2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 Lincoln Nautilus

Lexus RX SUVs lead the Lexus lineup in popularity with families. They are also a frequent purchase for executive types and other commuters. The 2023 Lincoln Nautilus is similarly sized and appeals to a similar audience. Even the pricing can be similar.

So how do these two luxury compact SUVs differ? How can you choose? This comparison should help with that.

1. What’s New for 2023?

   This Lincoln Nautilus was designed in 2019 and had its biggest upgrade in infotainment features in 2021. In 2023, there are new option packages and more tech tweaks.

   Completely updated for this model year, the 2023 Lexus RX represents the fifth generation of this favorite. A new global platform was devised to ensure the best drivability and lowest weight. It has traded its V6 for hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

   Plus it has an all new look outside that, as the Car Connection writes, is more confident in its character. They add that it appeals to a more youthful demographic without losing its core audience.

   The streamlined interior has integrated luxuries and technologies without sacrificing either. US News and World Reports calls it “upscale and airy”. Jalopnik praises the nice materials and calls it well put-together.

2. Performance

   The 2023 Nautilus does fine with its turbo-four performance of 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. However, the RX is definitely more fun to drive now that its turbo four can produce 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This new engine is quicker off the line and more confident even when the hills are steep.

   Even before you consider the hybrids, the Lexus RX is simply more efficient than the Lincoln Nautilus. Just look at the fuel economy. The standard RX earns a respectable 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile the Nautilus gets by with 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Moving to the hybrid, fuel economy can be as high as 36 mpg combined.

   

   The Nautilus twin-turbo V6 is plenty fast, but it will have a hard time if it goes against the all-new performance hybrid RX500h+ F Sport Performance. Even with a marked increase in horsepower and torque, the RX500h+ can still sip less fuel thanks to its hybrid components.

   Both SUVs have 8-speed automatic transmissions and front wheel drive with an opportunity to step up to all-wheel drive. The two brands offer adaptive suspensions to smooth the already luxury-level ride of the Nautilus and RX.

3. Size

   When it comes to size, these two are really quite similar. The Lexus can even claim about two inches more head room, always a positive for those who like a spacious cabin. Overall it is two inches longer than the Nautilus. However, it should be noted that the length is the same as last year. Engineers gave it more interior space while managing to keep the luxury compact SUV’s footprint the same.

   The RX has a spare tire and 29.59 cu ft of cargo space. The typical Nautilus offers about 37 cu ft in the cargo hold. This affects the two when the seats are folded. Ratings are 46.2 cu ft (RX) and 68.8 cu ft (Nautilus). Unless you are a freelance antique dealer, the extra cargo space won’t make much difference.

4. Choices, Trim Levels and Prices

   The 2023 Nautilus comes with three trims and two engine choices. Standard, Reserve and Black Label trims go up against RX trims: Standard, Premium, Premium-Plus, Luxury, F Sport Handling, and F Sport Performance. Then there are the Lexus HEV, PHEV and turbo hybrid powertrains. Who says a luxury SUV can’t have good fuel economy?

   With a similar range of prices, there are actually more RX price points than for the Lincoln. This can make it easier and more fun to find one that fits your lifestyle exactly. Both SUVs start out at an affordable price, undercutting much of the competition.

5. Standard Package

   There are many choices with that long list of trim levels and packages. However, the standard package is often what interests people the most. It sets the benchmark for everything after that.

   In this case, the two SUVs are focused on comfort as seen by the fact that both have a power chair for the driver and the front seat passenger. The RX takes things further by having a standard power adjustable steering column, an extra available on higher Nautilus trims.

   Lexus has heated front seats, ambient lighting, and rain sense wipers as standards, too. Both are offering ventilated front seats, and the RX is even offering ventilated rear seats.

   

   Both SUVs come with high quality synthetic leather but offer rich leather upholstery. A panoramic sunroof is on both menus. While the Nautilus Black Label is luxurious, the RX can compete in both style and substance.

   The RX challenges the Nautilus by offering six interior color schemes including Palomino, Birch, Peppercorn, Macadamia, and Rioja Red. The ornamentation ranges from Ash Bamboo and Dark Graphite Aluminum to black Cascade or Open Pore.

6. Dash Tech

   Of course dash technology is essential. As part of their touchscreen systems, these SUVs have wireless Android and Apple interface as well as a Lexus-specific interface or the Lincoln-specific Sync 4 infotainment interface.

   

   Available for the first time on the Lexus, a virtual assistant comes with the largest touchscreen. This Hey Lexus system lets you talk to the SUV in a more relaxed manner with better results. It’s sure to keep things easy even if traffic is busy.

7. Driver Assistance Comparison

   The two models have today’s most sought-after lane keeping assist and forward collision autobrake. This system traditionally watches for stopping cars and includes pedestrian detection. A new Lexus system now expands its capability to include motorcyclists and cyclists. There’s also an RX intersection detection feature that’s not yet available with Lincoln Co-pilot360.

   Adaptive cruise control has been upgraded on the RX. Not only is it a standard, but this year it can coordinate with navigation to control driving patterns on curves. This curve control is not yet available on the Nautilus.

   

   With rearview cameras, both SUVs are ready to help you park. To that, the RX adds helpful tilt-down side mirrors, giving you a curb view. On both SUVs, there’s a stress-free parking system. This is the first year that Lexus has offered Advanced Park, a new system that handles entry and exit for parallel and perpendicular parking.

Conclusion

While the 2023 Nautilus is a good SUV, the 2023 Lexus RX offers more choices and more standards -- not to mention hybrid technology. We invite you to test drive the 2023 RX at your Earnhardt Lexus dealer.