2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

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 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 Jeep Wrangler Sport S hardtop, encountered in a rental experience, was noted for its black-on-black color scheme, which was less than ideal for a tropical climate. Despite this, the Wrangler's design remained appealing, drawing on themes of American freedom with its iconic seven-slot front grille and capability to traverse various terrains. The Wrangler was available in multiple trims, including the powerful Rubicon 392 with a 470-horsepower Hemi V8 engine. The interior was functional, with a focus on durability and utility, though it lacked the sophistication of more modern vehicles.

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, a hybrid setup offered 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid also provided a range of over 600 miles. The Nautilus featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with an adaptive suspension available for enhanced performance. While not a driver's car, it offered a comfortable and efficient ride.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, with a slightly better fuel efficiency of 21 mpg combined. The Wrangler excelled in off-road capabilities, with standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles. However, its on-road performance was less refined, with a rough ride and disconnected steering feel.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus provided power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats across all trims, with the Black Label model offering 24-way Perfect Position front 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 ample, with 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with seats folded down, though seating was limited to five.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The Sport S trim offered comfortable front seats with cloth upholstery and optional heated features. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers risked discomfort from plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small bins and nets for personal items. Cargo access was cumbersome, requiring the tailgate and rear window to be opened separately, but the space expanded to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a stunning 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 connectivity. The inclusion of Google Maps, Alexa Built-in, and over-the-air updates enhanced the tech experience, though some controls were distracting due to their placement on the screen and steering wheel.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The system was praised for its brightness and ease of use, even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display and features like passive entry and remote engine start. Rear parking sensors were available in the Active Safety Group package.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came equipped with the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, including 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 trial period available for lower trims. The 2023 Nautilus received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the 2024 model had not yet been rated.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags as standard equipment, with optional ADAS features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Forward collision warning with automatic braking was available on higher trims. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated it well for side-impact protection but noted a Marginal rating in the small overlap frontal-impact test.