2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus presented a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, available in Premiere, Reserve, or Black Label trims. Its new grille design, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz, featured LED lighting that extended through the grille, illuminating 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, with a full-width screen as its crown jewel. High-quality materials, ambient lighting, and textures like open-pore wood and fine leather adorned the cabin. The piano key shifter style, a Lincoln tradition since the mid-1950s, was a notable design element. An optional Jet Appearance Package added two-tone paint, black exterior trim, and unique interior features for an additional $3,000.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 underwent its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly in size while retaining its body-on-frame architecture. The new frame improved torsional and lateral stiffness significantly. The QX80's styling was more expressive, with a large grille and a stacked-headlight setup that gave it a distinctive look. The rear maintained its general shape but featured full-width taillights with over 300 LEDs. The QX80 was available in Pure, Luxe, Sensory, and Autobiography trims, with varying wheel sizes and designs. The interior received a high-tech makeover with a large horizontal display and 64-color ambient lighting. However, shiny black plastic trim detracted from the premium feel. Leather upholstery varied by trim, with the top Autograph models featuring semi-aniline leather across all three rows.

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, offered 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid's range exceeded 600 miles, while the gas-only engine achieved 24 mpg combined. 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, option.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, producing 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, replacing the previous V8. A nine-speed automatic transmission improved performance, with standard rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive. The QX80 felt more energetic than its predecessor, though active sound enhancement added an artificial noise during acceleration. The air suspension and adaptive damping provided a compliant ride, with adjustable ride height for off-road and aerodynamic purposes. Despite its size, the QX80's handling was average for a large SUV, with the air suspension unable to completely smooth out bumps.

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, 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, though slightly less in higher trims. The Nautilus seated five, prioritizing cargo space over a third row.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's redesign increased cargo space by 6%, 17%, and 28% behind the first, second, and third rows, respectively, totaling 101 cubic feet with seats folded. Power liftgate and power-folding seats facilitated reconfiguration, though second-row seats occasionally lacked room to move. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. Heated, ventilated, and massaging seats were available, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, surpassing most full-size luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 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. HVAC controls were permanent icons, though vent adjustments required navigating menus. Unlabeled steering wheel controls were a distraction, but Google Maps and Alexa Built-in added convenience. Wireless charging and USB ports were standard.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 boasted dual 14.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, with a smaller 9-inch touchscreen for climate control. Google built-in apps provided navigation and voice recognition, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The infotainment system's graphics were reminiscent of Nissan's, and the lower touchscreen required firm presses. Klipsch sound systems varied by trim, with advanced audio tech in higher models. A 360-degree camera system offered multiple views, enhancing safety and convenience.

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. Blue Cruise 1.2 technology was available, offering hands-free driving and automatic lane-change assist. The 2023 Nautilus received high safety ratings, though the 2024 model had not yet been rated.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and a trailer blind-spot warning system. ProPilot Assist highway-driving assistance was available, with hands-free driving and automated lane changes in advanced versions. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.