2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen. The unconventional "Piano Key" shifter-button layout was easy to use, though finding the stop-start button took some getting used to. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and the glossy screen reflected the bright work in the center console, making sunglasses a handy accessory.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, retained Jeep's traditional design elements. It featured a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars, reminiscent of the 1963 Wagoneer. The interior varied by trim, with the base Laredo offering good quality cloth seats, while the Summit Reserve boasted premium leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a McIntosh audio system. The gloss black finish on higher trims could be reflective, making controls harder to use. Despite a limited initial selection of paint colors, the Grand Cherokee's design and comfort were impressive across all trims.

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 optional all-wheel drive (AWD), while the V6 came with standard AWD. The V6 provided smooth and controlled acceleration, complemented by an adaptive suspension that handled bumps well and maintained composure through corners. The engine stop-start feature had a slight delay, but overall, the Nautilus offered a pleasant driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) and came with either a V6 or V8 engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a tow rating of 6,200 pounds. The available 5.7-liter V8 generated 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. Three 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee's eight-speed automatic transmission had a dial-style shifter, which could be tricky to use. Fuel economy ranged from 17 to 21 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-roading, with features like Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension. The V6 was the preferred engine for its balance of performance and efficiency, while the V8 offered a thrilling sound and power.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus provided up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 37.2 cubic feet with the seats in use. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available. The rear seats offered ample head- and legroom, while the front seats, especially the 22-way multi-contour power-adjustable units, were exceptionally comfortable. The center console and door handles featured soft-touch materials, enhancing comfort. Storage options included a large center console bin and deep in-door pockets.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee's interior varied by trim, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading, and the available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel. Rear-seat room was tight for adults with long legs, and the plastic front seatback trim could be uncomfortable. The two-row Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the seat folded. The three-row Grand Cherokee L provided more cargo space, with 46.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-definition graphics and a sensible menu layout. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the available wireless charging pad enhanced convenience. The Revel 19-speaker premium audio system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was packed with technology, including a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and up to five interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch screen available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard. The optional 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger provided additional entertainment options. The McIntosh 19-speaker audio system and dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV integration were also available.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came with the CoPilot360 package, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features like adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, surround-view parking monitor, and adaptive headlights were available. However, the standard backup camera had low quality, making it difficult to see in low-light conditions.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a robust collection of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a safety cage composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. The ADAS package included intersection collision assist, active driving assist, and a hands-free version of active driving assist coming in 2022. The system provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Grand Cherokee's crash protection was expected to improve over the previous generation.