2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

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 it 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 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 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a modern redesign, aligning its look with larger Chevrolet models like the Traverse and Suburban. Each trim had distinct styling elements, with the base LT offering a Midnight Edition package for a contemporary look. The RS trim featured sportier elements, while the new ACTIV trim emphasized adventure with all-terrain tires. The interior distinguished itself with a new sub-texture effect around vents and a redesigned center console. The Equinox offered a choice of two-tone paint options and a variety of interior themes, enhancing its appeal.

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 $1,500, a hybrid setup was available, delivering 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA estimated 30 mpg combined. 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 hybrid's CVT was surprisingly smooth, making the Nautilus a capable, if not sporty, performer.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox retained its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied with powertrain, offering 184 lb-ft in FWD models and 203 lb-ft in AWD versions. The FWD models featured a CVT, while AWD models had an eight-speed automatic transmission, which improved acceleration and noise levels. The Equinox could tow up to 1,500 pounds with AWD and introduced selectable drive modes for different terrains. While the engine struggled during highway merges, the overall ride was comfortable and quiet.

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 massage and extended heating functions. Rear passengers enjoyed 43 inches of legroom, and the Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images for relaxation. Cargo space was generous, with 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with seats folded down, though seating was limited to five.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox provided heated front seats and a heated steering wheel on RS and ACTIV trims, with optional front seat ventilation and heated rear seats. The flat roof ensured consistent headroom, and the moonroof added light to the rear seats. Cargo space was slightly reduced, with 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded down. A hidden storage compartment added utility, though overall cargo volume was small for the class.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a striking 48-inch curved display, with customizable sections for various information. An 11.1-inch touchscreen handled infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included Google Maps and Alexa Built-in, with gaming and web browsing available when stopped. However, some controls were distracting, such as the unlabelled steering wheel controls and vent adjustments.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, offering wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen was larger than previous models, and the system included a wi-fi hotspot and six-speaker audio. While the voice control volume was problematic in one test vehicle, the overall tech package was comprehensive, with wireless charging standard on RS and ACTIV trims.

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 high safety ratings, though the 2024 model had not yet been rated.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a Safety & Technology package with additional features, while most safety systems were standard. The Chevy Safety Assist suite included enhanced automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to set speed and volume limits and receive a driving report card.