2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V had a design that blended into the crowded compact crossover market. Its styling was nearly identical to its competitors, with only minor details like the grille and some chromed plastic features setting it apart. The color options were limited, with most being shades of gray, black, or white, and the more vibrant colors were hard to find on dealer lots. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and a choice of black, gray, or ivory upholstery, depending on the trim level. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling, especially in mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, especially in the Black Label trim, was an attractive SUV with 21-inch machined-finish wheels and plenty of character. The Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence and the Chalet or Flight design themes added a touch of luxury. The Black Label trim included premium leather upholstery, a simulated suede headliner, and luxury floor mats, though some chrome-plated plastic pieces looked a bit cheap. The Nautilus was available at a starting MSRP of $44,225, with the Black Label trim starting at $66,825. Our test vehicle, equipped with Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats, was perfect for long drives, providing a comfortable and luxurious experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for high performance but offered smooth and steady acceleration with its 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It took about 7.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a predictable driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of competitors with conventional transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup provided decent handling and ride quality, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered more powerful engine options. The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. The Black Label trim featured a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, requiring all-wheel drive. The Nautilus had Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with the adaptive suspension adjusting accordingly. During a road trip, the Nautilus provided a comfortable and cozy experience, averaging 25 mpg over 871.1 miles. The twin-turbo V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, especially in Sport mode, though the steering lacked engagement.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V had different tailgate options, from manual to hands-free power tailgate. Roof rails were only standard on the top Touring trim. Overall, the CR-V provided ample space and practicality for families.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label featured smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with optional 22-way power adjustments and massage programs. Rear passengers had heated seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. The Nautilus had practical storage space, though some areas were hard to access. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 68.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity, while other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were available throughout the cabin, with the Touring trim adding a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software. Sync 4 included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The Black Label trim added connected navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The system was intuitive and offered excellent sound quality. The Nautilus also had Phone as a Key technology, turning your smartphone into a digital key.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. Blind spot monitoring was standard from the EX trim onwards.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Black Label trim added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assist, a surround-view camera system, and parking sensors. The Nautilus earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not assessed it.