2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus was a visually appealing SUV, with a design that balanced character and elegance without appearing awkward or overly simplistic. Its exterior styling was complemented by a welcoming Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence that greeted drivers at night. Inside, the Nautilus offered a luxurious experience with premium leather upholstery and a choice of interior colours, although some chrome-plated plastic elements detracted from the overall opulence. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Nautilus provided a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, especially with the optional Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats, which were ideal for long journeys.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX boasted a commanding presence with its large spindle grille and significant ground clearance. The GX's front end was designed to dominate the road, framed by massive headlights that added to its distinctive look. The Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, offering exclusive paint colours and limited production. While the GX's dimensions seemed to shrink when viewed from the side, its design was engineered for off-road capability, with short overhangs and flared fenders contributing to its rugged appearance. Inside, the GX's interior was marred by an abundance of plastic materials, but it still offered luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 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 was available, producing 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The Nautilus offered Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, which adjusted powertrain behaviour, steering effort, and adaptive suspension. The V6 engine provided a fuel consumption rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a maximum highway range of 730 kilometres. The Nautilus excelled as a road-tripper, offering a quiet and comfortable ride with a 19-speaker Revel audio system and a panoramic sunroof for stargazing.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. While the GX's V8 didn't match the power of newer engines, it offered a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. The GX had a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms but lagged behind in fuel economy, with ratings of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.3 on the highway. Despite its weight, the GX's handling was predictable, and its brakes were strong and reliable. The GX's 4WD system, with a Torsen limited-slip differential, provided excellent off-road capability, making it suitable for challenging terrains.

Inside the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, occupants enjoyed smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet cabin thanks to Active Noise Control. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with a heated steering wheel for added comfort. 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. The Nautilus provided practical storage, with a hands-free power liftgate revealing 1,055 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,948 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. The GX retained physical controls, which were appreciated by those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens. The centre console lid featured adjustable sliding mechanisms for added comfort. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and fold-out cupholders, while the third row was too tight for regular use. The GX's side-hinged trunk door required effort to open, and cargo space was limited to 328 litres behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,832 litres with both rows folded.

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, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system included a connected navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The Nautilus also offered Phone as a Key, allowing drivers to use their smartphone as a digital key.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. However, the GX's tech offerings felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for improved handling.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Black Label 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 rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it featured the Lexus Safety System+ with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. Despite its older design, the GX included modern safety features, making it a safer choice than its age might suggest.