2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

For the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, its aesthetics were spot-on. Particularly when adorned with the Black Label trim’s 21-inch machined-finish wheels, the SUV looked elegant without overdoing it. Lincoln ensured the Nautilus kept its unique flair with thoughtful detailing. Approaching the vehicle at night, drivers were greeted with a visually appealing Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence. Inside, the Black Label model offered two distinct design themes: Chalet and the new-for-2022 Flight. The Chalet option featured light gray premium leather, while Flight boasted a sophisticated Luggage Tan interior. The Black Label trim also upped the luxury with a faux suede headliner and opulent floor mats. However, certain design elements, like the center console and some chrome-plated plastic pieces, slightly cheapened the overall luxe appearance.

Prices for the 2022 Nautilus started at $44,225 (MSRP), with the high-end Black Label variant commencing at $66,825. Our review model, equipped with Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats featuring Active Motion massage, totaled $68,325. The SUV proved luxurious and comfortable, especially on long drives such as a 14-hour round trip from Los Angeles to Scottsdale, Arizona.

For the 2023 Toyota Sienna, the challenge lay in overcoming the minivan stigma. With its front-end styling inspired by Japanese bullet trains and options for 20-inch wheels on specific trims, Toyota attempted to modernize its look. The minivan format has numerous advantages, like larger cargo space and superior access compared to crossovers. Toyota’s efforts included multiple trim levels: base LE, XLE, sporty XSE, Limited, Platinum, and the 25th Anniversary Special Edition. The XLE trim seemed ideal for budget-conscious families, featuring LED fog lights, power-sliding doors, and a power liftgate.

Inside the Platinum trim of our test vehicle, the Sienna featured elegant brown leather upholstery and attractive wood-grain accents on the center console. Configurations allowed for seven or eight passengers, with eight-seater options offering three-across car seat compatibility in the middle row. The interior designed for comfort was another win for the minivan.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Optional all-wheel drive (AWD) and an eight-speed automatic transmission were available. The Black Label trim came with a more robust 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, mandating AWD. Driving modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—adjusted the powertrain and suspension to match the driver’s preference. Comfort mode felt too floaty, while Sport mode made steering too stiff; however, Normal mode balanced the driving dynamics well.

In practical terms, the Black Label excelled during a mixed-weather drive from Los Angeles to Arizona, showcasing its quiet, cozy ride and premium features like a massaging driver’s seat and Revel audio system. The 18-gallon fuel tank and a combined EPA rating of 21 mpg in the V6 resulted in a total range of 450 miles, with our tests averaging 25 mpg. Despite occasional technology quirks under adverse weather conditions, it performed admirably, even on winding mountain roads.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna shifted to a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two front electric motors and a rear motor for AWD versions. This setup produced a total of 245 system horsepower, falling short compared to competitors. The CVT didn't win points for its sound or acceleration, making the minivan feel underpowered. However, the Sienna impressed with its chassis and nimble steering, delivering unexpected driving joy and agility, especially considering its size.

The Sienna offered various driving modes—EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport. The Normal mode was the most balanced, while Eco and EV were less effective, and Sport mode didn't live up to the name.

Inside the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, luxury was obvious. Leather seats, ambient lighting, and quiet cabin vibes made it a standout. The front seats offered multiple power adjustments, including massage features, ensuring top-tier comfort even on long hauls. Rear passengers benefited from heated seats and well-placed air conditioning vents but had limited legroom. Cargo capacity was 37.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 68.8 cubic feet when folded down. While not class-leading, the storage was well-finished and practical, though challenging to access due to some unconventional design choices.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior utility. It featured an array of storage compartments, an open cubby for larger items, and cupholders for all passengers. With a 200-inch length and 120.5-inch wheelbase, the Sienna offered spacious interiors. It provided 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 101 cubic feet in total. Unlike some rivals, its middle row couldn’t be removed or stowed away, slightly limiting its maximum cargo capacity. However, the captain’s chairs in the second row were functionally superior, sliding on a long track for flexibility.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus was tech-savvy, featuring a 12.3-inch digital display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 software. Additional highlights included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM 360L radio. The Black Label model came with extras like connected navigation, a wireless charging pad, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The system impressed with its intuitive interface and physical controls for climate and stereo functions, although some parts looked a bit cheap. The optional Phone as a Key feature was also remarkable, turning a smartphone into a digital key.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, however, lagged behind in tech. It utilized an older infotainment interface with essential features like SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth, seven USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, the latter two requiring wired connections. Despite some functional physical buttons, the interface felt dated and clunky to use. Entering Android Auto was cumbersome, and the 9-inch touchscreen, while sufficient, didn’t dazzle. Its 12-speaker JBL audio system provided quality sound, but overall, the technology package felt behind the times.

Safety was a strong point for both vehicles. The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Black Label added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, providing adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and a surround-view camera system. Additionally, the Nautilus earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, missing top marks only in rollover resistance.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a comprehensive suite of standard safety tech. Automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control were all included. The Sienna earned a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for the 2022 model, underscoring its strong performance in safety evaluations. While it lacked some unique features found in competitors, the Sienna emphasized reliable, foundational safety tech.