2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update that incorporated newer infotainment tech and minor changes, the 2020 version still felt dated. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel looked like it came from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the base L to the Limited Premium, each adding more features and luxury touches. The SE trim, recommended by CarGurus, included 19-inch alloy wheels, a mesh grille, and a power rear liftgate, which was crucial for family use. The Limited trim added leather seats, a JBL premium audio system, and a navigation system, while the Nightshade Edition offered dark accents and wheels for a cooler look.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, previously known as the second-generation Lincoln MKX, underwent a facelift in 2019 and was renamed. The 2021 model carried over the exterior but featured a newly designed cabin with clean lines, soft materials, and a large touchscreen. The "Piano Key" shifter-button layout was unconventional but easy to use. The standard 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen system was user-friendly and similar to Ford’s SYNC 3, with almost no learning curve. The Nautilus came in Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims, each adding more luxury and tech features. The Black Label trim, tested by CarGurus, included a twin-turbo V6, 21-inch wheels, adaptive suspension, and a 19-speaker premium stereo system. The 22-way Multi-Contour front seats were highly adjustable but complicated to use, while the Alcantara headliner added to the upscale feel.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The dash-mounted shifter had a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. The Sienna offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode and had a manual mode for its 3,500-pound towing capacity. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, but all trims except the base L had an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option, available only in a 7-passenger configuration. The FWD Sienna returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions returned 18/24/20. The Sienna handled well for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, but its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds.

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 Reserve and Black Label trims offered a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 with 355 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine had standard FWD or optional AWD, while the twin-turbo V6 came with standard AWD. The V6 provided smooth and controlled power delivery, especially at highway speeds, complemented by an adaptive suspension that nearly eliminated bumps. The Nautilus had an engine stop-start feature to conserve fuel, but it caused a slight delay in response. Overall, the driving experience was pleasant in nearly all scenarios.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain’s chairs than a bench. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging due to the awkward folding of the second-row seat cushion. Toyota also offered mobility access features like the Auto Access Seat, making it easier for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus provided up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space, more than the Lexus RX 350 and Cadillac XT5. With the rear seats in use, it offered 37.2 cubic feet. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available. The Nautilus emphasized two-row comfort, with plenty of head- and legroom in the rear seats and optimal comfort in the front seats, especially with the 22-way multi-contour power-adjustable units. The center console and door handles had soft-touch materials, making even short trips relaxing. The center console bin and in-door pockets provided ample storage space.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Other standard tech included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims added features like navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Limited trim also had Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver’s voice to the rear speakers, making it easier to communicate with passengers in the back.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came with a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-definition graphics and a sensible menu layout. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with large icons and no unnecessary repackaging. The available wireless charging pad made phone integration seamless. The Revel 19-speaker premium audio system provided excellent sound quality. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a helpful home button to navigate back to the main screen if needed.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and top scores in many IIHS tests, with its driver-assistance features earning a Superior rating.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus included the CoPilot360 package, featuring 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 like adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, surround-view parking monitor, and adaptive headlights were available. However, the standard backup camera was low-quality, making it hard to see in low-light conditions.