2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus presented a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, available in Premiere, Reserve, or Black Label trims. Its design featured a new grille reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz, with LED lighting extending through the grille to illuminate the Lincoln star logo. The rear mirrored this horizontal aesthetic with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The interior was a standout, boasting a full-width screen as its crown jewel, complemented by high-quality materials like open-pore wood and fine leather. The Jet Appearance Package offered additional customization with two-tone paint and black exterior trim.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, offered a more conservative design, appealing to those who found previous Lexus models too bold. The Luxury trim test model featured 22-inch wheels, enhancing its upscale appearance. The TX came in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350. The TX 350, likely the volume seller, offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD options. The interior, while luxurious, felt dark despite the panoramic sunroof, but it provided ample comfort with premium materials and features.

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. The hybrid option, costing an additional $1,500, delivered 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid's range exceeded 600 miles, though the Lexus RX hybrid offered better fuel economy at 36 mpg combined. The Nautilus featured AWD and five drive modes, with the adaptive suspension enhancing the driving experience. The hybrid's CVT avoided typical drawbacks, providing a smooth ride without excessive engine noise.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of eight seconds for the FWD model, slightly quicker with AWD. The TX 350's performance was adequate, with an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined for the FWD version. During testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. The AWD option, costing $1,600, offered better traction and slightly quicker acceleration. The TX 350's suspension provided a comfortable ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft.

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 for relaxation. Cargo space measured 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with seats folded in the Premiere trim. The Nautilus seated five, prioritizing cargo space over a third row.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a comfortable and spacious interior. The TX 350 Luxury trim included premium leather and suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain's chairs optional. The third-row seat accommodated adults, with sufficient leg support and visibility. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with seats folded, and 97 cubic feet with the second row down. The TX featured numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a striking 48-inch curved display, with a customizable digital dash and crisp graphics. An 11.1-inch touchscreen handled infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. HVAC controls were accessible via permanent icons, though vent adjustments required navigating menus. Unlabeled steering wheel controls were a distraction, but Google Maps and Alexa Built-in offered voice controls. Over-the-air updates ensured current software, and wireless charging and USB ports were standard.

The 2024 Lexus TX, equipped with the optional Technology Package, included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. The unmarked steering wheel controls were a distraction, especially with polarized sunglasses affecting the head-up display. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Wi-Fi and Remote Connect options. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system provided impressive audio quality.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus included the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, such as lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. The Blue Cruise 1.2 technology offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, 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.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist offered braking and steering assistance, though it wasn't always transparent. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assist. Optional features included parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The LSS+ 3.0 system was generally smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.