2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus emerged from its predecessor, the Lincoln MKX, with a refreshed identity and design. This midsize luxury SUV retained its exterior styling from previous iterations but introduced a revamped cabin that aligned with Lincoln's modern design ethos. The interior boasted clean lines, soft-touch materials, and a prominent 13.2-inch touchscreen that seamlessly integrated with the vehicle's aesthetic. The unconventional "Piano Key" shifter-button layout was a notable feature, offering ease of use despite its unique design. The Nautilus was available in three trims: Standard, Reserve, and Black Label, each offering a range of luxury features and options, including a twin-turbo V6 engine and advanced driver-assistance technologies.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza re-entered the market with a modern design and hybrid powertrain, built on the versatile TGNA-K platform. Its exterior featured sleek proportions and a distinctive scalloped body side, giving it a Lexus-like appearance. The interior was equally refined, with high-quality materials and an elegant layout. The Venza offered a comfortable ride for five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom, even in the second row. The cabin was equipped with numerous convenience features, including a power-adjustable driver's seat and a spacious glove compartment. The Venza's hybrid system provided a balance of efficiency and performance, making it a practical choice for families seeking a stylish and eco-friendly SUV.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and an optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine available on the Reserve and standard on the Black Label, delivering 355 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine came with standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available, while the V6 was equipped with standard all-wheel drive. The V6 provided impressive power, especially at highway speeds, and the adaptive suspension ensured a smooth and controlled ride. The Nautilus also featured an engine stop-start system to conserve fuel, although it introduced a slight delay in response.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with three electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. This hybrid setup allowed for electric-only operation for short distances and offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes to optimize performance. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, enhancing efficiency. The Venza's handling was agile, and its ride was comfortable, making it suitable for family use. While not designed for aggressive cornering, the Venza delivered a balanced and efficient driving experience, with a focus on practicality and fuel economy.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus provided generous cargo space, with up to 68.8 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded, and 37.2 cubic feet with the seats in use. The power liftgate, available in a hands-free version, added convenience. The Nautilus emphasized two-row comfort, with ample head- and legroom for rear passengers and luxurious front seats with 22-way adjustability. The interior featured a large center console bin and deep in-door pockets for storage, along with a floating center controls design for additional space.

The 2022 Toyota Venza offered seating for five, with a 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat. Both rows provided good headroom and legroom, with 45.2 inches of hip room in the second row. The cabin felt spacious, especially with the optional Star Gaze panoramic glass roof. Convenience features included an overhead console with LED map lights, power-adjustable front seats, and an electric parking brake. The Venza's cargo capacity was 28.8 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. Toyota focused on creating a quiet cabin, using sound-blocking materials throughout, resulting in a serene driving environment.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-definition graphics and an intuitive menu layout. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with large icons for easy navigation. The system included a wireless charging pad and a Revel 19-speaker premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a helpful home button for easy navigation.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, offering a seamless driving experience without the need for charging infrastructure. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models, with a 12.3-inch screen on the Limited trim. It supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa, with Bluetooth connectivity and multiple USB ports. The Limited trim added a nine-speaker JBL audio system and a head-up display. Toyota Connected Services provided additional features, including Safety Connect and WiFi Connect.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came with the CoPilot360 package, offering standard driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features included adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking monitor. However, the backup camera quality was subpar, affecting visibility in low-light conditions.

The 2022 Toyota Venza included the Toyota Star Safety System, with stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a rearview camera. It also featured eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.