2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed out to the corners, eschewing the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4's design was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. Despite its SUV-like styling, the ID.4 didn't quite look like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. Inside, the ID.4 blended Volkswagen's minimalism with a tech-forward aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, especially in the Black Label trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels, was an attractive SUV with balanced and detailed styling. At night, the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence greeted drivers, and the Black Label model offered Chalet or Flight design themes, with premium leather upholstery. The Black Label trim included nearly every available feature, such as a simulated suede headliner and luxury floor mats, creating a decadent interior. However, some elements like the center console design and chrome-plated plastic pieces felt a bit cheap. The Nautilus was priced starting at $44,225, with the Black Label model beginning at $66,825. Our test vehicle, equipped with Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion massage, was perfect for long drives, providing exceptional comfort.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It was the first rear-wheel-drive Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4's RWD setup provided balanced handling, and the electric motor's instantaneous torque made city driving enjoyable. However, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, with noticeable body roll in corners but a smooth ride over bumps. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking for one-pedal driving, relying more on friction brakes to provide a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline cars.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option. The Black Label trim featured a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine producing 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, requiring all-wheel drive. The Nautilus had Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, adjusting powertrain behavior, steering effort, and adaptive suspension. During a road trip, the Nautilus provided a comfortable and cozy ride, with the twin-turbo V6 delivering impressive performance. The SUV averaged 25 mpg over 871.1 miles, with a maximum range of 450 miles. The Nautilus excelled on twisty roads, with the V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission performing well, although the steering lacked engagement.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, more than some EV rivals but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 did not have a front trunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious from the driver's seat, with good forward visibility but substandard rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the center console, though storage was limited. Heated steering wheel and front seats were standard, providing efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label featured smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive thanks to Active Noise Control and acoustic glass. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with a heated power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The optional 22-way power front seats with massage programs offered exceptional comfort. Rear passengers had heated seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. Practical storage space was adequate but not easily accessible. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 68.8 cubic feet with the seat folded.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with an optional 12-inch screen) featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced nearly all switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads were difficult to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 also included a natural-language voice-control system and ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield that communicated information to the driver. The touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software. Sync 4 offered over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The Black Label model included connected navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The system was intuitive and user-friendly, with separate physical controls for stereo and climate settings. The natural voice recognition system worked well, and the Revel speakers provided excellent sound quality. The Nautilus also offered Phone as a Key, turning a smartphone into a digital key.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist added automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist brought the car to a stop if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding effectively to acceleration and deceleration.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. The Black Label added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assist, a surround-view camera system, and parking sensors. The Black Label also featured a semi-autonomous parking assist system. The driving assistance systems proved effective and non-intrusive during extensive use. The NHTSA gave the Nautilus a five-star overall rating, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not assessed the Nautilus for safety.