2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus was a visually appealing SUV, striking a balance between elegance and character without appearing overly plain. Its design was cohesive, with enough detailing to give it a distinctive presence. At night, the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence added a touch of sophistication. Inside, the test vehicle featured light grey premium leather upholstery, with other colour options like sandstone, dark brown, and black available. However, some elements, such as the centre console design and chrome-plated plastic pieces, detracted from the overall luxurious feel. The Nautilus Reserve model, the only one available in Canada, had a starting MSRP of $59,800, excluding a $2,395 destination charge. The optional Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion massage, priced at $1,900, were a highlight, providing exceptional comfort for long drives.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced for the 2021 model year, was built on the proven TGNA-K platform, shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. Measuring 4,739 mm in length, 1,854 mm in width, and 1,674 mm in height, with a 2,960 mm wheelbase, it was on the shorter side of the midsize crossover segment. The Venza's design was modern and elegant, with a deeply scalloped body side and a distinctive tailgate featuring LED lighting. Its prominent nose and 18-inch alloy wheels added to its stylish appearance. Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials and a well-thought-out layout. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats comfortably accommodated three adults. The available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass sunroof on the Limited trim enhanced the cabin's spacious feel.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada. For an additional $4,000, buyers could opt for a twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine, producing 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The Nautilus offered Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, which adjusted powertrain behaviour, steering effort, and adaptive suspension. The SUV's 68-litre fuel tank and twin-turbo V6 had a combined fuel consumption rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres, with a highway range of up to 730 kilometres. During a 1,400-kilometre test drive, it averaged 9.4 L/100 km. The Nautilus excelled as a road-tripper, offering a quiet and comfortable ride, enhanced by a 19-speaker Revel audio system. However, its steering lacked engagement, despite its athletic performance on mountain roads.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. Its hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency, with electric motors at the rear axle providing AWD. Drivers could choose from Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the lithium-ion battery. The Venza offered sprightly performance and agile handling, with a wheelbase shared with the Camry, making it maneuverable. While not designed for aggressive cornering, it delivered a comfortable ride suitable for family use.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered a luxurious interior with smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive, thanks to 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 provided exceptional comfort, even on long journeys. Rear passengers enjoyed heated outboard seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. Practical storage was adequate, with a hands-free power liftgate revealing 1,055 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,948 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with ample headroom and legroom. The second row offered 114.8 cm of hip room, accommodating three adults comfortably. The cabin felt spacious, especially with the available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof. Convenience features included an overhead console with LED map lights, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and an electric parking brake. The Venza's cabin had four cupholders and bottle holders in each door. Its lithium-ion battery pack, located beneath the second-row seats, minimally impacted cargo capacity, offering 816 litres behind the second row and 1,560 litres with the seats folded. Toyota prioritized cabin quietness with sound-blocking insulation, resulting in a serene driving experience.

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 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 test vehicle included a connected navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The intuitive user interface and physical stereo and climate controls were appreciated, despite the pod's cheap appearance. The Phone as a Key feature allowed smartphones to unlock and start the Nautilus.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, offering a seamless driving experience without charging infrastructure concerns. Its 55-litre fuel tank provided over 800 kilometres of range. The Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program used navigation data to optimize battery charging. The Venza LE came with an eight-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/HD Radio, SiriusXM, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The XLE and Limited trims added features like a heated steering wheel, SofTex upholstery, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim also included a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and a digital rearview mirror. Toyota Connected Services offered Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect trials.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite, featuring 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-centring assistance, evasive steering assist, a surround-view camera, and rear parking sensors. The Nautilus received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, and a rearview camera. It had eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and road-sign assist. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.