2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, especially in its Black Label trim, presented an attractive and well-balanced design. Its 21-inch machined-finish wheels added to its appeal, while the detailing ensured the SUV had character without appearing plain. At night, the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence provided a welcoming touch. Inside, the Black Label model offered a choice between the Chalet and Flight design themes, with our test vehicle showcasing the Chalet's 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. 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, was priced at $68,325, proving ideal for long drives.

The 2023 Lexus GX made a bold statement with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, giving it a commanding presence. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors, including the exclusive Nori Green Pearl. Despite its imposing front, the GX's dimensions seemed to shrink along the sides, with a short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. The design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky styles, and the hood's design improved visibility for technical driving. Inside, the GX's luxury badge was somewhat undermined by the use of plastic materials, though it still offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered two engine options. The standard and Reserve models came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, and all-wheel drive as an option. The Black Label trim featured a more powerful twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine, producing 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 suspension. During a road trip from Los Angeles to Scottsdale, the Nautilus proved comfortable and efficient, averaging 25 mpg over 871.1 miles. The twin-turbo V6 and adaptive suspension shone on mountain roads, though the steering lacked engagement.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 offered a satisfying linear power delivery. The GX had a 6,500-pound towing capacity but lagged behind other SUVs in fuel economy, with an EPA estimate of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to its rolling through corners, though it remained predictable and controllable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard four-wheel drive system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it user-friendly in challenging conditions.

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 a heated steering wheel. The optional 22-way power front seats offered exceptional comfort, even on long journeys. Rear passengers had heated seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. Storage space was adequate, with a hands-free power liftgate revealing 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 68.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin and a space for a phone ahead of the shifter. The GX retained hard buttons for controls, which some users preferred over touchscreens. The center console lid's sliding mechanism allowed for adjustable armrests. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat option. However, the third row was cramped, suitable only for occasional use. The side-hinged trunk door required effort to open, and cargo space was limited to 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.7 cubic feet with it folded, and 64.7 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. It 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, and the Revel speakers delivered excellent sound quality. The Phone as a Key feature allowed smartphones to unlock and start the Nautilus.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was present but unnecessary due to the touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. However, the system lagged behind newer Lexus models, with less crisp graphics. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. The Off-Road Package added features like a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Black Label added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and a surround-view camera. The Nautilus received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX featured modern safety technology.