2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus emerged from its predecessor, the Lincoln MKX, with a refreshed identity and design. This midsize luxury SUV retained its exterior styling from previous years but introduced a revamped cabin that aligned with Lincoln's modern design ethos. The interior featured clean lines, soft-touch materials, and a prominent 13.2-inch touchscreen that seamlessly integrated with the dashboard. The unique "Piano Key" shifter-button layout, while unconventional, was user-friendly, though the stop-start button required some getting used to. The infotainment system, with its SYNC 4 technology, was intuitive and user-friendly, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Nautilus was available in three trims: Standard, Reserve, and Black Label, each offering a range of luxury features and options.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus continued to impress with its elegant design, especially in the Black Label trim with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels. The SUV's styling was balanced and full of character, enhanced by the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence. Inside, the Black Label offered exclusive design themes like Chalet and Flight, with premium leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner. The 2022 model maintained a luxurious feel, though some interior elements like the center console design appeared less refined. The pricing for the 2022 Nautilus started at $44,225, with the Black Label trim reaching $66,825, offering a range of features and options for discerning buyers.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive as an option. The Reserve and Black Label trims featured an optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard all-wheel drive. The V6 engine provided smooth and controlled acceleration, complemented by an adaptive suspension that offered a comfortable ride while maintaining composure through corners. The engine stop-start feature aimed to conserve fuel, though it introduced a slight delay in response.

For 2022, the Nautilus retained the same engine options, with the Black Label trim featuring the twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine, now producing 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The SUV offered Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, each adjusting the powertrain behavior and steering effort. The 2022 model excelled in long-distance comfort, with features like massaging and heated seats enhancing the driving experience. The twin-turbo V6 engine delivered impressive performance, especially in Sport mode, where it provided a more engaging driving experience. The 2022 Nautilus achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, with a maximum range of 450 miles on the highway.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus offered a spacious interior with up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing competitors like the Lexus RX 350 and Cadillac XT5. With the rear seats in use, it provided 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The SUV emphasized two-row comfort, with ample head- and legroom for rear passengers and exceptionally comfortable front seats, especially with the available 22-way multi-contour power-adjustable units. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including a large center console bin and deep in-door pockets.

In the 2022 model, the Nautilus Black Label continued to offer a luxurious interior with high-quality materials and ambient lighting. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with optional 22-way power adjustments and massage programs. However, the rear seating area felt cramped for a midsize SUV, with limited legroom. Practical storage space was adequate, though some areas were difficult to access. The hands-free power liftgate revealed a well-finished luggage compartment, maintaining the same cargo space dimensions as the 2021 model.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-definition graphics and a user-friendly menu layout. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with large icons for easy navigation. The available wireless charging pad enhanced the connectivity experience, and the Revel 19-speaker premium audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

In 2022, the Nautilus continued to impress with its 13.2-inch touchscreen running the latest Sync 4 software. The system offered over-the-air updates, wireless smartphone integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Black Label trim included connected navigation and a 19-speaker Revel audio system, providing excellent sound quality. The infotainment system featured an intuitive user interface, with separate physical controls for stereo and climate settings. The Phone as a Key technology allowed for convenient access and operation of the vehicle using a smartphone.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came equipped with the CoPilot360 package, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking monitor were available. However, the standard backup camera's low quality was a drawback.

In 2022, the Nautilus included the Co-Pilot360 1.0 package, with similar safety features as the previous model. The Black Label trim added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and a semi-autonomous parking assist system. The SUV received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not assessed the 2022 Nautilus for safety.