2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, especially in its Black Label trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels, was an attractive SUV. Its design was balanced and detailed, giving it plenty of character without appearing plain. At night, the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence added a touch of elegance, and the interior of the Black Label model offered a choice between the Chalet and new-for-2022 Flight design themes. The Chalet design featured light gray premium leather upholstery, while the Flight theme showcased a classy Luggage Tan color. The Black Label trim included nearly every available feature, such as a simulated suede headliner and luxury floor mats, though some chrome-plated plastic pieces and the center console design appeared a bit cheap.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 20-inch wheel. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille that some felt reduced the Navigator's elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's interior continued to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a unique touch, resembling a twilight sky. The Navigator also introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, enhancing its technological appeal. The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Black Label trim offering luxurious features like heated, ventilated, and massaging second-row captain’s chairs.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered two engine options. The standard and Reserve trims came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive as an option. The Black Label trim featured a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, requiring all-wheel drive. The Nautilus provided Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, adjusting powertrain behavior, steering effort, and adaptive suspension. The twin-turbo V6 achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, with a maximum range of 450 miles on the highway. During a 14-hour round-trip drive, the Nautilus averaged 25 mpg, proving to be a quiet, comfortable, and enjoyable road-tripper.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The updated adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved ride quality by preparing for road imperfections. The Navigator's new electronic brake booster enhanced brake pedal feel and response. During a drive from Scottsdale to Payson, the Navigator handled snowy and muddy conditions with ease, thanks to its four-wheel drive, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and appropriate driving modes. The Navigator 4WD achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg in combined driving, averaging 18.6 mpg during the test drive.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label featured smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet cabin with Active Noise Control. The front seats were heated, ventilated, and offered 22-way power adjustments with massage programs. Rear passengers enjoyed heated outboard seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. The Nautilus provided 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 68.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. Practical storage space was adequate but not exceptional, with some hard-to-access areas.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's front seats were heated, ventilated, and offered 30-way power adjustments with massage functions, providing exceptional comfort. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, with the updated Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system offering access to streaming services. The third-row seat remained roomy and comfortable, benefiting from the Navigator's independent rear suspension design. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more cargo space.

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 trim included connected navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The system was intuitive, with physical stereo and climate controls, and the Revel speakers delivered excellent sound quality. The Phone as a Key feature allowed the smartphone to function as a digital key.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a user-friendly interface and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system featured two data panels for simultaneous viewing of navigation and music details. Physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions were easy to use. Sync 4's voice recognition system was improved but not perfect, with over-the-air updates available for further refinement. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The test vehicle also featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering sensational sound quality.

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-beam headlights. The Black Label trim added Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assist, a surround-view camera system, and parking sensors. The Nautilus received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. Intersection Assist could automatically brake during unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection steered the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 handled parking in parallel and perpendicular spaces. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous hands-free driving technology, was approved for use on 130,000 miles of North American roads. The Navigator's surround-view camera system was newly standard, enhancing safety.