2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2021 Toyota Venza was a stylish SUV that drew comparisons to Lexus models, thanks to its sleek design and elongated profile reminiscent of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept. It was available in three trim levels—LE, XLE, and Limited—and offered a choice of seven paint colours. The Venza came well-equipped with features like LED headlights, a wireless charging pad, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with higher trims offering additional luxuries such as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus was an attractive SUV with a balanced design that exuded character. It featured a welcoming Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence and offered a range of interior colours, including light grey premium leather. The Nautilus Reserve, the sole model available in Canada, was priced at $59,800, excluding destination charges. The interior was luxurious, with optional Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats that included massage functions, making long drives exceptionally comfortable. However, some elements like the centre console design and chrome-plated plastic pieces appeared less premium.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. Its electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) provided smooth acceleration, though engine noise was noticeable during rapid acceleration. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an impressive 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.4 L/100 km on the highway, making it a standout in its class. Its handling was confident, and the all-wheel-drive system ensured stability.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. An optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine offered 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The Nautilus featured Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with the adaptive suspension enhancing ride quality. The V6 engine delivered a fuel consumption rating of 11.2 L/100 km combined, and the SUV excelled on long road trips, offering a quiet and comfortable ride.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, the cabin featured premium appointments with a unique design, including a centre stack with capacitive buttons for climate and infotainment controls. The spacious interior accommodated five passengers comfortably, with ample headroom and shoulder room. The Venza offered 816 litres of cargo space, which was sufficient for daily use, though less than some competitors. The rear seats could be easily folded to expand cargo capacity.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a luxurious interior with smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet cabin. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with optional 22-way power adjustments for added comfort. However, rear legroom was somewhat limited for a midsize SUV. The Nautilus provided 1,055 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,948 litres with the seats folded. Practical storage was adequate, though some compartments were less accessible.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured an 8-inch infotainment system on the LE trim, while the XLE and Limited trims offered a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Entune system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a nine-speaker JBL audio system on higher trims. Toyota connected services, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were standard, providing valuable features like roadside assistance and vehicle maintenance data.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus was equipped with a 13.2-inch touchscreen running Sync 4 software, offering over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The system's user interface was intuitive, and the natural voice recognition worked well. The Nautilus also featured Phone as a Key, allowing smartphone access to the vehicle, and a connected navigation system for seamless travel.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The Venza's safety features were effective and non-intrusive, providing peace of mind for drivers.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite, offering forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Black Label trim added adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. The Nautilus earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with its safety systems proving effective during testing.