2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more muscular and imposing presence for this compact SUV. Its squared-off nose featured a deeper interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille, flanked by narrow, angled LED headlamps and separate LED daytime running lights. Functional forward air vents and active grille shutters contributed to a lower coefficient of drag, despite the SUV's boxier proportions. The exterior colour palette was simplified to a few core colours, with additional two-tone options available on the Platinum grade. Inside, seating surfaces varied from cloth to semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather, depending on the trim level, with the Platinum model offering a more luxurious interior.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus was an attractive SUV with a balanced yet characterful design. It featured a Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence for a welcoming approach after dark. The interior boasted premium leather upholstery in various colours, though some chrome-plated plastic pieces detracted from the overall decadence. The Nautilus Reserve model, the only one available in Canada, came with a starting MSRP of $59,800, excluding destination charges. Our test vehicle included optional Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion massage, which proved perfect for long drives.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. This engine improved performance and fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. The Rogue's curb weight ranged from 1,536 kg for the front-wheel-drive S grade to 1,653 kg for the all-wheel-drive Platinum model. Despite the continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Rogue offered a pleasant driving experience. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the front-wheel-drive model achieving 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive version recorded 9.2 city and 7.2 highway. The Rogue's handling was significantly improved, thanks to a 27% increase in torsional rigidity and a revamped multi-link rear suspension.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. An optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine offered 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The Nautilus featured Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, adjusting powertrain behaviour, steering effort, and adaptive suspension. The twin-turbo V6 had a fuel consumption rating of 11.2 L/100 km combined, with a maximum highway range of 730 km. The Nautilus excelled as a road-tripper, offering a quiet and comfortable ride, though the steering lacked engagement.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system, creating additional storage space. The rear doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and second-row headroom was enhanced. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and exterior mirrors. The SV trim added a 360-degree Around View Monitor, remote start, and a panoramic sunroof. The Platinum grade included a redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system, offering 1,028 litres of cargo space with the second row upright and 2,064 litres with them folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered a luxurious interior with smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with optional 22-way power adjustments and massage programs. Rear passengers enjoyed heated seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight. Storage space was adequate, with a hands-free power liftgate revealing 1,055 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,948 litres with the back seat folded.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SV grade added a Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports. The Platinum grade featured a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. However, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster had readability issues due to low contrast.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software, offering over-the-air updates, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system included a connected navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The Nautilus also featured Phone as a Key, allowing smartphones to unlock and start the vehicle.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue included the Safety Shield 360 suite, featuring forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model added ProPILOT Assist, enhancing highway driving assistance. The Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with improvements in frontal crash testing for later models.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Black Label added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, featuring adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. The Nautilus earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.