2022 Lincoln Nautilus

While not the cheapest SUV in the US, there are still plenty of pricier luxury models than the Nautilus. You wouldn't be able to pick up a similarly equipped German high-rider for $43,560, which is where the Standard trim starts. Even the Reserve manages to come in under $50k at $49,970. However, it's a significant step up to the Black Label, which will set you back a hefty $66,170. These prices for the Lincoln Nautilus are MSRP and do not include tax, registration, or the $1,195 destination charge.

When it comes to vehicles in this price range, even SUVs, buyers often expect a certain level of fun to go along with the high comfort levels. If that's what you're after, then the Nautilus will disappoint. Acceleration and high-speed cornering are not where this premium car shines. It's quick enough to stave off frustration, but it won't get your blood pumping, even with the stronger V6 at work under the hood. But that doesn't mean the Lincoln has nothing to offer.

Designed to be a high-tech and comfortable people mover, it achieves this goal gracefully. The larger wheels on the Black Label work against this somewhat, but not to such an extent that they ruin the sublime ride quality. And regardless of the engine or drivetrain in play, the steering is light and responsive, making it easy to move this hunk of metal around the road and in the parking lot. You'll never need to engage the S drive mode, and not just because it does little to liven up the responses, but rather because the Nautilus is at its best when it's relaxed and taking things easy.

Road and wind noise are dampened when cruising around at everyday speeds, and the cozy cabin keeps everyone cosseted and entertained with all the tech on hand. Sure, there are rivals out there that deliver the same premium experience along with a dash of spice, like the BMW X3, but for what it aims to do, the Nautilus is still a great offering within the classification.

Depending on your priorities, the Lincoln Nautilus may be the perfect SUV for you. It's an extremely comfortable vehicle that comes equipped with a wide array of modern features to make the task of hauling the family around genuinely enjoyable. In terms of safety, it's a hard one to beat, with many standard advanced driver assists that other rivals expect you to pay extra for. It's passenger and cargo space also place it high on the list for practicality, which is something many luxury vehicles compromise on. However, there are some glaring weaknesses that we can't ignore.

When it comes to luxury SUVs in the USA, the Lincoln Nautilus falls short in terms of overall quality and driveability. The interior is comfortable and nice enough, but German competitors deliver a lot better quality, both with the materials and the build. Of course, rivals like the BMW X5 and Audi Q3 are significantly sportier on the road, and they look more appealing, too. But we have to admit, they sacrifice comfort for this, and that lets the Nautilus pull ahead in at least one more area. Overall, it's definitely one of the best two-door luxury SUVs on the market, but there are still better options if you're willing to spend a little more.

One of the biggest strengths of the Nautilus is that it's cheaper than its German contemporaries. Yes, this is largely because it isn't quite as refined and sophisticated as they are, but you can get it to a very similar point by opting for the top-tier Black Label trim. At this point, it can go toe-to-toe with similar or even higher-priced rivals. It's a lot of money to put down, but you get almost everything the range has to offer. The more powerful engine is just the beginning, with Venetian leather with heated and ventilated front seats and a high-end 19-speaker Revel sound system, making the cabin one of the most comfortable and enjoyable in the segment.

It's always tricky to compare siblings to another; the Aviator is the larger of the two, supplying seating for up to seven passengers. Naturally, it's also more expensive, but not by as much as you may think. The larger SUV gets a 400-hp V6 as standard and will cost you less than the Nautilus Reserve with similar specs. The safety and infotainment suites in the Aviator are just as good as you'd find in the mid-tier Nautilus, though it makes do with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. With its recent update, the Nautilus looks better on the inside. However, if you need more space, the winner is clear, but if seating for five is enough, then we'd be hard-pressed to choose the Aviator over the Nautilus.

Lincoln is the premium division of Ford, so it makes sense that the two models would share many of their bits of pieces. As the luxury model, the Nautilus is significantly pricier than the Edge. The extra investment goes towards improving the interior and adding some luxury comforts. However, a top-spec Edge has almost all the same tech as the base Nautilus and still costs a lot less. In terms of safety, the two cars are nearly identical, too. If all you want is a spacious and well-equipped five-seater family SUV, then the Edge will more than suffice. But if comfort and luxury matter, the low-quality interior won't impress you. It may not be the smarter buy, but the Lincoln Nautilus will definitely draw in the more premium-focused shoppers who would never settle for a mainstream SUV.