2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2025 Audi Q5

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus presented a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, available in Premiere, Reserve, or Black Label trims. Its design featured a new grille with LED lighting extending through it, illuminating the Lincoln star logo, creating a stunning visual. The rear mirrored this horizontal aesthetic with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The interior was equally impressive, highlighted by a full-width screen and 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 2025 Audi Q5 leaned into a rugged SUV aesthetic with a large, textured grille and prominent side air intakes. The design was more evolutionary than revolutionary, maintaining a familiar look while introducing new styling elements. Available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims, the Q5 offered LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights on higher trims. The interior aimed for distinctiveness with a mix of materials and a somewhat discordant design, but it maintained top-notch quality. The SQ5 variant added performance-oriented features like matte chrome trim and sport suspension.

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, buyers could opt for a hybrid setup, boosting output to 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid also offered a range of over 600 miles. All Nautilus models featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with an adaptive suspension available for enhanced performance.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The base model's 2.0-liter turbo-four delivered 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the SQ5's 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 offered 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Despite impressive specs, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts. The Q5's suspension provided capable handling, with air suspension available on higher trims. Audi included Off-Road and Off-Road Plus modes, but the Q5 was more suited for dirt roads than technical trails.

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. Rear seats provided 43 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. Cargo space measured 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with seats folded, though slightly less in higher trims. The Nautilus seated five, prioritizing cargo space over additional seating.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, offering adequate headroom and legroom. A sliding and reclining second-row bench seat was standard, with cargo space increasing to 27.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The Q5 offered more cargo space than some rivals but less than others like the Acura RDX. Standard features included a power tailgate and heated front seats, with additional amenities available on higher trims. The Q5 also boasted a towing capacity of up to 4,400 pounds.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a striking 48-inch curved display, with a digital dash and customizable sections for various information. An 11.1-inch touchscreen handled infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system included Google Maps, Alexa Built-in, and over-the-air updates. However, some controls were distracting, such as the unlabelled steering wheel controls and menu-based vent adjustments. Wireless charging and multiple USB ports were standard.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with an optional third screen for the front passenger on Prestige trims. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a cooled wireless charging pad, and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system on higher trims. A built-in voice assistant and head-up display enhanced usability, while the Dynamic Interaction Light provided additional visual cues.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus included the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, such as lane-keeping assist, park assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Blue Cruise 1.2 technology offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, with automatic lane-change assist and In-Lane Repositioning. The 2023 Nautilus received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the 2024 model had not yet been rated.

The 2025 Audi Q5 offered standard driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, active front assist, and lane departure warning. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings for the redesigned model were not yet available, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation's five-star NHTSA rating.