2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, especially in its Black Label trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels, was an attractive SUV. Its styling was balanced and detailed, giving it plenty of character without appearing plain. At night, the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence greeted drivers, adding a touch of elegance. Inside, the Black Label model offered a choice between the Chalet and Flight design themes, with our test vehicle featuring light gray premium leather upholstery in the Chalet theme. 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 looked a bit cheap.

The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models featured fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint colors like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, along with interior colors such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green, added to its appeal. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, offering a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro went further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, updates included a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, giving the Telluride a modern feel. Minor trim changes, a new steering-wheel design, and functional center console modifications rounded out the interior updates.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine producing 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder engine came with front-wheel drive (FWD) and an eight-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. The V6 engine, standard on the Black Label and optional on the Reserve, required AWD. Driving modes included Comfort, Normal, and Sport, which adjusted powertrain behavior and steering effort. The twin-turbo V6 had an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, with a maximum range of 450 miles. Over 871.1 miles, the Nautilus averaged 25 mpg. The SUV was quiet, comfortable, and equipped with a 19-speaker Revel audio system, making it an excellent road-tripper.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could select from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with AWD featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The Telluride X-Line averaged 24.1 mpg, while the X-Pro returned 20.4 mpg, including off-roading. The AWD model had an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. Kia raised the suspension, improved ground clearance to 8.4 inches, and added a Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model, with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, increased towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. The Telluride performed well off-road and offered a smooth, quiet ride on highways, though the all-terrain tires made it feel a bit squishier in turns.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label featured smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive thanks to Active Noise Control and acoustic glass. Both 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 were exceptionally comfortable. Rear passengers enjoyed heated outboard 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, expanding to 68.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The second row featured manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the second-row seats facilitated access to the third row, which was more comfortable than many competitors. Storage space was plentiful, and the smart power tailgate made loading easy. Cargo space included 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

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, with physical stereo and climate controls. The Phone as a Key feature allowed the smartphone to unlock and start the Nautilus.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system worked well, though it did not control the climate system. The Kia Access app allowed remote control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Telluride had six USB charging ports, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. Upgrades included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and digital-key technology. The Full Display Mirror and a larger head-up display were also available. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system reminded drivers when traffic started moving.

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 added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assist, a surround-view camera, and parking sensors. The semi-autonomous parking assist system was also included. The Nautilus earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with a four-star rating for rollover resistance.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning system, and automatic emergency braking. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Safe Exit Assist system warned occupants when it was unsafe to open the doors. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, Highway Drive Assist 1.5, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist were standard. The SX trim added collision avoidance features, front parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride also included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system with ultrasonic sensors.