2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles, embodying a blend of American-made grandeur and modern SUV appeal. It was the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, offering a commanding presence with its sleek design and luxurious Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist yet upscale interior with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter was initially fussy but became intuitive with use.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus presented a sophisticated and character-rich design, with a Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence that welcomed drivers after dark. The interior was adorned with premium leather and ambient lighting, creating a decadent atmosphere. However, some elements like the centre console design and chrome-plated plastic pieces appeared less refined. The Nautilus Reserve, the sole model in Canada, offered a luxurious experience with optional Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats, perfect for long drives.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive was standard on the Essence trim in Canada, while all-wheel drive was available on higher trims. The Enclave's V6 engine provided strong acceleration, and its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping ensured a smooth ride across various terrains. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. An optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine offered 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The Nautilus featured Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with the adaptive suspension adjusting accordingly. Fuel efficiency for the twin-turbo V6 was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a maximum range of 730 kilometres. The Nautilus excelled in comfort and road-trip readiness, with a quiet cabin and a 19-speaker Revel audio system enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The Avenir trim included heated and ventilated front seats with massage functions, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Enclave provided ample cargo space, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with the second-row seats folded down.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and ambient lighting. The optional 22-way power front seats provided exceptional comfort, though rear legroom was somewhat limited. The Nautilus featured practical storage solutions, though some areas were difficult to access. Cargo space was generous, with 1,055 litres behind the rear seat and up to 1,948 litres with the back seat folded down.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Bose sound system. However, it lacked the screen size and high-end audio components found in competitors. The Enclave offered features like a rear camera mirror and a Teen Driver function but required subscriptions for connected services.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 software, offering over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The system was intuitive, with physical stereo and climate controls, and included advanced features like Phone as a Key, turning a smartphone into a digital key.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trims. Standard features in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Confidence Plus Package added forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but lacked advanced driver assistance technologies.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus package added adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Nautilus received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.