2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, resulting in a similar appearance to the lower-level model and the smaller 2021 Grand Cherokee L. It featured traditional SUV styling with a tall hood, broad shoulders, trapezoidal wheel arches, and an upright profile. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof, model-specific hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly, with laser-etched knurling in the slots, and the wheel center caps had an acrylic glass covering to protect the “Wagoneer” logo. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture allowed for independent front and rear suspension, and the use of aluminum and composite materials helped save weight.

Inside, the Grand Wagoneer shared styling features with the Wagoneer, such as an integrated infotainment touchscreen, a large rotary shift knob, and a two-spoke steering wheel. However, it offered more convenience features and higher-quality materials. The Grand Wagoneer boasted 24-way power front seats with memory, massage, lumbar support, and four-way power headrests, along with heated/ventilated first- and second-row seats and a heated steering wheel. Nappa leather upholstery was standard, with higher-grade Palermo leather available, complemented by aluminum and American Walnut wood trim. Subtle differences, like Mercedes-style seat controls on the doors and the “Grand Wagoneer” inscription on the dashboard, further set it apart from the Wagoneer.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, especially in the Black Label trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels, was an attractive SUV with a balanced and character-rich design. At night, the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence welcomed drivers, and the Black Label model offered Chalet or Flight design themes. The Chalet design featured light gray premium leather upholstery, while Flight introduced a classy Luggage Tan color. The Black Label trim included nearly every available feature, along with a simulated suede headliner and luxury floor mats, creating a decadent interior. However, the center console design and some chrome-plated plastic pieces appeared somewhat cheap.

The Nautilus was available at a Manufacturer’s Retail Suggested Price (MSRP) of $44,225, including a $1,195 destination charge. The fully-loaded Nautilus Black Label started at $66,825 with destination, while the Nautilus Reserve was priced at $50,630. Our Black Label test vehicle included an upgrade to Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion massage, bringing the total to $68,325. These seats proved perfect for long drives, such as a 14-hour round-trip journey from Los Angeles to Scottsdale, Arizona, and back.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was equipped with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, with cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the V8 engine could propel the Grand Wagoneer from zero to 60 mph in six seconds, impressive for a vehicle weighing around 6,400 pounds. The Grand Wagoneer came standard with four-wheel drive (4WD), featuring the Quadra-Drive II system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential for maximum traction. It also included Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system with five drive modes: Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, and Sand/Mud.

The Grand Wagoneer featured the Quadra-Lift air suspension system, which was height-adjustable for off-roading, reducing aerodynamic drag on highways, or easing ingress and egress. With the suspension at maximum height, it offered 10 inches of ground clearance, a 25-degree approach angle, a 24-degree departure angle, and a 22-degree breakover angle. Jeep claimed it could ford up to 24 inches of water and was equipped with skid plates for rock protection. Despite its powerful V8, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a stately pace, as higher speeds resulted in a bouncy ride and imprecise steering. Its size was a limiting factor off-road, and it didn’t receive Jeep’s “Trail Rated” badge.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, or a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine producing 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque in the Black Label trim. The standard Nautilus and Nautilus Reserve came with front-wheel drive (FWD) and an eight-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. The Black Label required AWD and offered Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, adjusting powertrain behavior, steering effort, and adaptive suspension.

During a road trip from Los Angeles to Scottsdale, Arizona, the Nautilus provided a comfortable and cozy ride, with massaging and heated driver’s seats and a heated steering wheel. The twin-turbo V6 had an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined, with a maximum highway range of 450 miles. Over 871.1 miles, it averaged 25 mpg. The Nautilus excelled as a road-tripper, with a quiet cabin and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. In the Santa Monica Mountains, the Nautilus demonstrated grace and athleticism, with the twin-turbo V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission on high alert in Sport mode. However, the steering lacked engagement, despite the SUV’s impressive grip and performance.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Infiniti QX80, though front space was more limited. The Grand Wagoneer provided 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all three rows in place and 70.9 cubic feet with the third row stowed. With all rear seats folded, it offered 94.2 cubic feet, less than its rivals. It had a maximum towing capacity of 9,850 pounds, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. Standard features included a sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and large storage bins, though forward visibility was somewhat limited.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label featured smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive with Active Noise Control and acoustic glass. Both front seats were heated and ventilated, with a heated power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The optional 22-way power front seats offered multiple massage programs and adjustable extensions, providing exceptional comfort on long drives. Rear passengers enjoyed heated outboard seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. Storage space was adequate, with a hands-free power liftgate revealing 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 68.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a McIntosh audio system, and a 4G-LTE WiFi hotspot. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Grand Wagoneer had a larger touchscreen than the standard Wagoneer, with a second screen for seat massagers. It could be equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, controlling navigation and entertainment. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered over-the-air updates, though the screen response was slow, and the instrument cluster graphics were plain.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software. Sync 4 provided over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The Black Label included connected navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The system was intuitive, with physical stereo and climate controls, and the Revel speakers delivered excellent sound quality. The Nautilus also offered Phone as a Key, turning a smartphone into a digital key.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. Standard safety features included a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, intersection collision assist, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included a driver-attention monitor, night vision, traffic-sign recognition, and two levels of driver-assistance systems. Active Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, requiring hands on the wheel, with a hands-free version planned for certain highways.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Black Label added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assist, a surround-view camera system, and parking sensors. The Black Label also featured a semi-autonomous parking assist system. The NHTSA gave the Nautilus a five-star overall rating, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance.