2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus emerged from its predecessor, the Lincoln MKX, with a refreshed identity and design. The Nautilus retained its exterior from previous years but introduced a revamped cabin that aligned with Lincoln's modern design ethos. The interior boasted clean lines, soft materials, and a prominent 13.2-inch touchscreen, which was both visually appealing and user-friendly. The unconventional "Piano Key" shifter-button layout was easy to adapt to, although finding the stop-start button required a bit of extra attention. The Nautilus offered a range of trims, from the Standard to the luxurious Black Label, each adding layers of comfort and technology, such as massaging seats and a premium audio system.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new addition to the Jeep lineup, offering a seven-passenger configuration with a third-row seat. It was not based on the existing Grand Cherokee but rather an extended version of the upcoming 2022 redesign. The Grand Cherokee L's styling was a strong selling point, reminiscent of the more expensive Wagoneer models. Available in multiple trims, the Grand Cherokee L offered a range of features, from quilted leather interiors to advanced technology packages. However, some interior materials did not meet the expectations set by its price point, despite the overall improvement in design and technology.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. An optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 was available on the Reserve trim and standard on the Black Label, producing 355 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the four-cylinder offering front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the V6 came with standard AWD. The V6 provided smooth and controlled acceleration, complemented by an adaptive suspension that offered a comfortable ride and composed handling.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, generating 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or three different 4WD systems, with a maximum tow rating of 6,200 pounds. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available on higher trims, produced 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. The V6 provided brisk acceleration but was loud when revved, and the transmission sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L's Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension and Selec-Terrain off-road modes enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its stiffer structure contributed to a smooth ride and capable handling.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus offered up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 37.2 cubic feet with them in use. It emphasized two-row comfort, with ample head- and legroom for rear passengers and luxurious front seats with 22-way adjustments. The interior featured a large center console bin and deep in-door pockets for storage, along with a floating center controls design for additional storage space.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its Summit trim, provided heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, along with a four-zone automatic climate control system. The second-row captain's chairs offered plenty of legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third row was surprisingly comfortable for adults, and the Grand Cherokee L offered 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, the front-seat storage space was limited, though second-row passengers had access to a storage console.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-definition graphics and a user-friendly menu layout. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with large icons for easy navigation. The available Revel 19-speaker premium audio system delivered excellent sound quality, and the wireless charging pad added convenience for smartphone users.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L employed the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and an improved user experience. Available with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, it included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system featured a natural voice-recognition system and an optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, which provided impressive sound quality. Additional technology options included a digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came equipped with the CoPilot360 package, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features such as adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking monitor were available, though the standard backup camera's low quality was a drawback.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. While effective, the system's steering assist felt artificial. The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats at intersections and apply brakes if necessary. Additional driver aids included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, though crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.