2021 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and polarizing design that, over time, became more familiar and less striking. Its blunt, bulbous nose and black windshield pillars created a floating roof effect, while swollen haunches attempted to balance the styling. Despite its 20-inch wheels, the design felt overwhelmed by cartoonishly-flared quarter panels. The interior offered a two-tone look with leather upholstery in higher trims, but the dashboard's asymmetrical design and glossy detailing suffered from reflections. Controls were well-organized, though nighttime illumination appeared busy.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, which evolved from the Lincoln MKX, showcased a refined exterior and an updated cabin. The interior featured clean lines, soft materials, and a large touchscreen. The "Piano Key" shifter-button layout was intuitive, and the SYNC 4 system was user-friendly. The Nautilus emphasized luxury with features like a panoramic sunroof and massaging seats, contributing to an upscale feel. The cabin's design and technology integration were praised for their elegance and functionality.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, achieving 36 mpg combined. With 243 hp, it offered adequate power but lacked excitement, especially on hilly terrain where the engine sounded strained. The steering felt lifeless, and the ride was soft, leading to unwanted body movement. However, it excelled in fuel efficiency and provided a quiet, comfortable ride on flat roads.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a 250 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, while the Black Label trim featured a 355 hp twin-turbo V6 with AWD. The V6 delivered smooth, controlled power, complemented by an adaptive suspension that handled bumps well. The Nautilus was composed through corners, offering a pleasant driving experience. The engine stop-start feature had a slight delay, but overall, the Nautilus provided a luxurious and enjoyable ride.

The Highlander Hybrid Limited offered comfortable front seats with power adjustments and heating/ventilation. The second-row bench increased seating to eight but felt narrow, and the third row was cramped. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage was adequate but not as generous as before, with some design choices limiting access.

The Nautilus provided 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space with seats down and 37.2 cubic feet with them up. It emphasized two-row comfort, with ample head and legroom in the rear. The front seats, especially the 22-way adjustable ones, were optimal for comfort. Storage solutions included a large center console bin and deep door pockets, enhancing practicality.

The Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The JBL audio system offered 11 speakers but had mixed sound quality. Driver Easy Speak projected the driver’s voice to rear passengers, and a video rearview mirror provided a clear view. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition didn’t control climate settings.

The Nautilus boasted a 13.2-inch touchscreen with high-definition graphics and a straightforward menu layout. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were seamlessly integrated. The Revel 19-speaker audio system delivered excellent sound quality. The infotainment system was praised for its ease of use, with a wireless charging pad enhancing connectivity.

The Highlander Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, with features like intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the LE trim. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance had some inconsistencies. The Highlander received a five-star NHTSA rating and was expected to achieve a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS.

The Nautilus came with CoPilot360, offering automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features included adaptive cruise control and a surround-view monitor. However, the backup camera quality was lacking, affecting visibility in low-light conditions.