2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for a more modern appeal, was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Each model offered various trim levels, including base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base MSRPs ranging from $47,400 to $59,950, excluding a $2,145 destination charge. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, was a focal point of this review. The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, featuring a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details akin to the Lexus IS sports sedan. The SUV was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. Interior options included NuLuxe simulated leather or real leather with open-pore wood trim, and a panoramic moonroof was available for the first time. The F Sport variant stood out with unique exterior and interior features, including sport-bolstered seats and a distinctive steering wheel. The interior design aimed for minimalism, but the integration of many functions into the 14-inch touchscreen could be confusing. Physical controls for essential functions remained, and the quality was generally high, though some elements, like the turn signal, felt less premium.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus presented an attractive and balanced design, with enough detailing to give it character. At night, the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence added a touch of elegance. The interior featured premium leather upholstery in various colours, though some chrome-plated plastic pieces detracted from the overall luxury feel. The Nautilus Reserve, the only model available in Canada, had an MSRP of $59,800, excluding a $2,395 destination charge. The test vehicle included optional Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion massage, which were ideal for long drives. The Nautilus offered a comfortable and cozy driving experience, enhanced by features like massaging and heated seats and a heated steering wheel. Despite its luxurious appeal, some interior elements, like the centre console design, appeared less refined.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h, a hybrid with 239 horsepower and an estimated 6.0 L/100 km in combined driving, and the NX 450h+, a plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and a 61-kilometre electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The F Sport felt taut and responsive on winding roads, while the regular NX 350 offered a softer ride. The NX's handling was impressive, though the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of some German rivals. The NX was not designed for off-road use, with limited ground clearance and approach angles.

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 eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive 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, with the adaptive suspension included with the V6. The SUV excelled in comfort, with a quiet and smooth ride, and the twin-turbo V6 provided impressive performance. The Nautilus averaged 9.4 L/100 km over a long drive, with a maximum range of 730 kilometres on the highway. The SUV's steering was not particularly engaging, but the Nautilus was unexpectedly agile and athletic on mountain roads.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for passengers and cargo, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat. The dashboard design created an intimate atmosphere, and the SUV was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents and heated cushions. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, and the SUV offered practical storage space. Cargo space increased by 14%, with 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive, thanks to Active Noise Control and acoustic glass. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with a heated steering wheel. The optional 22-way power front seats offered exceptional comfort, even on long drives. Rear passengers had heated seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. 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 seats folded.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant advancements in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen optional. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and various connected services. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, and the NX offered a digital key feature. However, the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software. The system included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The test vehicle had a connected navigation system, wireless charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The user interface was intuitive, with physical stereo and climate controls. The Nautilus also offered Phone as a Key, turning a smartphone into a digital key.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety features were available in packages, including rear pedestrian detection and a panoramic view monitoring system.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and a surround-view camera system. The Nautilus received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.