2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood as a towering presence, nearly six-and-a-half feet above the ground, requiring a substantial 18 to 19 feet of length to park. It was a motorized cargo container, equipped with three rows of leather seats and an array of computers, reminiscent of a command center. The standard Escalade was already impressive, but the Escalade ESV extended its length by an additional 15 inches, primarily stretching the wheelbase. This SUV was designed for show, appealing to pop musicians, overzealous parents, wannabe federal agents, or boaters with large families. Its athletic and trim appearance was achieved through clever design elements like thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits, which helped mask its massive size. The interior boasted a rich first-row experience with a 38-inch curved screen and luxurious wood trim, though the allure faded in the second and third rows, where parts from cheaper GM vehicles were evident.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted with a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, signaling a new direction in Lincoln design. Its bifurcated grille, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz, featured LED lighting that extended through the grille, illuminating the Lincoln star logo. The horizontal aesthetic continued at the rear with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The interior was the highlight, with a full-width screen as the crown jewel. The materials were of excellent quality, featuring polished metal, ambient lighting, open-pore wood, and fine leather. The piano key shifter style, a Lincoln tradition since the mid-1950s, was a notable design element. The Jet Appearance Package, available for an extra $3,000, added two-tone paint, black exterior trim, and unique interior bits, enhancing the Nautilus's appeal.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a pleasant driving experience, though the standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine, with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, did not deliver the speed its muscle-car sound suggested. It was suitable for gentle cruising, with the V8 smartly shutting off up to six cylinders to achieve a combined 16 mpg. The Escalade-V addressed acceleration issues with a supercharged Corvette V8, producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, though it seemed like overkill. An optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, with 277 hp and matching torque to the regular V8, offered better fuel economy at a combined 22 mpg. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, with a center differential locking torque 50:50 front to rear. The magnetic dampers and superbly tuned steering made the Escalade nimbler than many big SUVs, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid setup, available for an extra $1,500, offered 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid's range exceeded 600 miles, though the Lexus RX hybrid offered better fuel economy. Every Nautilus came with AWD and five drive modes, with the adaptive suspension enhancing the driving experience. The hybrid's CVT was smooth, avoiding the typical droning. While not a driver's car, the Nautilus could satisfy a need for speed in Excite mode, which tightened steering and reduced body roll.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted the most space-efficient interior among large SUVs, with 25 cubic feet behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second row, and 121 cubic feet with both rows down. The Escalade ESV offered even more space, maxing out at 143 cubic feet. Generous headroom and legroom in every row, including the third, made it possible to fit six adults comfortably. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast interface. An optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience, though the second-row seats were not powered like the third row.

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 with massage and extended heating functions. The rear seats provided 43 inches of legroom, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Lincoln Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images to create different moods, while a scented cabin added to the relaxation experience. Cargo space was 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with seats folded down in the Premiere trim, though slightly less in the Reserve and Black Label trims. The Nautilus seated five, prioritizing cargo space over a third row.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a span of OLED screens across the dash, offering sharp and clear visuals. A front camera displayed a high-res feed of the road, overlaying directional arrows and street names. Super Cruise, a $2,500 option, was the best hands-free highway driving system, using infrared eye-tracking cameras to ensure driver attention. Night vision with pedestrian detection, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system with streaming capabilities added to the tech offerings.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus showcased a massive 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 connectivity. HVAC controls were permanent icons, though adjusting vents required navigating menus. Unlabelled steering wheel controls were a distraction, but Google maps, Alexa Built-in, and OTA updates were appreciated features. Wireless charging and USB ports throughout the cabin ensured connectivity.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, rear parking sensors, and a rear seat reminder. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and Super Cruise.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came with the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. Blue Cruise 1.2 technology was included on all trims, with a 90-day trial for Premiere and Reserve trims and four years standard on the Black Label. The 2023 Nautilus received five stars from the NHTSA for frontal and side crash protection and four stars for rollover protection. The IIHS rated the 2024 Nautilus "Good" in crashworthiness.