2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2021 Lexus RX

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic that was emblematic of the brand's styling cues. It featured a large grille, angular headlamps, and a floating roof, complemented by sumptuous seating and perforated leather upholstery. Despite its luxurious interior, the center console design was considered bland and somewhat dated. The RX was available in five variants, including the performance-focused RX F Sport and the extended-body RXL with a third row. The exterior boasted standard 18-inch aluminum wheels and LED lighting, with options for 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. Inside, the RX offered a well-appointed cabin with standard features like NuLuxe-trimmed seats and power-adjustable front seats, while higher trims added semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated seats.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, originally the second-generation Lincoln MKX, underwent a facelift in 2019, adopting a more attractive design and a new name. For 2021, the exterior remained largely unchanged, but the cabin received a significant update with a new dash design featuring clean lines and soft materials. The centerpiece was a large, crisp touchscreen, complemented by Lincoln's "Piano Key" shifter-button layout. The Nautilus was available in three trims: Standard, Reserve, and Black Label, each offering a range of luxury features. The Black Label trim included a twin-turbo V6 engine, adaptive suspension, and a 19-speaker premium stereo system, enhancing the vehicle's upscale feel.

The 2021 Lexus RX was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid models combined a V6 engine with three electric motors, producing 308 horsepower. The RX offered a comfortable ride with tuning adjustments for improved dynamics, though it exhibited some body roll at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive suspension and sportier features. The RX achieved 20-23 mpg in FWD and slightly less with AWD, while the hybrid models offered better fuel efficiency, reaching up to 31 mpg in the city.

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, delivering 355 horsepower and 380 pound-feet 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 minimized road bumps. The Nautilus featured an engine stop-start system for fuel conservation, though it introduced a slight delay in response. Overall, the Nautilus offered a pleasant driving experience with a firm and planted feel through corners.

The 2021 Lexus RX was a functional SUV with seating for five in the two-row models and up to seven in the three-row RXL variants. Front and second-row seats provided ample space, while the third row was tight. Cargo space was limited, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The three-row version offered even less cargo space, with just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus offered up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing the Lexus RX 350. With rear seats in use, it provided 37.2 cubic feet of space. The Nautilus emphasized two-row comfort, with spacious rear seats and luxurious front seats featuring 22-way adjustments. The interior included a large center console bin and deep in-door pockets for storage. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2021 Lexus RX came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch screen, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system. The infotainment system, while functional, was not the most user-friendly, and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus featured 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 for easy use. The system was complemented by a wireless charging pad and a Revel 19-speaker premium audio system, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Lexus RX received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with Good marks in crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which offered a suite of driver-assist technologies.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came with the CoPilot360 package, featuring automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features included adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking monitor. However, the backup camera quality was subpar, affecting visibility in low-light conditions.