2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Lexus RX

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, and the Black Label model offered luxurious interior themes like Chalet and Flight, featuring premium leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner. However, some chrome-plated plastic pieces and the center console design looked a bit cheap.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor, yet maintained the same overall length. The reduction in rear overhang and softer design lines made it appear smaller. The front featured a better-integrated spindle-style grille, while the rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The RX's exterior was familiar yet fresh, ensuring it stood out without being overly aggressive. Inside, the RX offered a modern, button-light interior with digital instrumentation and a large touchscreen display.

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 an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, 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, with the adaptive suspension adjusting accordingly. The V6 engine had an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined, and during a long road trip, it averaged 25 mpg.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion over uneven pavement, while the F Sport Handling trim, with its adaptive damping suspension, felt more secure and eliminated most unwanted motions. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, and the FWD version in 7.5 seconds. Fuel economy was expected to average 25 mpg for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label featured smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive thanks to Active Noise Control. The front seats were heated, ventilated, and offered 22-way power adjustments with massage functions. Rear seats were heated, but legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. Cargo space was 37.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 68.8 cubic feet with them folded down.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 Luxury trim offered semi-aniline leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport Handling trim had sportier seats with eight-way adjustments and Dark Graphite trim. The back seat was roomy with good leg support, though headroom was tight for taller passengers. Cargo space was 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with them folded 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, 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 technology.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Intelligent Assistant responded to voice commands, though it occasionally provided inaccurate results. The RX also featured user profiles, streaming apps, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. However, the system required switching between data panels, which was less convenient than previous technology.

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

The 2023 Lexus RX featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. New semi-autonomous technologies included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. However, some features, like curve-speed reduction, were less effective. The RX's adaptive cruise controls were unmarked, making them difficult to use with polarized sunglasses.