the minimalist design, the lack of physical buttons or redundant controls detracted from the overall user-friendliness.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus wowed with its massive 48-inch curved display. The driver's side featured a digital dash with customizable sections for weather, audio, fuel economy, tire pressure, and trip mileage. Graphics were crisp, and colors were vibrant. The center console housed an 11.1-inch touchscreen for basic infotainment, with permanent icons for HVAC controls to avoid menu diving.

However, the need to navigate menus for vent adjustments and the unlabelled steering wheel controls were significant distractions. These required precise thumb placement, drawing attention away from the road. Despite these issues, the Nautilus included Google Maps, Alexa Built-in for voice controls, and options for gaming and web browsing when stopped. Wireless charging and multiple USB ports were standard, enhancing convenience.

Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in the 2023 XC90. The brand's history, starting with the invention of the 3-point seat belt in 1959, underscored its dedication. The XC90 carried a top-tier safety reputation, boasting a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Advanced driver safety technologies were standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist, ensuring a safe driving experience.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus was also strong on safety, featuring the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite with lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. Blue Cruise 1.2, offering hands-free/eyes-up driving, was a standout, albeit with a subscription fee after an initial trial period. This technology combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, with added features like automatic lane-change assist and In-Lane Repositioning for slight adjustments near larger vehicles.

Although the 2024 model hadn't been rated yet, the 2023 Nautilus received high scores from the NHTSA and IIHS, suggesting robust safety credentials.