2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2021 Lexus NX

2021 Lexus NX
2021 Lexus NX
$37,610MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lincoln Nautilus
2021 Lincoln Nautilus
$42,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus NX
$37,610MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lincoln Nautilus
$42,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$37,610

MSRP

$42,500

Listings

71

Listings

94

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Comfortable

  • Quiet cabin

Cons

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Poor handling

  • Cramped back seat

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Premium interior materials

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Poor handling

  • Sluggish touchscreen response

  • Poor value for money

2021 Lexus NX Reviews Summary

One year ahead of its redesign, the aged 2021 Lexus NX luxury compact SUV retains the features that have made it so popular: good looks, a high-quality interior, and agile driving dynamics. But not all that glitters is gold, as the NX has some definite problem areas.

2021 Lincoln Nautilus Reviews Summary

The car market has evolved tremendously over the past decade. Electric cars are cool, the Corvette is mid-engine, the Mustang is an electric SUV, and Ford no longer builds sedans and hatchbacks. There are a lot of firsts and a lot of rethinks about how we drive and buy cars. But it seems no matter how much has evolved, the traditional ideals of luxury in motoring are still very much a thing. Sure, some brands may incorporate performance as their luxury identity, but if you are Lincoln, it means elegant styling, plush interiors, and a hushed boulevard-cruising ride.

With the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, Ford's premium brand has found a way to channel that traditional definition of luxury without feeling dated. The Nautilus is at once classically comfortable and thoroughly modern. With plenty of standard tech that is easy to use, the Nautilus is also an approachable, upscale SUV. Lincoln’s approach is different from that of BMW, Audi, or Lexus. So does taking a different path work better than trying to keep up with the overseas rivals? Read on to find out.

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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 235 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 250 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

235 hp @ 5600 rpm

Horsepower

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

22

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

28

MPG Highway

26
2021 Lexus NX
2021 Lexus NX
$37,610MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lincoln Nautilus
2021 Lincoln Nautilus
$42,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus NX
$37,610MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lincoln Nautilus
$42,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$37,610
$42,500
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.8

5.0

Expert reviews

7.0 out of 10

Read full review

8.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Comfortable

  • Quiet cabin

Cons

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Poor handling

  • Cramped back seat

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Premium interior materials

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Poor handling

  • Sluggish touchscreen response

  • Poor value for money

Summary
One year ahead of its redesign, the aged 2021 Lexus NX luxury compact SUV retains the features that have made it so popular: good looks, a high-quality interior, and agile driving dynamics. But not all that glitters is gold, as the NX has some definite problem areas.

The car market has evolved tremendously over the past decade. Electric cars are cool, the Corvette is mid-engine, the Mustang is an electric SUV, and Ford no longer builds sedans and hatchbacks. There are a lot of firsts and a lot of rethinks about how we drive and buy cars. But it seems no matter how much has evolved, the traditional ideals of luxury in motoring are still very much a thing. Sure, some brands may incorporate performance as their luxury identity, but if you are Lincoln, it means elegant styling, plush interiors, and a hushed boulevard-cruising ride.

With the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, Ford's premium brand has found a way to channel that traditional definition of luxury without feeling dated. The Nautilus is at once classically comfortable and thoroughly modern. With plenty of standard tech that is easy to use, the Nautilus is also an approachable, upscale SUV. Lincoln’s approach is different from that of BMW, Audi, or Lexus. So does taking a different path work better than trying to keep up with the overseas rivals? Read on to find out.

Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 235 hp I4
2.0L 250 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
235 hp @ 5600 rpm
250 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
22
21
MPG Highway
28
26
Look and feel

2021 Lexus NX

7/10

2021 Lincoln Nautilus

9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Lexus NX as 7 out of 10 for look and feel, and the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus as 9 out of 10. The 2021 Lexus NX offers three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models feature sharp design lines, power-folding outside mirrors, and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport model adds a fresh honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch wheels. The interior boasts excellent material fit and finish, with quilted NuLuxe sport seats exclusive to the F Sport model. The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, based on the second-generation Lincoln MKX, features a sharp new dash design, clean lines, and a large, crisp 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen system. Trims include Standard, Reserve, and Black Label, with the latter offering a twin-turbo V6 and standard all-wheel drive.
Picture of 2021 Lexus NX
Picture of 2021 Lexus NX
Picture of 2021 Lexus NX
Picture of 2021 Lexus NX
Picture of 2021 Lexus NX
Picture of 2021 Lexus NX
Picture of 2021 Lexus NX
Picture of 2021 Lexus NX
Picture of 2021 Lexus NX
Performance

2021 Lexus NX

7/10

2021 Lincoln Nautilus

7/10
CarGurus experts rate both the 2021 Lexus NX and the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus 7 out of 10 for performance. The Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Lincoln Nautilus comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, with an optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 generating 355 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both models offer smooth and controlled acceleration, with the Nautilus providing a more powerful option.
Form and function

2021 Lexus NX

7/10

2021 Lincoln Nautilus

8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Lexus NX as 7 out of 10 and the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus as 8 out of 10. The Lexus NX offers a comfortable interior with heated and ventilated seats, while the Nautilus provides up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space and comfortable seating for adults. The Nautilus also features a reasonably large center console bin and deep in-door pockets for ample storage.
Technology

2021 Lexus NX

6/10

2021 Lincoln Nautilus

9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Lexus NX as 6 out of 10 and the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus as 9 out of 10 for technology. The Lexus NX features an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.3-inch available as part of the Navigation package. The Nautilus comes with a large 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Revel 19-speaker premium audio system.
Safety

2021 Lexus NX

7/10

2021 Lincoln Nautilus

8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Lexus NX as 7 out of 10 and the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus as 8 out of 10 for safety. The Lexus NX comes with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 as standard, including a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Nautilus offers standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, and a range of available additional driver assistance features.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Lexus NX is 7.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus scores 8.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus emerges as the recommended choice, offering a more comprehensive package with ample cargo space, comfortable seating, and a solid value proposition.

Choose the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus if:

8.2of 10overall
  • You need ample cargo space and comfortable seating for adults, with up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
  • You seek a comprehensive list of standard in-car and safety features, making it a solid value.
  • You desire a larger touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Revel 19-speaker premium audio system.
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Choose the 2021 Lexus NX if:

7of 10overall
  • You prioritize a comfortable and upscale interior with heated and ventilated seats.
  • You prefer a smaller footprint.
  • You value a smooth and comfortable driving experience with three drive modes.
71 results
See all

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Lexus NX is 7.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus scores 8.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus emerges as the recommended choice, offering a more comprehensive package with ample cargo space, comfortable seating, and a solid value proposition.

Choose the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus if:

Shop Now
8.2of 10overall
  • You need ample cargo space and comfortable seating for adults, with up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
  • You seek a comprehensive list of standard in-car and safety features, making it a solid value.
  • You desire a larger touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Revel 19-speaker premium audio system.
94 results

Choose the 2021 Lexus NX if:

Shop Now
7of 10overall
  • You prioritize a comfortable and upscale interior with heated and ventilated seats.
  • You prefer a smaller footprint.
  • You value a smooth and comfortable driving experience with three drive modes.
71 results
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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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