2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, leading to the creation of the XC90, which launched as a 2016 model on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The 2022 XC90 boasted a sleek and athletic profile, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches. Its interior was a testament to Scandinavian Modern and Swedish Luxury, featuring natural wood and metal trim, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, especially in the Black Label trim, was an attractive SUV with a balanced and characterful design. The Black Label models offered unique interior themes like Chalet and Flight, with premium leather upholstery and luxury floor mats. Despite some cheap-looking chrome-plated plastic pieces, the Nautilus exuded decadence. The Black Label trim included almost every available feature, making it a luxurious choice. The Nautilus was priced starting at $44,225, with the Black Label model beginning at $66,825, offering a range of options for different budgets.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the T8 plug-in hybrid combining gasoline and electric power for a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. The T5 models were available in FWD with optional AWD, while the T6 and T8 were AWD only. The XC90's driving experience was impressive, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, with FWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Black Label trim featured a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine with 335 hp and 380 lb-ft, requiring AWD. The Nautilus offered Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with the Normal mode providing the best balance. The twin-turbo V6 delivered a satisfying performance, especially on mountain roads, although the steering lacked engagement. The Nautilus averaged 25 mpg on a long road trip, proving to be a comfortable and quiet road-tripper.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults might find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior was spacious and airy, with ample storage and a standard panoramic moonroof, making it a comfortable choice for family tours.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label featured a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive. The optional 22-way power front seats provided exceptional comfort, even on long journeys. The rear seats were heated, but 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 seats folded. While practical storage was adequate, some areas were hard to access. The hands-free power liftgate added convenience to the well-finished luggage compartment.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. While the system was intuitive, it was occasionally slow to respond. The XC90 offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Advanced package included a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The Bowers & Wilkins audio upgrade provided exceptional sound quality, and the Volvo Care app offered remote vehicle controls.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a 13.2-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 software, offering over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Black Label trim included connected navigation, wireless charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for stereo and climate settings. The Phone as a Key feature allowed smartphone access to the vehicle, adding convenience.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist for highway driving. It received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, offering features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. The Black Label added adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. The Nautilus earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not assessed it.