2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

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. Despite the traditional piano key shifter, the interior offered ambient lighting and textures that enhanced the luxury feel. An optional Jet Appearance Package added two-tone paint and black exterior trim, further elevating its appeal.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90, available in 3.3 Turbo, 3.3 Turbo S, and PHEV variants, showcased a luxurious look with lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal and cabin placement contributed to a low, long, athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90 featured an elegantly rendered interior with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather. However, some materials reflected its competitive pricing. Ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls, detracted from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

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. This setup provided smooth power delivery and unobtrusive shifts. For an additional $1,500, the hybrid option offered 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in combined driving, with a range exceeding 600 miles. The hybrid's CVT avoided typical droning, and the vehicle featured five drive modes, including Excite for a sportier experience. While not a driver's car, the Nautilus could satisfy occasional performance desires.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's 3.3 Turbo model featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The 3.3 Turbo S variant offered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, with an increase to 340 hp using premium gas. Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior, especially when cold. The CX-90's ride and handling impressed, but noise and impact harshness detracted from the experience.

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 passengers enjoyed 43 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. 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 Mazda CX-90's 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim included Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. However, the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating with adjustable armrests and window shades. The third row accommodated children best, with limited seat-track travel. Cargo space measured 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with it folded, and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row down, though storage options were limited.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a massive 48-inch curved display, with a customizable digital dash and crisp graphics. A smaller 11.1-inch touchscreen handled basic infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. HVAC controls were permanent icons, but vent adjustments required menu navigation. Unlabeled steering wheel controls were distracting, though Google Maps and Alexa Built-in offered voice controls. Wireless charging and USB ports were standard.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, with a traditional gauge cluster and display. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring console knob and button use for Mazda Connect. Voice recognition was subpar, but a new Google Built-in system was anticipated. The 12-speaker Bose audio system provided a rewarding experience, and the Active Driving Display offered helpful data.

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 on pre-mapped highways. The 2023 Nautilus received five-star NHTSA ratings for frontal and side crash protection, and four stars for rollover protection. The IIHS rated it "Good" in crashworthiness.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star NHTSA ratings for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, though the speed reduction feature was irritating, and warning chimes were excessive.