2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus presented itself as an attractive SUV with a balanced design that avoided plainness. Lincoln added enough detailing to ensure the Nautilus had plenty of character, making it stand out without being overly flashy. Approaching the SUV after dark, drivers were greeted by a Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence, adding a touch of luxury. The interior featured premium leather upholstery in light grey, with other colour options available, creating a decadent atmosphere. However, the centre console design and some chrome-plated plastic pieces appeared somewhat cheap, detracting from the overall luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup truck, giving it a rugged appearance popular among midsized SUVs. The design introduced some softness with a character line swooping over the rear wheel arch, but this flourish added unnecessary visual weight, making the Highlander appear bloated. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall design felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors. Inside, the asymmetrical dash featured a metallic styling element that broke up monotony and provided storage. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted high, reducing distraction, but the interior materials, especially the fabric seat upholstery, were less impressive, attracting dirt and stains easily.

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 in Canada. An optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine offered 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque for an additional $4,000. 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 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a maximum range of 730 kilometres on the highway. The Nautilus excelled as a road-tripper, offering a quiet and comfortable ride with a 19-speaker Revel audio system.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It employed a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid reached 100 kilometres per hour in just over eight seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as needed. The CVT resulted in an uninspired engine drone, especially when ascending hills. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension smoothing over bumps, and the cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise, making it one of the quieter midsize SUVs.

Inside the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, occupants found smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive thanks to Active Noise Control. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with a heated steering wheel. The optional 22-way power front seats offered exceptional comfort with massage programs and adjustable features. Rear seating positions were heated, but 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 back seat folded.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with plenty of adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage options included a deep tray under the infotainment screen, a small shelf, and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, with captain’s chairs that slid and reclined. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for occasional use by children. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seatbacks folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software. It offered over-the-air updates, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The system included a connected navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The intuitive user interface and natural voice recognition system enhanced the experience, while Phone as a Key technology allowed smartphones to unlock and start the vehicle.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option available only on the top trim. The system was quick to respond, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system were standard on higher trims. The larger display's glossy surface tended to reflect the passenger seat, potentially obscuring the screen in harsh lighting.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite of driver-assist features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Black Label 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 a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. A surround-view camera system and head-up display were available on the top Platinum trim. The safety systems generally worked well but could use some fine-tuning, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist requiring adjustments.