2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's historical design language, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. The XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and an assertive grille that avoided being overly flashy. Its signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The vehicle's rectilinear dimensions were complemented by 21-inch wheels, adding a touch of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design was enhanced by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted with a more sophisticated and streamlined exterior, hinting at a new direction for Lincoln's design. The grille, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz's bifurcated design, featured LED lighting that illuminated the Lincoln star logo, creating a stunning visual effect. The rear of the vehicle mirrored this horizontal aesthetic with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The interior was the highlight, boasting high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and a full-width screen that served as the crown jewel. The Nautilus offered a Jet Appearance Package for an additional cost, enhancing its exterior with two-tone paint, black trim, and 22-inch wheels.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older T5 and T6 engines. This new setup offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than its predecessor but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system utilized a lithium-ion battery to power a 13-volt starter generator, reducing the engine's load and enhancing the vehicle's auto stop-start technology. The XC90 delivered a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with its eight-speed automatic transmission providing seamless shifts. Despite its bulky dimensions, the XC90 handled corners well, and its brakes inspired confidence with a solid pedal feel.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking more power, a hybrid setup was available, offering 310 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, along with improved fuel economy. The hybrid's continuously variable transmission (CVT) avoided the typical droning associated with such systems. The Nautilus featured five drive modes, with the adaptive suspension enhancing the driving experience. While not a driver's car, the Nautilus provided a comfortable and capable ride, with the hybrid offering an impressive range of over 950 kilometres.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, though its Scandinavian minimalism led to some storage frustrations. The vehicle lacked dedicated space for smaller items, such as cell phones, and the USB port was inconveniently located in the small centre console bin. The second row was comfortable and spacious, but accessing the third row was challenging. 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 1,856 litres with all rear seats down. Despite its smaller size compared to typical three-row SUVs, the XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus excelled in comfort, particularly with its 24-way Perfect Position front seats, which offered massage and extended heating functions. The rear seats, while not as luxurious, provided ample legroom, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Nautilus featured the Rejuvenate function, combining massage, lighting, and screen images to create a relaxing atmosphere. Cargo space was generous, with 997 litres behind the second row and 1,947 litres with the seats folded. The Nautilus was available only with seating for five, prioritizing cargo space over additional seating.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, the first of its kind as a standard system. The integration of Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant enhanced the user experience, though the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions could be frustrating. The minimalist design meant fewer physical buttons, requiring users to navigate the screen for tasks like adjusting the driver's seat. Keyless entry was standard, with a head-up display available as an option.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a massive 48-inch curved display, with a digital dash for the driver and customizable sections for various information. The 11.1-inch touchscreen on the centre console handled basic infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. While HVAC controls were easily accessible, adjusting the vents required navigating menus, which could be distracting. The steering wheel controls were unlabelled, adding to the potential for distraction. The Nautilus included Google Maps and Alexa Built-in, with wireless charging and USB ports throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. These technologies supported Volvo's Pilot Assist, which maintained distance from the car ahead and provided gentle lane corrections.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. The Blue Cruise 1.2 technology provided hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, with automatic lane-change assist and In-Lane Repositioning. The 2023 Nautilus received high safety ratings from the NHTSA, and the 2024 model earned a "Good" rating from the IIHS for crashworthiness.