2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It showcased a streamlined profile with wheels positioned at the corners, moving away from the rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback. While it offered a unique design, it didn't quite resemble an SUV, a common trait among many EV crossovers. Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-forward aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The base model included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in higher trims.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus presented an attractive SUV design with balanced styling and character. It featured a welcoming Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence and offered a range of interior colours, including light grey premium leather. While the interior was luxurious, some elements like the centre console design appeared less refined. The Nautilus Reserve model in Canada had a starting MSRP of $59,800, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle boasted optional Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, ideal for long drives. The Nautilus combined comfort with a touch of opulence, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium SUV experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive (RWD) version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version added a second motor for a total output of 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. While not a performance car, the ID.4 provided a balanced driving experience with its RWD setup. It prioritized comfort over sportiness, offering a smooth ride with ample torque for quick acceleration. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 relied on friction brakes, with limited regenerative braking, to provide a familiar driving experience for those transitioning from gasoline vehicles.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD in Canada. An optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine offered 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. The Nautilus featured Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, adjusting powertrain behaviour, steering effort, and adaptive suspension. During a road trip, the Nautilus provided a comfortable and quiet ride, with the V6 engine offering impressive performance. The SUV averaged 9.4 L/100 km over 1,400 kilometres, showcasing its efficiency. The Nautilus excelled in providing a refined and enjoyable driving experience, especially on long journeys.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom compared to competitor EVs, though legroom was average. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing several EV rivals but falling short of gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, opting for more cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility, though rearward visibility was hindered by thick pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and standard heated steering wheel and front seats, enhancing comfort in colder climates.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered a luxurious interior with smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet cabin. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with optional 22-way power adjustments and massage functions. Rear passengers enjoyed heated seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was limited for a midsize SUV. The Nautilus provided 1,055 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,948 litres with them folded. While storage space was adequate, some areas were hard to access. The hands-free power liftgate revealed a well-finished luggage compartment, adding to the Nautilus's practicality.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, with haptic touchpads replacing traditional controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads lacked tactile feedback, making them challenging to use while driving. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and the innovative ID.Light, a light strip communicating information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-positioned and user-friendly, offering a choice between smartphone-like icons or a split-screen setup.

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 19-speaker Revel audio system, connected navigation, and wireless smartphone charging. The user interface was intuitive, with separate physical controls for stereo and climate settings. The Nautilus also featured Phone as a Key, allowing smartphones to unlock and start the vehicle. The technology suite enhanced the driving experience, providing convenience and entertainment on the road.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist added to its safety credentials, providing automated lane centring and emergency stopping capabilities.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Black Label trim added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, 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, demonstrating its commitment to safety.