2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, particularly when adorned with the Black Label trim’s 21-inch machined-finish wheels, presented itself as an attractive SUV. The design had a balance, steering clear of awkwardness or plainness, while Lincoln meticulously added detailing to imbue the Nautilus with distinct character. Approaching the SUV after dark activated a welcoming Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence. The interior of the Black Label model could be themed in Chalet or the new-for-2022 Flight design. The Chalet variant boasted light gray premium leather upholstery, and the Flight option offered a sophisticated Luggage Tan color.

The Black Label trim elevated the Nautilus' luxury, incorporating a simulated suede headliner and high-end floor mats. Yet, despite its opulent essence, the center console design and some chrome-plated plastic pieces appeared cheaper than the rest of the interior. Pricing-wise, a base Nautilus could be purchased at an MSRP of $44,225, while the Black Label version started at $66,825, with additional options pushing our test vehicle's price to $68,325.

Conversely, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator, a sleek three-row midsize SUV, showcased what many believed to be the most accomplished front design among Lincoln’s four-SUV lineup. When matched with specific wheel designs, especially those on the base Grand Touring and standard Black Label models, it exuded a sophisticated allure. However, the multi-spoke machined-finish rims on the Black Label Grand Touring appeared too plain, detracting from its high-end price tag.

Approaching the Aviator after dark also triggered a welcoming Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence, complemented by electric, light-touch door handles, and soft-close doors. The ambiance within the cabin was invited by welcome and ambient lighting. The Black Label Grand Touring interior was notably ornate, featuring a blend of patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, chrome accents, and rich caramel-hued leather seats contrasting against a black backdrop – though it could seem overwrought for some tastes. Comparing Design Aesthetics

While both vehicles embodied Lincoln’s dedication to opulence and comfort, the Nautilus Black Label’s Chalet or Flight themes presented a more understated luxury. It focused on simplistic elegance, whereas the Aviator Black Label Grand Touring embraced a more complex, perhaps divisive, aesthetic full of visual contrasts and meticulous detailing.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, in its standard and Reserve trims, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. The Nautilus Black Label, boasting a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine, delivered an impressive 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, necessitating AWD.

During a test drive, Comfort mode made the SUV feel somewhat woozy, while Sport mode yielded an overly heavy steering feel. Normal mode struck the right balance. Despite weather-induced obstructions rendering some driver assistance features temporarily useless, the journey was comfortable, aided by the massaging and heated driver’s seat and heated steering wheel. Fuel efficiency averaged 25 mpg over a long trip, matching the EPA highway rating with a range of up to 450 miles thanks to an 18-gallon fuel tank.

In the Santa Monica Mountains, the Nautilus handled fluidly and athletically in Sport mode, though the steering remained uninspiring, dampening the otherwise enjoyable driving dynamics.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with a hybrid transmission, producing an astounding 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite the added weight from the electric motor and battery, the Aviator managed 21 miles of electric-only driving, with a combined fuel economy of 23 mpg in hybrid mode. When fully charged, it achieved an equivalent of 163.4 mpg on a 22.3-mile drive primarily on electricity.

The Aviator's multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowed versatile utilization of its power sources. While the Aviator delivered impressive acceleration and proficient handling on twisty roads, the transmission and brake pedal occasionally exhibited unpredictable behavior, affecting the smoothness of the ride.

The added weight necessitated a Dynamic Handling Package with an adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension, ensuring the Aviator remained stable and composed through diverse driving scenarios. Yet, in Excite mode, the SUV’s steering remained heavy and numb, diminishing driving enjoyment.

Comparing Performance Capabilities

The Nautilus focused on comfort and straightforward performance; its V6 variant offered respectable power without compromising the refined ride. The Aviator, with its hybrid technology, provided incredible power and efficiency but suffered from inconsistent drivability and disengaged steering, counteracting some of its performance potential.

In the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, the Black Label’s interior exuded quality with plush leather, ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated power-adjustable steering wheel. The optional 22-way power front seats with massage functionality added exceptional comfort for long drives. Rear passengers enjoyed heated seats and air-conditioning vents, though legroom proved tight for a midsize SUV.

Storage solutions were somewhat lacking, with the practical yet small covered bin forward of the cupholders and hard-to-access locations behind the stereo and climate controls. The cargo space was generous, offering 37.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanding to 68.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down, accessible via a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator, exuding quiet comfort, featured a four-zone automatic climate control system and luxurious, adjustable seating. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats, despite requiring some adjustment, were immensely comfortable. The second-row captain’s chairs were equally supportive, bolstered by ample storage and rear-passenger controls for the panoramic sunroof.

However, the third-row seating fell short in practicality, with cramped access and limited legroom, inadequate for adults. With the third row in use, the Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and up to 77.7 cubic feet when fully down.

Comparing Space and Utility

While the Nautilus offered slightly less cargo space compared to the Aviator, it benefitted from more practical use of its two-row layout. The Aviator's three-row setup provided extensive cargo room when the third row was down but compromised passenger comfort in the rear.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus showcased a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the latest Sync 4 software, featuring over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Lincoln Connect, a Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, connected navigation, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The Phone as a Key technology allowed for smartphone-based vehicle access, enhancing convenience despite the bulkiness of the physical key fob.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator’s technology suite included a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, Lincoln Connect, SiriusXM satellite radio, and navigation. However, it still ran on the older Sync 3 software, which showed limitations in voice recognition accuracy and ease of use. Despite the occasional technical hiccups, a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system provided an exceptional auditory experience. The smartphone-related features such as wireless charging and Phone as a Key chimed well with modern needs, while the vehicle's head-up display remained clear despite polarized sunglasses.

Comparing Technological Features

The Nautilus excelled with the updated Sync 4 system, offering a smoother and more intuitive user experience compared to the Aviator's antiquated Sync 3. While the Aviator's audio system was superior, the overall tech experience favored the Nautilus.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, 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 assist, evasive steering assist, a surround-view camera system, and parking sensors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Nautilus a five-star overall safety rating, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with Co-Pilot360 1.5, 1.5 Plus, and 2.0 collections of driver aids, depending on the trim. Our test vehicle included every available safety feature, such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, road-sign recognition, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and more. Despite the occasionally cumbersome steering wheel controls, the safety tech performed reliably, particularly on highways with less traffic density.

Crash-test ratings for the standard Aviator included a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

Comparing Safety Features

Both vehicles offered comprehensive safety suites, but the Aviator, with its slightly more advanced Co-Pilot360 2.0 and additional features, held a slight edge. However, both received high marks from NHTSA, and the Nautilus fell short only in rollover resistance.