2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus evolved from the second-generation Lincoln MKX, which shared its platform with the Ford Edge. In 2019, it was rebranded as the Nautilus, shedding the alphanumeric naming convention and adopting a more attractive design. For 2021, the exterior remained largely unchanged, but the interior received a significant update. The cabin featured a new dash design with clean lines, soft materials, and a large, crisp touchscreen. The "Piano Key" shifter-button layout, while unconventional, was easy to use, though finding the stop-start button took some time. The 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen system was user-friendly and supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a new chapter for Hyundai's electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a mix of minimalistic character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel design elements, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The interior, however, was a stark contrast with its "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and comfortable environment. The cabin utilized sustainable materials, including recycled fibers and bio-materials, and featured a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat. The Ioniq 5's interior was designed for comfort and utility, with a moveable center console and ample storage space.

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-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, delivering 355 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine had standard front-wheel drive (FWD) with available all-wheel drive (AWD), while the twin-turbo V6 came standard with AWD. The V6 provided smooth and controlled acceleration, complemented by an adaptive suspension that minimized road bumps and maintained composure through corners.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered three trims (SE, SEL, and Limited) and three powertrains. The base SE Standard Range featured a single 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range variants had a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a 303-mile range. The AWD models had a dual-motor system with a total output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, but the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well, with four drive modes, including Sport mode, which added excitement but reduced range. The paddle shifters adjusted regenerative braking levels, enhancing the driving experience.

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 the seats in use. The rear seats provided ample head- and legroom, while the front seats, especially the 22-way multi-contour power-adjustable units, were the most comfortable. The Nautilus featured a large center console bin, deep in-door pockets, and a floating center controls design for additional storage.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximized interior space with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. The Ioniq 5 offered a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, with a passenger volume of 106.5 cu-ft. The rear cargo space was 27.2 cu-ft. The interior featured soft touch points and a moveable center console, providing flexibility and ample storage. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to both slim and larger drivers.

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, and the available wireless charging pad enhanced convenience. The Revel 19-speaker premium audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, AI-powered voice recognition, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for clear visibility.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came with the CoPilot360 package, which included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, surround-view parking monitor, and adaptive headlights. However, the backup camera quality was subpar.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) with blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and front- and rear-collision avoidance. The Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I (HAD) offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also introduced a head-up display (HUD) with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, but Hyundai's track record suggested high marks.