The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 250 horsepower with standard all-wheel drive, and steps up to a 310-horsepower hybrid that returns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined. That hybrid is notably more powerful than the RX's standard hybrid, pairing strong output with real efficiency.

The 2026 Lexus RX offers the widest range of choices: the RX 350 turbo makes 275 horsepower, the RX 350h hybrid returns up to an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid adds electric range, and the RX 500h F Sport Performance tops the line at 366 horsepower. The RX wins on variety, while the Nautilus counters with a stronger standard hybrid, standard all-wheel drive, and Lincoln's serene ride.

Technology is a defining feature of the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus. It comes standard with a stunning full-width 48-inch panoramic display that stretches across the entire dashboard, paired with an 11.1-inch center touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving.

The 2026 Lexus RX features a crisp 14-inch center touchscreen and a well-organized interface. It is a strong setup, but the Nautilus's pillar-to-pillar 48-inch display is one of the most distinctive and immersive screens in the class, giving the Lincoln a genuine wow factor the RX cannot match.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus comes standard with Lincoln Co-Pilot360, including pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and reverse brake assist. It also offers available Lincoln BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, which the RX does not offer.

The 2026 Lexus RX includes Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, so both SUVs bring a full roster of driver aids. Where the Nautilus separates itself is its available hands-free BlueCruise technology, along with matching 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranties from both brands.

Both SUVs seat five, but the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is far more accommodating for cargo, offering up to 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 71.3 cubic feet with them folded, compared with the RX's 29.6 and 46.2 cubic feet. Add available 24-way Perfect Position front seats with massage and a hushed, luxurious cabin, and the Nautilus is built for long-distance comfort.

The 2026 Lexus RX has a beautifully crafted interior with premium materials and excellent fit and finish. Still, the Nautilus's substantially larger cargo hold and available massaging seats give it a clear practicality and comfort advantage for families and frequent travelers.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus presents a clean, modern, and confident exterior, with a full-width lighting signature, a bold grille, and smooth, contemporary surfacing that give it a distinctly upscale presence on the road.

The 2026 Lexus RX carries a sharper, more athletic design with its signature spindle body. Both are handsome midsize luxury SUVs, so the choice comes down to whether you prefer the Nautilus's modern, understated elegance or the RX's sportier styling.