Compare the2023 Volvo XC90VS 2023 Lincoln Nautilus

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The XC90’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Nautilus doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

For enhanced safety, the front and middle seat shoulder belts of the Volvo XC90 are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Lincoln Nautilus has only front height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the XC90 and Nautilus have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The XC90 has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The Nautilus’ child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

The Volvo XC90 offers an optional built in child booster seat. It’s more crash worthy than an added child seat because of its direct attachment to the seat. Lincoln doesn’t offer the convenience and security of a built-in child booster seat in the Nautilus. Their owners must carry a heavy booster seat in and out of the vehicle; XC90 owners can just fold their built-in child seat up or down.

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the XC90 deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The XC90’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Nautilus’ side airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

The XC90 has a standard Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the WHIPS allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. At the same time the pretensioning seatbelts fire, removing slack from the belts. The Nautilus doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The XC90 has standard CTA Auto Brake that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Nautilus doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the XC90. But it costs extra on the Nautilus.

The XC90’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Nautilus doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the XC90 and the Nautilus have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Volvo XC90 is safer than the Lincoln Nautilus:

	XC90	Nautilus
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	137	212
Neck Compression	18 lbs.	21 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	217	282
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.4 inches
Neck Injury Risk	31%	35.2%
Neck Stress	177 lbs.	197 lbs.
Neck Compression	25 lbs.	44 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Volvo XC90 is safer than the Lincoln Nautilus:

	XC90	Nautilus
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	51	84
Chest Movement	.7 inches	1.1 inches
Abdominal Force	153 lbs.	190 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	94	103
Spine Acceleration	40 G’s	41 G’s
Hip Force	608 lbs.	635 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	16 inches
HIC	209	257
Spine Acceleration	29 G’s	38 G’s
Hip Force	383 lbs.	425 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, daytime pedestrian crash prevention, and nighttime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the XC90 its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2023, a rating granted to only 29 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Nautilus is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2023.

Warranty

The XC90’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the Nautilus’ (12 vs. 5 years).

Volvo pays for scheduled maintenance on the XC90 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. Volvo will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Lincoln only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the Nautilus.

Reliability

The battery on the XC90 is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the XC90’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The Nautilus’ battery is in the hot engine compartment.

Engine

The XC90 has more powerful engines than the Nautilus:

	Horsepower	Torque
XC90 B6 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cylinder hybrid	295 HP	310 lbs.-ft.
XC90 T8 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cylinder hybrid	455 HP	523 lbs.-ft.
Nautilus 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder	250 HP	280 lbs.-ft.
Nautilus 2.7 turbo V6	335 HP	380 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Motor Trend the XC90 B6 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cylinder is faster than the Lincoln Nautilus turbo 4 cyl.:

	XC90	Nautilus
Zero to 60 MPH	6.7 sec	7.3 sec
Quarter Mile	15.1 sec	15.6 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	90.4 MPH	88.8 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the XC90 running on electricity gets better mileage than the Nautilus:

			MPGe
XC90
	AWD	Extended Range Electric Motor	64 city/68 hwy
		T8 Electric Motor	58 city/53 hwy
Nautilus
			MPG
	FWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/26 hwy
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/25 hwy
		2.7 turbo V6	19 city/25 hwy

On the EPA test cycle the XC90 running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Nautilus:

			MPG
XC90
	AWD	2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cyl. Hybrid	26 city/28 hwy
		Extended Range 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cyl. Hybrid	25 city/27 hwy
		2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/28 hwy
		2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cyl.	20 city/26 hwy
Nautilus
	FWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/26 hwy
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/25 hwy
		2.7 turbo V6	19 city/25 hwy

The XC90 can travel with zero emissions for 18 to 36 miles (dependent on model). The Nautilus can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the XC90’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Nautilus doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the XC90 T8 Plus’ brake rotors are larger than those on the Nautilus:

	XC90 T8 Plus	Nautilus
Front Rotors	14.4 inches	13.8 inches

The XC90’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Nautilus are solid, not vented.

The XC90 stops shorter than the Nautilus:

	XC90	Nautilus
60 to 0 MPH	113 feet	117 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the XC90’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Nautilus (275/45R20 vs. 265/40R21).

The XC90’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Nautilus’ standard 60 series tires. The XC90’s optional tires have a lower 35 series profile than the Nautilus’ optional 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the XC90 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Nautilus. The XC90’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels optional on the Nautilus.

Suspension and Handling

The XC90 Ultimate has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The XC90’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Nautilus doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the XC90’s wheelbase is 5.3 inches longer than on the Nautilus (117.5 inches vs. 112.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the XC90 is 1 inch wider in the front and 1 inch wider in the rear than the track on the Nautilus.

The XC90 B6 Core handles at .85 G’s, while the Nautilus Reserve AWD pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The XC90 B6 Core executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Nautilus Reserve AWD (26.8 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 27.6 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

Passenger Space

The XC90 has standard seating for 7 passengers; the Nautilus can only carry 5.

The front step up height for the XC90 is 1.7 inches lower than the Nautilus (15.8” vs. 17.5”). The XC90’s rear step up height is 2 inches lower than the Nautilus’ (16” vs. 18”).

Cargo Capacity

The XC90’s cargo area provides more volume than the Nautilus.

	XC90	Nautilus
Second Seat Folded	85.7 cubic feet	68.8 cubic feet

The XC90’s cargo area is larger than the Nautilus’ in almost every dimension:

	XC90	Nautilus
Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st)	21.8”/49.6”/80.3”	n.a./41.5”/75”
Max Width	54.7”	45”
Min Width	44.5”	45”
Height	35”	31”

Towing

The XC90’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Nautilus’ (4000 vs. 1500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Lincoln Nautilus is only 3500 pounds. The XC90 offers up to a 5000 lbs. towing capacity.

A Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) is standard on the XC90, using the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the Nautilus.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the Nautilus, the XC90 Ultimate has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The XC90 offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Nautilus doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The power windows standard on both the XC90 and the Nautilus have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the XC90 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Nautilus prevents the driver from operating the rear windows just as it does the other passengers.

The XC90’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Nautilus’ cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The XC90’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Nautilus’ standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the XC90 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Nautilus doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the XC90 has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Nautilus only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The XC90 offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Nautilus doesn’t offer headlight washers.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the XC90 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Nautilus doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

When the XC90 is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Nautilus’ mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Volvo XC90 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Nautilus Reserve/Black Label offers wireless charging.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the XC90 is less expensive to operate than the Nautilus because typical repairs cost much less on the XC90 than the Nautilus, including $131 less for a muffler and $467 less for a timing belt/chain.

Recommendations

The Car Book by Jack Gillis recommends the Volvo XC90, based on economy, maintenance, safety and complaint levels.

Motor Trend selected the XC90 as their 2016 Sport Utility of the Year. The Nautilus has never been chosen.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the XC90 as the 2016 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. The Nautilus has never been chosen.

The Volvo XC90 outsold the Lincoln Nautilus by 65% during 2022.