2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus emerged from its predecessor, the Lincoln MKX, with a refreshed identity and design. The transition from the MKX to the Nautilus in 2019 marked a significant shift in Lincoln's approach, moving away from alphanumeric naming and embracing a more appealing aesthetic. The 2021 model retained its exterior design but introduced a revamped cabin that aligned with Lincoln's modern design ethos. The interior featured clean lines, soft-touch materials, and a prominent 13.2-inch touchscreen, complemented by Lincoln's unique "Piano Key" shifter-button layout. The infotainment system, similar to Ford's SYNC 3, was intuitive and user-friendly, enhancing the overall driving experience. The Nautilus offered three trims: Standard, Reserve, and Black Label, each with varying levels of luxury and technology, including options for upgraded engines and advanced driver-assistance features.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its evolution with a mature design that carried over from the previous year's transformation. The exterior showcased Nissan's V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design, contributing to its sophisticated appearance. Inside, the Rogue featured a layered dash design with contrasting colors and surfaces, creating a refined and detailed look. The center console was notable for its electronic gear selector, allowing for more storage space. The Rogue's interior was equipped with a 9-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel in upper trims. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort, while the spacious second row accommodated passengers with ample legroom. The Rogue's fit and finish were commendable, particularly in the top-tier Platinum model.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus offered a choice between two engines: a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and an optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine available on the Reserve and standard on the Black Label, delivering 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 equipped with standard all-wheel drive. The V6 engine provided robust power, especially at highway speeds, with smooth and controlled acceleration. The adaptive suspension contributed to a comfortable ride, minimizing road imperfections while maintaining composure through corners. The engine stop-start feature aimed to conserve fuel, though it introduced a slight delay in response.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, part of Nissan's Variable Compression technology. This engine produced 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, a notable improvement over the previous model's 2.5-liter engine. The VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio mechanically, optimizing power and efficiency based on driving demands. The Rogue's fuel economy was impressive, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The new continuously variable transmission (CVT) offered wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension handled the engine's lively character well, delivering a smooth ride with minimal body roll. The electric power-assisted steering provided good feedback, and the tight turning diameter added to its maneuverability.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus offered a spacious interior with up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats were folded, surpassing competitors like the Lexus RX 350 and Cadillac XT5. With the rear seats in use, it provided 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The Nautilus emphasized two-row comfort, with ample head- and legroom for rear passengers. The front seats, especially the available 22-way multi-contour power-adjustable units, offered optimal comfort. The interior featured a large center console bin, deep in-door pockets, and a floating center controls design for additional storage.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage options, with numerous compartments for stashing items. The front cabin included bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a center console bin, and a tray beneath the console. Rear-seat passengers had storage options in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C ports. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench. The Rogue's cargo area offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-definition graphics and an intuitive menu layout. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with large icons for easy navigation. The available wireless charging pad enhanced connectivity, and the Revel 19-speaker premium audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology suite included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's driver-assist technology, was available, integrating with the navigation system for predictive speed control. The Intelligent Key allowed for convenient access to the vehicle, enhancing usability for families.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came equipped with the CoPilot360 package, offering standard driver-assistance features such as 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 included adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, and adaptive headlights. However, the backup camera's low quality was a drawback.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Rogue also had ten supplemental airbags and extended crumple zones. ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver-assist capabilities, and the enhanced ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link added navigation integration. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with the 2021 model earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.