2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Acura RDX

The 2023 Acura RDX showcased a sharp, angular style that was unique yet conventional enough to blend in with its class. Its front featured the signature Acura grille, which, despite its evolution over the years, seemed to be aging and in need of a refresh. The sleek wraparound headlights and deep creases in the bodywork and hood gave the RDX a sporty and aggressive appearance. The side profile was marked by a distinctive character line that suggested forward movement, while the rear design was more conventional, resembling many other small SUVs.

Inside, the RDX opted for a vertical dashboard layout, contrasting with the horizontal designs favored by many competitors. The center stack flowed into the console, dominated by gear-selector buttons and a drive-mode dial, emphasizing performance. Above this were physical climate controls and a 10.2-inch infotainment display. The instrument panel combined a digital center display with analog gauges, enhancing the sporty feel. While the interior wasn't as modern as some rivals, it offered familiarity for those averse to new glass cockpits, though it might disappoint those seeking cutting-edge design.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted with a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, hinting at a new design direction for Lincoln. Its grille, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz's bifurcated design, featured LED lighting that extended through the grille, illuminating the Lincoln star logo. The rear mirrored this horizontal aesthetic with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. A unique design twist was the high placement of door handles, integrated into the beltline.

The interior was the highlight, with a massive full-width screen as its crown jewel. The materials used were of excellent quality, featuring polished metal, open-pore wood, and fine leather. Ambient lighting added to the luxurious feel, though the piano key shifter style, a Lincoln tradition since the mid-1950s, might not appeal to everyone. An optional Jet Appearance Package offered two-tone paint, black exterior trim, and unique interior elements, enhancing the Nautilus's appeal.

The 2023 Acura RDX was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it came standard with front-wheel drive, while Acura's "super-handling all-wheel drive" (SH-AWD) was available on all models and standard on top trims. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, an average performance for its class. The throttle response was immediate, and the turbo powertrain was adequate for most drivers. The engine and exhaust produced a pleasing deeper tone, and the transmission efficiently selected gears for power delivery. The brake pedal offered reassuring firmness, and the handling inspired confidence with well-managed body roll and abundant traction from the advanced AWD system. The RDX cornered with enough prowess to be considered sporty, yet maintained ride comfort, smoothing over road imperfections with ease.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't feel underpowered, the hybrid setup, available for an additional $1,500, was recommended. The hybrid offered 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA estimated 30 mpg in combined driving, compared to 24 mpg for the gas-only engine. The hybrid's range exceeded 600 miles, though the Lexus RX hybrid offered better fuel economy at 36 mpg combined. All Nautilus models came with all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with an adaptive suspension available for optimal performance. The hybrid's continuously variable transmission (CVT) avoided typical droning, though the Nautilus wasn't a driver's car, it could satisfy occasional performance desires.

The 2023 Acura RDX provided ample space in the front seats for taller adults, with additional power adjustments for side bolsters and thigh extension in top trims. The generous cushioning ensured comfort during long drives, and the heated and ventilated seats quickly adjusted temperatures. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults, though six-footers might touch the headliner. Legroom was sufficient, and the large panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin's open feel. Cargo space behind the rear seats was up to 31.1 cubic feet, slightly larger than competitors, with a deep bin under the cargo floor featuring a center drain plug. Folding the rear seats expanded capacity to 79.8 cubic feet, with remote seatback levers for easy transformation. Front passengers had various storage options, though the center stack's design seemed to waste space.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats across all trims, with the Black Label model featuring 24-way Perfect Position front seats, possibly the most comfortable in its class. The massage function continued until manually turned off, unlike competitors that limited duration. Rear seats, while not as luxurious, provided 43 inches of legroom, more than the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Lincoln Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images for relaxation, with optional scented cabins. Cargo space was 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with seats folded in the Premiere trim, slightly less in higher trims. The Nautilus seated five, unlike some competitors with three-row options, though those seats were often too small for adults.

The 2023 Acura RDX's infotainment system used a touchpad controller, which was better than Lexus' previous attempt but still challenging. The dashtop display wasn't a touchscreen and was out of reach. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto improved the experience, allowing easier navigation with quick glances. Despite sharp graphics and quick responses, the system remained one of the worst interfaces. Standard features included a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote monitoring via the Acuralink app, with options for premium audio, including a 16-speaker ELS system in the top trim.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a stunning 48-inch curved display, with a digital dash for the driver and customizable sections for various information. An 11.1-inch touchscreen handled basic infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. HVAC controls were permanent icons, though vent adjustments required menu navigation, which was distracting. Unlabelled steering wheel controls added to the distraction, though Google maps, Alexa Built-in, gaming, web browsing, and OTA updates were appreciated. Wireless charging and USB ports were standard throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Acura RDX received five stars from the NHTSA for overall and side crash protection, and four stars for frontal and rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ with "good" scores across the board. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The Technology package added parking sensors, while the Advance package included a surround-view camera and head-up display. The systems worked well, though lane-keep assist was better suited for straight highways.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came with the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. The hands-free Blue Cruise 1.2 technology was available on all trims, with a trial period for lower trims and standard on the Black Label. Blue Cruise combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, with automatic lane-change assist and In-Lane Repositioning. The 2024 Nautilus hadn't been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2023 model received five stars for frontal and side crash protection and four stars for rollover protection. The IIHS gave the 2024 model a "Good" score in crashworthiness.