2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a departure from its predecessors, which closely resembled the Ford Expedition. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique design features, including a distinctive turn signal stalk. Its exterior was marked by elegant, rectilinear shapes and subtle chrome accents, creating a sense of understated luxury. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes and modern design elements, such as a floating center console and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials used were of high quality, and the Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures and leather options. The Perfect Position seats, with their 30-way adjustability, added to the overall comfort and sophistication of the interior.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, on the other hand, evolved from the Lincoln MKX, adopting a more attractive design and moving away from the alphanumeric naming convention. While the exterior remained largely unchanged from previous models, the interior received significant updates. The new dash design featured clean lines, soft materials, and a large 13.2-inch touchscreen. The "Piano Key" shifter-button layout was easy to use, and the infotainment system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Nautilus offered three trims: Standard, Reserve, and Black Label, each with varying levels of luxury and technology. The Black Label trim, in particular, featured a twin-turbo V6 engine, 21-inch wheels, and a 19-speaker premium stereo system, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The Navigator's 4WD system was smooth and efficient, offering a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds with the RWD model. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging in the teens, which aligned with its EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. While the Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, the suspension felt less refined compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in handling, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus offered two engine options: 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 with 355 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, standard on the Black Label trim, provided smooth and controlled acceleration, complemented by an adaptive suspension that minimized road imperfections. The Nautilus was equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the four-cylinder engine offering FWD or AWD, while the V6 came with standard AWD. The engine stop-start feature aimed to conserve fuel, although it introduced a slight delay in response. Overall, the Nautilus delivered a pleasant driving experience across various scenarios.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, capable of accommodating six adults comfortably. It featured a boxy design that maximized cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second, and a total of 103 cubic feet. The Navigator L variant provided even more storage capacity. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience. The second-row seats were heated, and a three-zone climate control system was standard. However, the lack of side window shades and electrically reclining second-row seats were noted as areas for improvement. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, as a midsize luxury SUV, prioritized two-row comfort. It offered 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 37.2 cubic feet with them in use. The power liftgate, available with a hands-free option, added convenience. The rear seats provided ample head- and legroom, while the front seats, especially the 22-way multi-contour power-adjustable units, offered optimal comfort. The Nautilus featured a soft-touch center console and door handles, enhancing the overall comfort for both short and long trips. The center console bin and deep in-door pockets provided additional storage options.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, while functional, felt outdated compared to competitors. The system shared its interface with Ford models but had a unique Lincoln skin. It offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app, with remote app functions included for five years. The rear entertainment system supported Roku media streaming and other connections. However, the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the absence of onboard apps and wireless software updates, were noted as drawbacks.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus boasted 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 intuitive, with a helpful home button for quick access. The available wireless charging pad further enhanced the integration between phone and car. The Revel 19-speaker premium audio system provided excellent sound quality, making the Nautilus a pleasure to drive.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with five stars in most tests except for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, although the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came equipped with the CoPilot360 package, which included standard driver-assistance features like 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, 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.