2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was a testament to Volvo's approach of easing traditional car owners into the electric vehicle world without drastic changes. From the outside, it closely resembled its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, maintaining the same basic shape and structure. The most noticeable difference was the solid panel in the grill, a design choice to optimize airflow for the electric model. Subtle details like the enlarged fuel-filler flap for the charge port, trim-specific alloy wheels, and the absence of tailpipes distinguished it as an EV. Inside, the XC40 showcased Volvo's Scandinavian design sensibility, offering an airy and roomy cabin despite its compact SUV classification. The harmonious design elements and premium finishes underscored its status as a luxury vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus presented an attractive and balanced design, with enough detailing to give it character without appearing plain. The Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence added a touch of elegance when approaching the vehicle at night. The interior featured premium leather upholstery and a choice of colours, creating a decadent atmosphere. However, some elements like the centre console design and chrome-plated plastic pieces detracted from the overall luxury feel. The Nautilus Reserve model, priced at $59,800 before destination charges, offered optional Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, enhancing long-distance driving comfort.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, driving two permanent magnet electric motors for all-wheel drive. It delivered an impressive 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The Recharge featured regenerative braking, which recaptured energy during deceleration, and offered a one-pedal driving mode for enhanced energy efficiency. Its low centre of gravity, due to the battery placement, contributed to excellent handling and stability. The XC40 Recharge boasted a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, with fast-charging capabilities that could replenish 80% of the battery in 40 minutes.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. An optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine offered 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque for an additional $4,000. The Nautilus featured Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, adjusting powertrain behaviour, steering effort, and adaptive suspension. The V6 model had a fuel consumption rating of 11.2 L/100 km combined, with a maximum range of 730 kilometres on the highway. The Nautilus excelled as a road-tripper, offering a quiet and comfortable ride with a 19-speaker Revel audio system.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. The absence of a gasoline engine allowed for a front trunk, or "frunk," providing additional storage space. Inside, the cabin featured ample cubbies and nooks for essentials, with comfortable front seats and adequate rear seating for outboard passengers. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus provided a luxurious interior with smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive. The optional 22-way power front seats with massage programs offered exceptional comfort. However, the rear seating was unexpectedly cramped for a midsize SUV, with limited legroom. Practical storage space was adequate, though some areas were difficult to access. The Nautilus offered 1,055 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,948 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with a range of driver-assistance systems, including Pilot Assist for highway driving. It featured a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, running on the Android Automotive operating system. The system supported Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store, with over-the-air updates for software and vehicle systems. However, the range reporting system, which displayed a percentage of remaining charge instead of kilometres, could cause range anxiety for some drivers.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software, offering over-the-air updates, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system included a connected navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The intuitive user interface and physical controls for stereo and climate functions were appreciated, and the Phone as a Key feature allowed smartphones to unlock and start the vehicle.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including collision warning, blind-spot information, and lane-keeping assist. The XC40 Recharge also featured a new sensor platform for enhanced active safety capabilities and Volvo's Connected Safety system, which shared road condition data with other connected Volvo vehicles.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite of driver-assist features, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Black Label trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and a surround-view camera system. The Nautilus received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.