2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus evolved from the Lincoln MKX, adopting a more appealing design after its 2019 facelift. It retained its exterior styling for 2021 but introduced a refreshed cabin with a sleek dash design, soft materials, and a prominent touchscreen. The unconventional “Piano Key” shifter-button layout was user-friendly, though the stop-start button required some getting used to. The infotainment system, featuring a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen, was intuitive and visually impressive, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Nautilus offered trims like Standard, Reserve, and Black Label, each with varying luxury features and driver-assistance technologies.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma, presenting a rugged yet somewhat disjointed appearance. Its interior was asymmetrical but practical, with a high-mounted infotainment screen for reduced distraction. The Bronze Edition featured light grey fabric upholstery, which was less durable and attractive compared to other trims. The Highlander offered spacious second-row seating with sliding and reclining options, but the third row was cramped and best suited for children. Cargo space was limited behind the third row but expanded significantly when seats were folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came with a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower, while the Reserve and Black Label trims offered a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 with 355 horsepower. Both engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the V6 providing standard AWD. The V6 delivered smooth and controlled acceleration, complemented by an adaptive suspension that handled bumps well. The engine stop-start feature was slightly delayed, but overall, the Nautilus offered a pleasant driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine with 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT. It offered standard FWD, with optional AWD via an electric motor. The hybrid system provided a quick initial response, but the engine's hum became a drone under heavy acceleration. The braking system transitioned seamlessly from regenerative to physical brakes. The Highlander Hybrid prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a quiet cabin and a suspension that smoothed out road imperfections.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus offered up to 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space, with 37.2 cubic feet available with rear seats in use. It emphasized two-row comfort, with spacious rear seats and luxurious front seats featuring 22-way adjustments. Storage options included a large center console bin and deep door pockets.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's armrest was awkwardly positioned. It featured various storage solutions, including trays and a large center armrest bin. The second row was spacious, with sliding and reclining seats, while the third row was cramped and best for short trips. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a 13.2-inch touchscreen with high-definition graphics and an intuitive menu layout. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad available. The Revel 19-speaker audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch standard touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for higher trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were standard, with navigation and a JBL audio system available on higher trims.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus included the CoPilot360 package with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features were available, though the backup camera quality was lacking.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. It included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Some systems needed fine-tuning, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.