2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus was an attractive SUV that managed to strike a balance between elegance and character. Its design was neither awkward nor plain, with enough detailing to give it a distinctive presence. Approaching the Nautilus after dark, drivers were greeted by a Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence, adding a touch of sophistication. The interior of the test vehicle featured light grey premium leather upholstery, with other colour options like sandstone, dark brown, and black available. However, despite its overall decadence, the centre console design and some chrome-plated plastic pieces appeared somewhat cheap.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution in Volvo's design language, moving away from the boxy aesthetics of the past. The XC90's purposeful yet understated look was complemented by a stout front end and an assertive grille that avoided being overly flashy. The recognizable "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern flair, while the overall dimensions maintained a rectilinear shape without resembling the toasters of yesteryear. The test vehicle's 21-inch wheels and Platinum Grey paint with brown undertones added drama and depth to its appearance. Inside, the XC90's elegant design featured a blend of luxurious materials, including a two-tone leather steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, and Nappa leather upholstery, all contributing to a clean and minimalist aesthetic.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive in Canada. For those seeking more power, a twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine was available, producing 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque for an additional $4,000. The Nautilus offered Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, adjusting powertrain behaviour, steering effort, and adaptive suspension. While Comfort mode felt too soft, Sport mode made the steering heavy, with Normal mode providing the best balance. The twin-turbo V6 achieved a fuel consumption rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a maximum highway range of 730 kilometres. The Nautilus excelled as a road-tripper, offering a quiet and comfortable ride, enhanced by a 19-speaker Revel audio system.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid version of the previous powertrain, producing 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This setup aimed to improve fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the gains were minimal. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery to power a 13-volt starter generator, handling functions like climate control and ignition. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The SUV's insulation kept road and wind noise at bay, while the brakes provided a confident pedal feel. The XC90's simplicity in driving dynamics, with limited customizable modes, appealed to those seeking straightforward operation.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered a luxurious interior with smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive, thanks to Active Noise Control and acoustic glass. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with a heated steering wheel. The optional 22-way power front seats provided exceptional comfort, even on long journeys. Rear passengers enjoyed heated outboard seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. Storage space was adequate, with a hands-free power liftgate revealing 1,055 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,948 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior exuded Scandinavian minimalism, though it lacked cubby space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable but adjusting the seats was challenging. The XC90 offered a seven-passenger configuration, with an option for six-passenger seating with captain's chairs. Accessing the third row was difficult, and space was limited. With the third seat in place, the XC90 provided 356 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 1,856 litres with all rear seats down. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a smaller car, offering a nimble experience.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software. This system supported over-the-air updates, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The test vehicle included a connected navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The intuitive user interface and natural voice recognition system enhanced the driving experience, while the Phone as a Key feature allowed smartphone-based access.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display ran on Google OS, integrating Android Auto features. Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant were standard, with Apple CarPlay compatibility. The natural-language recognition system, powered by Google, enhanced usability, and owners could issue commands via Google Home devices. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions could be frustrating, with a lack of physical buttons. Keyless entry was standard, with an optional head-up display.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Black Label trim added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, evasive steering assist, a surround-view camera system, and rear parking sensors. The Nautilus earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology helped maintain distance and lane position, providing a comprehensive suite of safety features.