2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX presented a modern and sporty design, continuing the aesthetic updates from its 2020 facelift. Available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, the RX 350 offered seating for five, while the RX 450h hybrid model provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. The RX's exterior was characterized by sharp character lines and angular features, creating an aggressive yet restrained design. The F Sport models added a performance-oriented appearance with 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia, enhancing the vehicle's sporty appeal. Inside, the RX maintained a luxurious cabin with high-quality materials, though the centre stack felt somewhat dated. The F Sport models featured specific badging and sporty trim, but the comfort of the NuLuxe seats was lacking, with limited lumbar support and challenging driving position adjustments.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, on the other hand, offered an attractive and balanced design with enough detailing to give it character. The Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence added a touch of elegance when approaching the vehicle at night. Inside, the Nautilus featured premium leather upholstery and ambient lighting, creating a decadent atmosphere. However, some elements like the centre console design appeared less refined. The Nautilus Reserve model, priced at $59,800, included optional Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, providing exceptional comfort for long drives. Despite its luxurious interior, the Nautilus had some cramped accommodations, particularly in the rear, but offered practical storage solutions and a hands-free power liftgate for easy access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450h hybrid model combined a V6 with electric motors for a total of 308 hp. All models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of engine growl and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport models included adaptive variable suspension and additional drive modes, but the differences in driving dynamics were minimal. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing road imperfections and providing a serene driving experience. Fuel consumption for the RX 350 was rated at 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h hybrid offered improved efficiency at 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. An optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine delivered 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The Nautilus offered Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with adaptive suspension adjustments for a tailored driving experience. The twin-turbo V6 provided impressive performance, especially in Sport mode, where the suspension firmed up for better handling. The Nautilus excelled in long-distance comfort, with a quiet cabin and a 19-speaker Revel audio system enhancing the driving experience. Fuel consumption for the V6 was rated at 11.2 L/100 km combined, with a highway range of up to 730 kilometres.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered a spacious interior with 2,826 litres of passenger volume in the two-row model, comfortably accommodating four adults. The three-row L models, however, had limited space for passengers and cargo due to the unchanged wheelbase. Cargo capacity in the standard RX was 453 litres behind the second row, expanding to 923 litres with the seats folded. The three-row version offered only 210 litres with all seats up, increasing to 1,657 litres with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, but the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the cargo area had a high load-in height.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus provided a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and ambient lighting. The optional 22-way power front seats offered exceptional comfort with massage functions and adjustable features. Rear passengers enjoyed heated seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. The Nautilus had practical storage solutions, but some areas were difficult to access. The hands-free power liftgate revealed a well-finished cargo area with 1,055 litres of space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,948 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch version available on higher trims. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the screen's positioning was ergonomically unfriendly, with access issues due to its design. The system offered voice commands and a touchpad, but both were challenging to use. The RX included a range of tech features such as six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity options, including remote engine start and vehicle settings.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software, offering over-the-air updates and a user-friendly interface. The system included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The Nautilus also featured Phone as a Key technology, allowing the smartphone to function as a digital key. The infotainment system was intuitive, with separate physical controls for stereo and climate settings, and the natural voice recognition system worked effectively.

The 2022 Lexus RX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, but only with optional triple-beam LED headlights, and scored four stars overall from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Black Label trim added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, with 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 named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.