2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus was an attractive SUV, boasting a design that balanced character with elegance. Its styling was neither awkward nor plain, with enough detailing to give it a distinctive presence. Approaching the Nautilus after dark, drivers were greeted by a Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence, adding a touch of luxury to the experience. The interior of the test vehicle featured light grey premium leather upholstery, with other colour options like sandstone, dark brown, and black available. Despite its overall decadence, some elements like the centre console design and chrome-plated plastic pieces appeared somewhat cheap. The Nautilus Reserve, the only model available in Canada, had a Manufacturer’s Retail Suggested Price (MSRP) of $59,800, excluding a $2,395 destination charge. The test vehicle was equipped with optional Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion massage, priced at $1,900, which proved ideal for long drives.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, was a well-proportioned SUV with chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. It was an appealing vehicle, crucial for attracting buyers who prioritize aesthetics. The Rogue lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $30,898 for the base S FWD to $43,748 for the Platinum, excluding a $1,920 destination charge. The test vehicle, a US-specification Platinum trim, featured AWD, two-tone paint, and a host of upscale upgrades, including diamond-pattern leather seats. While the Rogue's Platinum trim approached the price of the Infiniti QX50, it offered a long list of premium features, ensuring a comfortable and stylish ride.

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, 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 highway range of 730 kilometres. Over a 1,400-kilometre journey, 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. Despite its grace and athleticism on mountain roads, the steering lacked engagement.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the engine powered the front wheels, with AWD available on higher trims. The Rogue offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. The VC-Turbo powertrain provided responsive performance in urban settings, though it lacked highway passing power. The engine's character, with its unusual note and vibration, might not appeal to all drivers. The Rogue's fuel economy was rated at 7.7 L/100 km in combined driving, but it averaged 8.1 L/100 km during testing. The Rogue's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though it exhibited more body motion on undulating roads. The steering felt lifeless, but the SUV maintained a secure handling character.

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 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. Storage space 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 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, accommodating four people comfortably, with room for a fifth. The Platinum trim featured a triple-zone climate control system, panoramic sunroof, and premium leather upholstery. The front seats, with Nissan's Zero Gravity design, were comfortable, though the passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Visibility was good, but the key fob design was frustrating. The rear doors opened wide, and the back seat offered ample space, though the seat itself was uncomfortable. The Rogue provided plenty of storage, with a hands-free power liftgate and up to 2,064 litres of cargo space with the seats 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, 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 system was intuitive, with physical stereo and climate controls. Phone as a Key technology allowed smartphone use as a digital key.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, stereo knobs, and main menu buttons. The test vehicle had the larger screen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, NissanConnect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system. It also featured a wireless charging pad and a Bose audio system. Voice recognition was limited, struggling with specific requests. The Rogue included a 12.3-inch digital display and a head-up display, both functioning well despite rainy conditions.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite, including 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 earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder, and Safety Shield 360, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims included ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it received Marginal and Acceptable scores in updated tests. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact collisions.