2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, particularly in its Black Label trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels, presented an attractive and balanced design. It was neither awkward nor plain, with enough detailing to give it character. At night, the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence added 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. 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 detracted from the overall luxury feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a "modernist" and "reductive" design philosophy, focusing on clean and simple lines. While not flashy, it offered options like Firenze Red paint and 23-inch diamond-turned wheels for those seeking attention. Our test vehicle, in Eiger Gray with silver wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim created a sophisticated atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport's design highlights included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED taillights, contributing to its aerodynamic efficiency.

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 in the Black Label trim. The V6 required all-wheel drive and was an option on the Nautilus Reserve. The SUV featured Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with the adaptive suspension adjusting accordingly. The Nautilus excelled on long road trips, providing comfort and quietness, with a fuel economy of 25 mpg on the highway and a maximum range of 450 miles.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver engagement. It offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with an estimated 51 miles of electric range. The Range Rover Sport's adaptive damping air suspension and Dynamic driving mode enhanced its handling, but it struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned competitors. Off-road, it excelled with features like Terrain Response and a wading depth of 35.4 inches.

Inside the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label, occupants enjoyed smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet ride thanks to Active Noise Control. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with optional 22-way power adjustments and massage programs. However, rear legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. The Nautilus offered 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 68.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, providing a tall and airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, with 20-way power adjustments and available massage features. Rear legroom improved but remained tight, and narrow door openings posed challenges. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats 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. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The system was intuitive, with physical stereo and climate controls, and offered Phone as a Key for convenience.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with a 13.7-inch digital display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and Meridian audio systems. However, the Pivi Pro system was often confusing and frustrating to use, with limited success in voice recognition tasks. The Range Rover Sport also featured a wireless smartphone charging pad and Active Noise Cancellation.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus included Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Black Label added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and a surround-view camera system. The Nautilus received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured a driver monitoring system, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist were less responsive and smooth than expected, particularly on freeway curves.