2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid, with the focus here on the gasoline models, NX 300 and NX 300 F Sport. The NX carried the signature Lexus design, with sharp lines and a sculpted exterior that echoed the smaller UX and larger RX models. It shared similar dimensions with the Toyota RAV4, featuring standard power-folding mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The NX F Sport variant added a sportier touch with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and optional Circuit Red interior, maintaining Lexus's high standards for material fit and finish. However, the interior design, particularly the gauge cluster and center stack, felt dated compared to newer competitors.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, especially in the Black Label trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels, presented an attractive and character-rich design. The SUV featured a welcoming Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence and offered interior design themes like Chalet and Flight, with premium leather upholstery. The Black Label trim included nearly all available features, such as a simulated suede headliner and luxury floor mats, though some chrome-plated plastic pieces detracted from the overall luxury feel. The Nautilus was priced starting at $44,225, with the Black Label beginning at $66,825. Our test vehicle, equipped with Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats, was ideal for long drives, providing exceptional comfort and support.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission, which was adequate but less smooth than the more modern eight-, nine-, or ten-speed options. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds, a standard performance for its class. While the powertrain could be noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The NX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available, allowing up to 50% of torque to the rear axle. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The NX F Sport variant included an adaptive-suspension system and three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, influencing throttle response and steering assist. The NX had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and a top speed of 124 mph.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine producing 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque in the Black Label trim. The V6 required all-wheel drive and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Nautilus featured Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, adjusting powertrain behavior and steering effort. During a road trip, the Nautilus provided a comfortable and quiet ride, with the V6 achieving an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined. The SUV excelled on long drives, offering a serene cabin and impressive audio quality from the 19-speaker Revel system. In the Santa Monica Mountains, the Nautilus demonstrated agility and grace, though the steering lacked engagement. The twin-turbo V6 delivered strong performance, and the SUV shared engineering with the Ford Edge, hinting at its spirited nature.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured a well-styled and comfortable interior, with ample room for front passengers and decent legroom for two adults in the rear. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding option. While engine noise could intrude, road and wind noise were minimal. The NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology was optional, and power-folding rear seats were available.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label offered a luxurious interior with smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet ride. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with a heated steering wheel. The optional 22-way power front seats provided exceptional comfort, even on long journeys. Rear passengers enjoyed heated seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. Storage space was adequate, with a hands-free power liftgate revealing 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 68.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 10.3-inch screen with the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. The interface was not user-friendly, relying on a touchpad and burying functions deep in menus. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system was standard, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system. The Lexus Enform Remote app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software, offering over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Black Label trim included connected navigation, wireless charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The system was intuitive, with physical stereo and climate controls. The Nautilus also featured Phone as a Key, allowing a smartphone to unlock and start the vehicle.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional features included park assist and a surround-view camera. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Lexus offered a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus included Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, with features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Black Label added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and a surround-view camera. The Nautilus received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not assessed the Nautilus for safety.