2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2021 Nissan Rogue showcased handsome new styling with a more technical appearance, leaning into its SUV identity. Featuring dark gray plastic cladding along the perimeter, bold simulated skid plates, and lower door protection, the Rogue exuded a rugged aesthetic. This impression was perhaps a bit too audaciously conveyed by the rear bumper, but the overall look was modern and sophisticated. Clean LED lighting elements and the prominent V-Motion grille added to the contemporary design, while aluminum wheels up to 19 inches in size enhanced its stature. The optional two-tone paint with a black roof treatment offered a custom look.

Four trim levels were available: the entry-level Rogue S, the popular Rogue SV, the more luxurious Rogue SL, and the top-of-the-line Rogue Platinum. Each version increased in price and amenities, with the Platinum trim decking the SUV out with semi-aniline quilted leather and other upscale features. Our test vehicle, an SL trim with additional packages and add-ons, totaled $35,195. It featured an Almond color leather interior and a standard panoramic glass sunroof, making the cabin feel light and airy. Upgraded materials, such as simulated wood trim and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars, added a sense of quality. Though the climate control panel’s old-school digital clock numerical appearance was notable, the inclusion of features like wireless Apple CarPlay ensured the Rogue was technologically modern.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, particularly in the Black Label trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels, was an attractive SUV exuding luxury and poise. The styling was balanced and detailed without veering into plainness. At night, the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence added a theatrical touch, and entering the SUV was made inviting by the Chalet or Flight design themes, specific to the Black Label. Our test model featured a Chalet theme with light gray premium leather upholstery, and the new-for-2022 Flight theme offered a classy Luggage Tan color option.

The Black Label trim included almost every feature available on the Nautilus, elevating the interior with a simulated suede headliner and luxury floor mats, though some chrome-plated plastic pieces looked a bit cheap. Prices for the Nautilus started at $44,225 and soared up to $66,825 for the Black Label. Our test vehicle, equipped with Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion massage, was priced at $68,325. These upgrades were ideal for long drives, such as our 14-hour round trip from Los Angeles to Scottsdale.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue's performance was somewhat limited by its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which produced 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. This output was adequate for daily driving but felt lackluster for heavier loads or more spirited driving. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) did a decent job managing the available torque, and programmed ratios helped it mimic a traditional automatic transmission, with paddle shifters available for manual control.

Though the Rogue was engineered for some off-road adventures with its 8.2 inches of ground clearance and Snow and Off-Road driving modes, the naturally aspirated engine often felt underpowered in such scenarios. Discussions with Nissan hinted at the possibility of a future turbocharged engine, perhaps the same variable-compression turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder seen in the Altima sedan.

Our front-wheel-drive Rogue SL achieved 27.5 mpg during varied driving conditions, just shy of the EPA estimate. The Rogue's athleticism was enhanced by a robust architecture with a 35% composition of high-strength steel, strut front and multi-link rear suspension, and intelligent systems like Brake-induced Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control. These features, along with new Vehicle Motion Control, made the Rogue responsive and smooth. The steering system, with its electric assist moved to the steering rack and a quickened ratio, notably improved compared to the previous model.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered stronger performance, starting with its standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Buyers of the Black Label trim enjoyed an even more powerful twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, paired with all-wheel drive. Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes modified powertrain behavior and steering effort, with adaptive suspension adjustments on our Black Label model.

Our drive included diverse conditions, from Los Angeles to Scottsdale, demonstrating the SUV's adaptability and comfort. The 18-gallon fuel tank provided a range suited for long drives, with the twin-turbo V6 achieving 25 mpg over an 871.1-mile journey. Despite its luxurious focus, the Nautilus handled well in Sport mode, particularly on curvy roads, though steering lacked engagement despite the vehicle's grace and athleticism.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue emphasized comfort with its Zero Gravity seat designs, though previous iterations felt undersized. The new Rogue offered improved seating with cloth upholstery and manual adjustments in the S trim, leatherette in the SV, leather in the SL, and upgraded premium leather in the Platinum. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats were available, though ventilated seats were not offered.

Interior noise reduction measures effectively created a quieter cabin. The rear seats provided generous headroom and legroom, with seats that opened to a nearly 90-degree angle for easy access. The Rogue's cargo space was practical, though slightly smaller than the previous model. The SL and Platinum trims' Divide-N-Hide cargo system offered up to 36.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum of 74.1 cubic feet with seats folded down.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label featured high-quality materials and an inviting ambiance. Heated and ventilated front seats, along with the power tilt-and-telescopic heated steering wheel, provided comfort. The 22-way power front seats with massage functions proved superior for long journeys. Rear accommodations, while high and reclinable, offered less legroom than expected for a midsize SUV.

Cargo capacity was ample, with 37.2 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and up to 68.8 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage practicality fell short, with some awkwardly placed compartments.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered a competitive infotainment system starting with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgrading to higher trims brought NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, Alexa and Google Assistant integration, and a larger 9-inch touchscreen with additional features like wireless Apple CarPlay. The Platinum trim added wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus impressed with its advanced 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Sync 4. Features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, and over 35 SiriusXM 360L options. Our Black Label model had connected navigation, wireless charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system, providing an excellent user interface and sound quality. LINCOLN’s Phone as a Key technology further modernized convenience.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue prioritized safety with its comprehensive Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot warning system. Additional features like ten airbags, rear-seat reminder, and rear seatbelt pre-tensioners further enhanced safety. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control, ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, improving system accuracy and smoothness.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Black Label trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assist, and a semi-autonomous parking system. Rain-sensing wipers and effective driver assistance systems were beneficial features. The Nautilus earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, but IIHS assessments were not available.