2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a standout with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering, offered in nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable, even from afar. The Base trim had a primitive, bare-bones look with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim showcased a wide stance, elevated height, and massive tires. The Heritage trim added nostalgic elements like a throwback white grille, roof, and wheels, along with unique plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's styling was not just for show; functional elements like cleats above the headlights and raised fins helped secure cargo and provided better visibility of the vehicle's corners. Inside, the rugged theme continued with a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof materials, making it easy to clean after off-road adventures. The interior was designed for durability, with sturdy handholds and customizable features, though it lacked the softness and refinement of typical SUVs.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted with a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, signaling a new direction in Lincoln design. Its grille, reminiscent of Mercedes Benz, featured LED lighting that extended through the grill and illuminated the Lincoln star logo. The rear had a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports, while the profile incorporated door handles into the beltline. Inside, the Nautilus impressed with high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and textures like open-pore wood and fine leather. The 24-way Perfect Position front seats in the Black Label model were exceptionally comfortable, with a massage function that remained active until turned off. Rear seats offered ample legroom, and the Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images to create different moods. Cargo space was generous, with 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with seats folded down, though the Nautilus was only available with seating for five.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-liter V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the top-of-the-line Raptor featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The base engine was adequate for most driving scenarios, while the Raptor's power was exhilarating but excessive. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than average SUVs but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler, with quieter interiors. Despite its off-road focus, the Bronco handled well on highways, though its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid option, costing an additional $1,500, provided 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA estimated 30 mpg in combined driving, with a range of over 600 miles. The Nautilus featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with an adaptive suspension available for enhanced performance. The hybrid's CVT was smooth and unobtrusive, though the Nautilus was not a driver's car. It offered a comfortable ride with various drive modes for different conditions, but those seeking a sportier experience might prefer alternatives like the Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to rear seats. The two-door model had 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 52.3 cubic feet with seats folded, while the four-door offered 35.6 cubic feet and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, with the Black Label model offering 24-way Perfect Position seats with a massage function. Rear seats provided 43 inches of legroom, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images for relaxation, while cargo space was generous, with 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with seats folded. The Nautilus was available only with seating for five, prioritizing cargo space over additional seating.

The 2023 Ford Bronco incorporated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. drive modes optimizing engine and suspension settings for various terrains. Numerous camera views aided in navigating tight spaces, while the Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns. The Bronco also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12-inch infotainment display for ease of use.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a massive 48-inch curved display, with a digital dash and customizable sections for various information. An 11.1-inch touchscreen handled basic infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. However, some controls were distracting, requiring menu navigation. The Nautilus included Google maps, Alexa Built-in, and over-the-air updates, with wireless charging and USB ports throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received partial crash test results from the NHTSA, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-start assist, with additional driver assistance features available in higher trims.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came with the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Blue Cruise 1.2 technology offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, with a trial period available for lower trims. The 2023 Nautilus received five stars from the NHTSA for frontal and side crash protection, and the 2024 model earned a "Good" rating from the IIHS in crashworthiness tests.