2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus emerged from its predecessor, the Lincoln MKX, with a refreshed identity and design. The Nautilus retained the same platform as the Ford Edge but underwent a significant facelift in 2019, which included a name change and a shift away from the alphanumeric naming convention. The 2021 model carried over the exterior design but introduced a revamped cabin with a sleek new dashboard, soft materials, and a prominent touchscreen. The interior was marked by Lincoln's "Piano Key" shifter-button layout, which, despite its unconventional nature, was user-friendly. The infotainment system, a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen, was praised for its ease of use and high-definition graphics, making it a standout feature in the Nautilus.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a nod to those who appreciated a black-on-black aesthetic, though it was also available in other colors. The Black Line treatment removed most chrome from the exterior, giving it a distinct, bold appearance. However, the GX's design was considered dated, with similarities to its first-generation model from 2002. Inside, the cabin quality was high, with smooth and refined materials typical of Lexus. The GX offered a quiet ride, with the V8 engine's sound barely audible. Despite its age, the GX's interior was comfortable, though some controls were considered outdated, and the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus offered a choice between two engines. The standard option was a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Reserve and Black Label trims offered a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, producing 355 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine came with standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available, while the V6 was standard with all-wheel drive. The V6 provided impressive power, especially at highway speeds, and the adaptive suspension ensured a smooth ride, making the Nautilus a pleasant vehicle to drive.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, on the other hand, was equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds. Despite its hefty curb weight of 5,126 pounds, the GX managed a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. The GX's fuel economy was rated at 16 mpg combined, which was expected given its engine and 4WD system. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced the GX's off-road capabilities and provided a stable ride on pavement, though the steering was heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus offered ample cargo space, with up to 68.8 cubic feet available when the rear seats were folded down. With the rear seats in use, it provided 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The Nautilus emphasized two-row comfort, with spacious rear seats and luxurious front seats, especially the available 22-way multi-contour power-adjustable units. The interior featured a large center console bin and deep in-door pockets for storage, along with a floating center controls design for additional space.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position and clear visibility, thanks to its 10-way power-adjustable seat. The GX's design, suitable for global markets, made it easy to maneuver in various environments. The interior was comfortable, with physical controls and NuLuxe upholstery in the Black Line Special Edition. However, the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access, and the side-opening tailgate made loading cargo challenging. The GX offered 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

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 system was complemented by a wireless charging pad and a Revel 19-speaker premium audio system, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The GX's stereo controls were awkwardly placed, but the dual-screen view and voice recognition technology were highlights. The GX also offered Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

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 and surround-view parking monitor were available, though the backup camera quality was lacking.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking crash-test ratings, relied on the Lexus Safety System+ for safety, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors.