2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2020 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trims, offered a straightforward design with a single engine and transmission choice, and options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Our test model, an SL trim with front-drive, included the SL Premium Package and additional accessories, totaling $34,870. Despite its age, the Rogue maintained an attractive appearance, highlighted by its bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior revealed its dated design with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces, though it did feature thoughtful touches like padded center console sides.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, which evolved from the Lincoln MKX, showcased a more modern and luxurious design. While the exterior remained largely unchanged from previous iterations, the interior received significant updates, including a sleek new dashboard with clean lines, soft materials, and a large touchscreen. The Nautilus featured Lincoln’s “Piano Key” shifter-button layout, which, despite being unconventional, was user-friendly. The infotainment system, with its 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen, was praised for its ease of use and high-definition graphics, enhancing the overall luxury feel of the vehicle.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While the CVT made the most of the available power, the Rogue struggled with acceleration, especially during freeway merging or passing. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 29 mpg for FWD models, but real-world testing yielded only 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the driving experience was marred by lifeless steering and CVT drone.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus offered a more powerful performance with its standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, standard on the Black Label trim, delivered 355 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided smooth and controlled acceleration, complemented by an adaptive suspension that enhanced ride comfort. The Nautilus also featured an engine stop-start system, though it introduced a slight delay in response.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior space was a mixed bag. While the seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity design, they were somewhat undersized, and taller drivers struggled to find a comfortable position. The rear seats, however, offered excellent thigh support and a good view, making them more comfortable for passengers. The Rogue excelled in cargo space, providing 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats, along with underfloor storage and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus boasted up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing competitors like the Lexus RX 350 and Cadillac XT5. With the rear seats in use, it offered 37.2 cubic feet of space. The Nautilus prioritized two-row comfort, with ample head- and legroom in the rear seats. The front seats, especially the 22-way multi-contour power-adjustable units, provided exceptional comfort. The interior also featured a large center console bin and deep in-door pockets for storage.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Higher trims offered upgrades like SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system. However, the NissanConnect interface was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen that was slow to respond and difficult to use.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus impressed with its 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring high-definition graphics and a user-friendly 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 delivered excellent sound quality, further elevating the Nautilus's tech offerings.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with the Safety Shield 360 package, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and some shortcomings noted by the IIHS.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus featured the CoPilot360 package, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional options included adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking monitor. Despite the advanced tech, the backup camera quality was lacking.