2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a more refined and athletic design compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and handsome appearance. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite its high price tag, the interior materials felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior struggled to justify its cost, especially when compared to more luxurious competitors.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus offered a more cohesive and luxurious experience. The exterior design carried over from previous models, but the interior received significant updates. The cabin featured a sleek new dash design with soft materials and a large, crisp touchscreen. The "Piano Key" shifter-button layout was unconventional but user-friendly. The Nautilus emphasized comfort and luxury, with high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements throughout the interior, making it a more appealing choice for those seeking a premium experience.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engine options, with the ST trim featuring a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and addictive power. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive chassis provided excellent weight distribution, enhancing its nimble handling and cornering capabilities. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine with 300 horsepower and a hybrid option with a net 318 horsepower. Towing capacity varied, with the V6 capable of towing up to 5,600 pounds.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, standard on the Black Label trim, delivered 355 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The Nautilus prioritized smooth and controlled power delivery, complemented by an adaptive suspension that provided a comfortable ride. While not a sports car, the Nautilus was composed and firm through corners, offering a pleasant driving experience.

The 2020 Ford Explorer provided ample interior space, making it ideal for road trips. The second row felt like first class, with air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row was more spacious than previous models, accommodating six-foot-tall adults for short journeys. Cargo space was generous, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Explorer's physical controls were intuitive, though thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras created blind spots.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus offered up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing competitors like the Lexus RX 350. With the rear seats in use, it provided 37.2 cubic feet of space. The Nautilus emphasized two-row comfort, with plenty of head- and legroom for adults. The front seats, especially the 22-way multi-contour power-adjustable units, were particularly comfortable. The Nautilus also featured a large center console bin and deep in-door pockets for storage.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. Higher trims offered a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was well-organized, it lacked innovation, and the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system was not as effective as competitors' systems.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-definition graphics and a sensible menu layout. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were seamlessly integrated, and the available wireless charging pad enhanced convenience. The Revel 19-speaker premium audio system provided exceptional sound quality, making the Nautilus's tech offerings superior.

The 2020 Ford Explorer featured Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control and reverse braking, though it occasionally activated falsely. The Explorer scored Acceptable in the IIHS small overlap test on the driver's side.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came with the CoPilot360 package, offering automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features included adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking monitor. However, the backup camera quality was lacking.