2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus evolved from the second-generation Lincoln MKX, which shared its platform with the Ford Edge. In 2019, it received a facelift and a new name, moving away from the alphanumeric naming convention to embrace more attractive styling. For 2021, the exterior remained largely unchanged, but the interior saw significant updates. 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, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the glossy screen reflected the bright work in the center console.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, meanwhile, received subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end was restyled, though the new grille design was less elegant than before. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a touch of sophistication. The updated Sync 4 infotainment system featured a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, and the Navigator offered a range of trims, including the luxurious Black Label. The test vehicle, painted in Manhattan Green, featured a matching green interior with second-row heated, ventilated, and massaging captain’s chairs, making for a comfortable and stylish ride.

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 horsepower and 380 pound-feet 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 twin-turbo V6 provided smooth and controlled acceleration, complemented by an adaptive suspension that handled bumps and corners well. The engine stop-start feature aimed to conserve fuel, though it introduced a slight delay in response.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The updated adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved ride quality by preparing for road imperfections. The new electronic brake booster enhanced brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator handled various driving conditions, including snow and mud, with ease, thanks to its 4WD system and 9.7 inches of ground clearance. The Navigator achieved an average fuel economy of 18.6 mpg during the test drive.

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. A power liftgate was standard, with an available hands-free option. The Nautilus focused on two-row comfort, with ample head- and legroom in the rear seats. The front seats, especially the available 22-way multi-contour power-adjustable units, provided optimal comfort. The interior featured a large center console bin, deep in-door pockets, and additional storage below the floating center controls.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to impress with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats, offering exceptional comfort. The second-row captain’s chairs were newly massaging, heated, and ventilated, providing a luxurious experience. The third-row seats remained roomy and supportive, making the Navigator a comfortable choice for all passengers. Storage space was generous, with the long-wheelbase Navigator L offering even more cargo capacity. The standard Navigator provided 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The Navigator L increased these figures to 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-definition graphics and a sensible menu layout. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with large icons and an easy-to-use interface. The available wireless charging pad added convenience, and the Revel 19-speaker premium audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator upgraded to a Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The new system offered two data panels for simultaneous viewing of navigation and music details. Physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions were easy to use, with clear markings and a matte finish. Sync 4 supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a user-friendly interface and voice recognition system. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also featured a new 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system, delivering sensational sound quality.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came with the standard 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 available features included adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, a surround-view parking monitor, and adaptive headlights. However, the standard backup camera was of low quality, making it difficult to see in low-light conditions.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system became standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake during unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection steered the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 took control of parking maneuvers, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. During testing, ActiveGlide performed well but required the driver to remain attentive. The system represented a step toward fully autonomous driving but still required human oversight.