2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, shedding its traditional image with a design that echoed the sleekness of a Japanese bullet train. Toyota's efforts to modernize the Sienna were evident in its front-end styling and the availability of larger wheels on certain trims. The Sienna offered a variety of trim levels, from the base LE to the luxurious Platinum, with the 25th Anniversary Special Edition adding a unique touch. Inside, the Sienna impressed with its high-quality materials, such as brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents, particularly in the Platinum trim. The minivan accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the latter configuration allowing for three-across car seats in the middle row, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted with a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, featuring a striking grille with LED lighting that illuminated the Lincoln star logo. The rear design mirrored this horizontal aesthetic with an animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The interior was the highlight, boasting a full-width screen and high-quality materials like polished metal, open-pore wood, and fine leather. The Nautilus offered a Jet Appearance Package for an additional cost, enhancing its exterior with two-tone paint and black trim. While the piano key shifter style was a nod to Lincoln's design tradition, the overall interior experience was luxurious and immersive.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, introduced in its fourth generation in 2020, featured a hybrid powertrain across all models, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors for a total of 245 horsepower. While this setup was less powerful compared to competitors, the Sienna's chassis and steering provided a surprisingly nimble driving experience. The minivan offered various drive modes, but the Normal mode was recommended for the best balance. Despite its size, the Sienna was easy to maneuver in urban settings, though its acceleration was less impressive than rivals like the Honda Odyssey.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For an additional cost, a hybrid setup was available, delivering 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with an impressive range of over 600 miles. The Nautilus featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with the adaptive suspension enhancing the driving experience. While the hybrid's CVT was typically a drawback, it performed smoothly in the Nautilus, offering a satisfying drive without excessive engine noise.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage, with numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins. It offered ample space for passengers and cargo, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 101 cubic feet with seats folded. However, the middle row could not be removed or folded into the floor, limiting maximum cargo space compared to competitors. The Sienna's second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, providing comfort and adjustability for passengers of all sizes.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus provided luxurious seating, especially in the Black Label model with 24-way Perfect Position front seats featuring massage and extended heating functions. Rear passengers enjoyed 43 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Nautilus offered 36 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, with a total of 71 cubic feet when folded. While it only seated five, the Nautilus prioritized comfort and cargo space over additional seating.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna's technology was reliable but dated, featuring an older infotainment interface with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though both required wired connections. The 9-inch touchscreen was functional, and the 12-speaker JBL audio system delivered good sound quality. Despite its quirks, the Sienna's technology was dependable, though it lacked the modern flair of newer Toyota models.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus showcased a stunning 48-inch curved display, with customizable sections for various information. An 11.1-inch touchscreen handled basic infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While some controls were distracting, the inclusion of Google Maps and Alexa Built-in added convenience. The Nautilus also featured wireless charging and multiple USB ports, ensuring connectivity and convenience for all passengers.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, highlighting its commitment to safety. While it lacked some gimmicky features found in competitors, the Sienna prioritized essential safety technologies.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including the Lincoln CoPilot 360 system with lane-keeping assist and emergency braking. The standout feature was the Blue Cruise 1.2 technology, providing hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. While the NHTSA had not yet rated the 2024 model, the 2023 Nautilus received high marks for crash protection. The IIHS rated it "Good" in crashworthiness, though further ratings were pending.