2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus evolved from the second-generation Lincoln MKX, which shared its platform with the Ford Edge. In 2019, it underwent a facelift and was renamed Nautilus, moving away from the alphanumeric naming convention to embrace more attractive styling. For 2021, the exterior design remained consistent, but the interior saw significant updates. The cabin featured a new dash design with clean lines, soft materials, and a large 13.2-inch touchscreen. The unconventional "Piano Key" shifter-button layout was easy to use, although finding the stop-start button required some adjustment. The infotainment system, similar to Ford's SYNC 3, was user-friendly and supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Nautilus offered three trims: Standard, Reserve, and Black Label, each with varying levels of luxury and technology features.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover's redesign was more evolutionary than revolutionary, maintaining its broad, rounded face and large expanses of sheet metal. The most notable change was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights. The interior was simplified with fewer buttons and knobs, featuring a larger tablet-like touchscreen for a modern look. Materials quality was excellent, with premium leather and rich wood trim elements. The Range Rover's solid feel and quiet cabin contributed to its premium luxury status. It offered a more refined interior than competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, or Cadillac Escalade, rivaling even more expensive Maybach or Bentley alternatives.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The Reserve and Black Label trims offered an optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine with 355 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine had standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available, while the V6 came standard with AWD. The V6 provided smooth and controlled acceleration, complemented by an adaptive suspension that minimized road bumps. The engine stop-start feature aimed to conserve fuel, though it introduced a slight delay in response.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid component, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The P530 featured a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400's acceleration was effortless, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed driving experience. The standard rear-wheel-steering improved maneuverability, and the Terrain Response system optimized off-road capability.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus offered 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. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available. The Nautilus emphasized two-row comfort, with ample head- and legroom in the rear seats. The front seats, especially the available 22-way multi-contour power-adjustable units, were optimal for comfort. The interior featured a large center console bin, deep in-door pockets, and storage below the floating center controls.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover boasted spaciousness in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were generously cushioned, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered ample space for taller passengers, with power recline and sliding adjustments. The optional third row provided limited headroom for adults but was suitable for smaller passengers. Cargo space behind the third row was 17.1 cubic feet, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 93 cubic feet with the second row down. The split tailgate and adjustable air suspension height facilitated loading.

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

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover's new Pivi Pro infotainment system featured a 13-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, paired with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system provided powerful and clear sound, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote control via a smartphone app.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came with the CoPilot360 package, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, a surround-view parking monitor, and adaptive headlights. However, the backup camera quality was lacking.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features such as frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. While adequately covered, some rivals offered additional features like advanced high beams and emergency stop functions.