2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus immediately grabbed attention, especially when equipped with the Black Label trim’s 21-inch machined-finish wheels. The SUV struck a delicate balance, with styling that was neither awkward nor overly plain. Lincoln included enough detailing to give the Nautilus a distinctive character.

Upon approaching the vehicle after dark, the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence greeted us, adding a layer of sophistication. Entering a Black Label model revealed two bespoke design themes—Chalet and the new-for-2022 Flight. Our test vehicle sported the Chalet design, showcasing light gray premium leather upholstery, while the Flight theme exhibited a classy Luggage Tan color.

Black Label trim in the Nautilus also came with luxury touches like a simulated suede headliner and premium floor mats. While the overall effect was decadent, some elements, like the center console design and chrome-plated plastic pieces, felt a bit cheap.

On the market, the 2022 Nautilus started at an MSRP of $44,225. The luxurious Black Label began at $66,825, with our test vehicle topping out at $68,325 due to the inclusion of Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion massage—a feature that proved invaluable during long journeys.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX required a closer inspection to notice the subtleties of its styling changes. Acura claimed the design inspiration came from its larger MDX model, featuring updates to the grille surround, bumper styling, wheel designs, and paint colors. Particularly striking was the limited-production RDX PMC Edition, available exclusively in Long Beach Blue Pearl paint with an Orchid white interior.

For the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, two engine options were available. The standard Nautilus and Nautilus Reserve featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This setup included front-wheel drive (FWD) and an eight-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option.

The Black Label model took performance up a notch with a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine delivering 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, requiring AWD. It served as the optional engine for the Nautilus Reserve.

Driving modes in the Nautilus—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—adjusted powertrain behavior and steering effort. Our Black Label’s adaptive suspension adapted as well. While Comfort mode could make the SUV feel overly woozy, Sport mode rendered the steering too heavy. Normal mode provided a balanced driving experience.

During a 14-hour round-trip drive from Los Angeles to Scottsdale, Arizona, the Nautilus excelled as a comfortable, quiet road-tripper. The Adaptive Cruise Control and lane-centering assist proved effective, and the Revel audio system delivered top-notch sound quality.

Fuel efficiency was another highlight. The twin-turbo V6's EPA rating was 21 mpg in combined driving, 25 mpg on the highway. Over 871.1 miles, we averaged 25 mpg with a maximum range of 450 miles based on highway rating. A short mixed-driving loop in Los Angeles returned 19.9 mpg, making the Nautilus a balanced performer.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. This engine’s quick spool-up added to the RDX’s zippy driving character, although aggressive driving could significantly lower its EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg. On our evaluation loop, it averaged 20.6 mpg.

Inside the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label, the smooth and supple leather, inviting ambient lighting, and standard Active Noise Control combined to create a serene environment. Both front seats were heated and ventilated, complemented by a heated steering wheel with power tilt-and-telescopic adjustments. We highly recommended the optional 22-way power front seats with massage functions, which proved exceptionally comfortable even on long drives.

Rear seat passengers also benefited from heated outboard seating positions and air conditioning vents. However, the Nautilus felt cramped in terms of legroom, surprising for a midsize SUV. Practical storage was minimal, with inadequate space behind the stereo and climate controls and under the center console bridge.

A hands-free power liftgate opened to a nicely finished luggage compartment, offering 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and a maximum of 68.8 cubic feet with it folded down.

On the flip side, the 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, provided ample room for four adults and their luggage, all beneath a standard panoramic sunroof. The RDX interior emphasized a sporty driving position, accompanied by a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard.

However, the control layout required a learning curve. The combination of transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) system made for an unusual and initially confusing setup. The A-Spec, A-Spec Advance, and PMC Edition’s metallic gauge faces with red markings could also be hard to read in low-light conditions.

Despite these intricacies, the RDX was generally user-friendly. The 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats were supportive, and ventilation was available. The sporty flat-bottom steering wheel offered a heated option, and the dual-zone automatic climate control kept the cabin comfortable. However, the back seat was less impressive. While kids might find it adequate, adults might find the seating lacks support.

The RDX’s power liftgate with available hands-free operation revealed 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Beneath the load floor, there were hidden storage compartments, and with the back seat folded down, the cargo capacity increased to 58.9 cubic feet.

Our test model featured the new-for-2022 A-Spec Advance package, boasting Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, bringing the total to $53,645. This trim offered a combination of high-quality interior materials and solid build quality, contributing to a quiet and sophisticated ambiance. Despite a few controversial design elements like the new vertical air inlets, the RDX maintained more flair than many rivals.

For 2022, Acura refined the RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) to better differentiate driving modes and re-tuned the adaptive-damping suspension. The result was a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode.

The addition of Active Sound Control enhancements and added sound-insulation measures made the RDX quieter than its predecessor, making it a more appealing option within its segment. Overall, the RDX excelled in driving dynamics, comfortable seating, and an engaging driving experience, though it fell short of earning the Type S performance badge.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system running the latest Sync 4 software. Sync 4 supported over-the-air updates and included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio.

Our Black Label test model also had connected navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel premium audio system. We found the interface intuitive, and appreciated the natural voice recognition system along with the physical stereo and climate controls. Revel's audio quality was exceptional, enhancing our road trip experience. Another notable feature was Phone as a Key, allowing the smartphone to function as a digital key.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) required some acclimation. The TTI paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller on the center console. Although the system mimicked a touchscreen interface, it added unnecessary complexity, distracting drivers more than typical touchscreens in competitor vehicles.

However, the RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in for accurate natural voice recognition, reducing the need to interact with the TTI. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad were new for 2022. The RDX also featured AcuraLink connected services, satellite radio, and a range of premium sound systems—from a nine-speaker base setup to a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound system in higher trims. A 10.5-inch head-up display was also available with the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Black Label trim added Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assist, a surround-view camera system, and parking sensors. A semi-autonomous parking assist system was also present.

We found the safety systems effective, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist working well on our long drive. The rain-sensing wipers proved useful. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Nautilus a five-star overall rating, with only the rollover resistance receiving a four-star rating. Unfortunately, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hadn't yet rated the Nautilus.

The 2022 Acura RDX saw several safety-related improvements, including structural upgrades for better side-impact protection. Acura hoped these changes would help the RDX maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, although ratings for the 2022 model were not yet available.

New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist. Models from the Technology package up featured front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. AcuraWatch's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems had improved but still lagged behind competitors in smoothness and refinement. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 RDX a five-star overall rating, with five-star side-impact ratings and four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings.