2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, maintained its established design with no significant updates since its last refresh in 2022. Despite the anticipation of an electric version, the current model continued to offer a luxurious experience with its triple-black Navigator Reserve model. This version featured the Monochromatic Package, which included black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim, although keeping the Infinite Black exterior clean proved challenging. Inside, the Navigator Reserve's cabin exuded an upscale feel with quality materials, real wood trim panels, and chrome accents. However, the chrome plastic on some switchgear did not quite convey the luxury expected at its price point.

In contrast, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted with a more sophisticated and streamlined exterior design, hinting at a new direction for Lincoln. The grille, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz's bifurcated design, featured LED lighting that extended through it, illuminating the Lincoln star logo. The rear design mirrored this horizontal aesthetic with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The interior was a standout, 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 particularly noteworthy for their comfort and massage function, setting a new standard in the mid-size luxury SUV class.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain, it offered five drive modes: Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with Hill Climb available with the towing package. Despite its adaptive damping suspension, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floating over larger dips. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but negatively impacting fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size was a liability in urban settings, making parking and maneuvering challenging.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For an additional $1,500, a hybrid setup offered 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid's range exceeded 600 miles, although the Lexus RX hybrid offered better fuel economy. The Nautilus featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with an adaptive suspension available for enhanced performance. The hybrid's CVT was well-tuned, avoiding the typical droning associated with such transmissions, making the Nautilus a capable performer.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats across all three rows and a cavernous cargo area. The extended-length Navigator L model provided even more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage. The 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats offered heating, ventilation, and massage, although finding the perfect adjustment proved challenging. Storage space was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin, and the Navigator's clean interior look was preserved with covers for cupholders and the wireless charging pad.

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 seats with a massage function. Rear passengers enjoyed 43 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Lincoln Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images to create different moods, enhancing the relaxation experience. Cargo space was ample, with 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with the seats folded down in the Premiere trim. However, the Nautilus was limited to seating for five, unlike some competitors offering three rows.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system. The Sync 4 system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, understanding commands accurately, while the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. However, the wireless smartphone charger overheated devices, and the rear-seat entertainment system went unused by teenagers, who preferred their smartphones.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus boasted 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 connectivity. While HVAC controls were easily accessible, adjusting vents required navigating menus, which was distracting. Unlabelled steering wheel controls also posed a distraction, although Google Maps and Alexa Built-in were appreciated. Wireless charging and USB ports were standard, ensuring connectivity throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like Evasive Steering Assist and Intersection Assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system, was available, although it struggled with curves and construction zones. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, but lacked a full crashworthiness assessment.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus included the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, with Blue Cruise 1.2 technology available on all trims. This hands-free system combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, with automatic lane-change assist and In-Lane Repositioning. The 2023 Nautilus received five stars for frontal and side crash protection and four stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA, while the 2024 model earned a "Good" rating in crashworthiness from the IIHS.