2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, priced at $42,083, was a fully-loaded model that didn't quite look the part. Despite its high price tag, it resembled a standard rental car RAV4. The trim level lacked the larger wheels found on the non-hybrid RAV4 Limited, and the electronic AWD system wasn't robust enough for an Adventure trim level. However, the RAV4 Hybrid had a tough appearance, needing only bolder wheels to complete the look. Inside, it was stylish and practical, though the quality was inconsistent, with a mix of impressive materials and glossy hard plastics. A rattle from the license plate on the tailgate was a minor annoyance.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, previously known as the MKX, had undergone a significant transformation. The exterior styling carried over from the 2019 facelift, but the cabin received a major update. The new dash design featured clean lines, soft materials, and a large, crisp touchscreen. The "Piano Key" shifter-button layout was unconventional but easy to use. The 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen system was user-friendly and visually appealing. The Nautilus came in three trims: Standard, Reserve, and Black Label, each offering a range of luxury features. Our Black Label test vehicle included 22-way Multi-Contour front seats, a 19-speaker premium stereo, and adaptive suspension, contributing to its upscale feel.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack, producing 219 horsepower. The rear electric motor provided standard AWD. The RAV4 Hybrid offered several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. It weighed between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, making it up to 200 pounds heavier than the standard RAV4. Despite the weight, the instant torque from the electric motors made it feel lively. The EPA rated it at 40 mpg in combined driving, and our testing averaged 39.7 mpg. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid handled well, though the all-season tires lacked grip. It had 8.1 inches of ground clearance and performed well on light off-road terrain.

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 a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, delivering 355 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Both engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine had standard FWD or optional AWD, while the V6 came with standard AWD. The V6 provided smooth and controlled power delivery, especially at highway speeds. The adaptive suspension minimized road bumps, and the Nautilus felt firm and planted through corners. The engine stop-start feature had a slight delay, but overall, the driving experience was pleasant.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom, excellent foot space, and heated cushions. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with large climate control and stereo knobs. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and a roomy 37.5 cubic-foot cargo area. Folding the rear seats increased cargo space to 69.8 cubic feet.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus provided up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space, with 37.2 cubic feet available with the rear seats in use. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option. The rear seats offered plenty of head- and legroom, while the front seats, especially the 22-way multi-contour units, were exceptionally comfortable. The center console and door handles featured soft-touch materials, enhancing comfort. Storage included a large center console bin and deep in-door pockets.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Our test vehicle had an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs. The dynamic voice recognition was mostly accurate, though it couldn't adjust climate settings. The JBL sound system was satisfactory, and camera-based technology included a 360-degree surround-view system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-definition graphics and a sensible menu layout. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were well-integrated, and the available wireless charging pad enhanced convenience. Our test model featured a Revel 19-speaker premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. The infotainment system was easy to use, with a helpful home button for navigation.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high beams, and road-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning were available on all but the Hybrid LE trim. Rear automatic braking was exclusive to the Hybrid Limited. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus included the CoPilot360 package, featuring automatic emergency braking, 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, a surround-view parking monitor, and adaptive headlights. However, the standard backup camera was low-quality, making it difficult to see in low-light conditions.