2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite the lack of significant updates for the 2021 model, the GX's design remained coherent, with the imposing spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding to its distinctive look. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. The semi-aniline leather was a standard feature, but the overall interior feel was somewhat dated.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus presented a more contemporary and refined appearance. Its design was balanced and full of character, enhanced by features like the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence. The interior boasted premium leather upholstery and a variety of colour options, creating a decadent atmosphere. However, some elements, such as the centre console design and chrome-plated plastic pieces, appeared less luxurious. The Nautilus Reserve model in Canada was priced at $59,800, with options like the Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats adding to its appeal for long drives.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's substantial weight of 2,349 kilograms made high-speed manoeuvres challenging. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capabilities, featuring a Torsen centre differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and various off-road drive modes. It offered a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms and impressive ground clearance, making it a formidable off-road vehicle.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive in Canada. An optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine, generating 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, was available for an additional cost. The Nautilus offered Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with the adaptive suspension enhancing the driving experience. Despite challenging weather conditions during testing, the Nautilus provided a comfortable and quiet ride, aided by features like massaging seats and a heated steering wheel. The twin-turbo V6 delivered impressive performance, especially in Sport mode, while maintaining good fuel efficiency with an average of 9.4 L/100 km over 1,400 kilometres.

The interior of the 2021 Lexus GX reflected its age, with limited legroom due to the upright dashboard and high centre console. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. While the dashboard design allowed for excellent outward visibility, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small centre-console bins and cupholders. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was cumbersome. Cargo space was also limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a more modern and luxurious interior, with smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet cabin. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with optional 22-way power adjustments providing exceptional comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed heated seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was somewhat tight. Storage space was adequate, with a hands-free power liftgate revealing a well-finished luggage compartment. The Nautilus offered 1,055 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,948 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality, though analog controls were available for ease of use. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was standard, but the overall tech experience felt dated for a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software. This system offered over-the-air updates, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The intuitive user interface and physical controls for stereo and climate functions were appreciated, and the 19-speaker Revel audio system delivered excellent sound quality. The Phone as a Key feature allowed for convenient access and operation of the vehicle.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including features like a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models. The GX had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite, offering a comprehensive set of driver-assist features. The Black Label trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and a surround-view camera system. The Nautilus received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick by IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.