2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that managed to balance innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. It featured a sleek two-box design with a long hood and a distinctive trapezoidal grille, complemented by the "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array. The GV80's exterior was marked by elegant lines and high-quality finishes, with uniform panel gaps and a choice of wheel sizes up to 22 inches. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious and technologically advanced cabin, with a minimalist dashboard design that emphasized spaciousness. The use of authentic materials like real wood, metal, and leather added to the premium feel, while the 14.5-inch high-definition display and rotary gear selector highlighted the vehicle's modernity.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, which evolved from the Lincoln MKX, showcased a more mature design with a focus on comfort and practicality. The exterior styling was attractive, carrying over from previous models, while the interior received significant updates. The Nautilus featured a new dash design with clean lines and soft materials, centered around a large touchscreen. The "Piano Key" shifter-button layout was a unique touch, offering ease of use. The cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating and ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for families. The Nautilus emphasized two-row comfort, with the front seats offering 22-way multi-contour adjustments for optimal relaxation.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The GV80 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and advanced suspension systems, including electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models. The GV80's performance was characterized by a smooth and powerful ride, with the V6 offering a more refined experience. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

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 an optional twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6, generating 355 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the V6 models featuring standard all-wheel drive. The Nautilus delivered a smooth and controlled driving experience, with the adaptive suspension providing a comfortable ride. The engine stop-start feature aimed to conserve fuel, although it introduced a slight delay in response. Overall, the Nautilus offered a pleasant driving experience, with the V6 providing ample power for highway driving.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console and stack housed a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The GV80 offered comfortable seating for up to seven passengers, with power-adjustable second-row seats and a power-folding third row available on select models. The third row was standard on 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, providing additional passenger capacity.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus provided up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space, with 37.2 cubic feet available with the rear seats in use. The Nautilus emphasized two-row comfort, with spacious rear seats and 22-way multi-contour front seats for optimal relaxation. The interior featured soft-touch materials and ample storage options, including a large center console bin and deep in-door pockets. The floating center controls design allowed for additional storage space, enhancing the vehicle's practicality.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered user-configurable split-screen displays and over-the-air updates. Android users could utilize a near-field communication digital key function, while the GV80 also provided three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, along with a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-definition graphics and a sensible menu layout. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with large icons for easy use. The Nautilus offered a wireless charging pad and a Revel 19-speaker premium audio system, providing excellent sound quality. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a helpful home button for easy navigation.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, vehicle stability management, and various collision-avoidance assists. The GV80 also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning, highway-driving assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. While the GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, Genesis aimed for top safety ratings.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus included the standard CoPilot360 package, featuring automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. Additional driver assistance features were available, such as adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking monitor. However, the standard backup camera was of low quality, making it difficult to see in low-light conditions.