2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2025 Porsche Cayenne

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 style, the interior offered ambient lighting and a luxurious feel. An optional Jet Appearance Package added two-tone paint and black exterior trim, enhancing its visual appeal.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne, available as a standard SUV or sporty Coupe, offered a range of trims from the base Cayenne to the high-performance Cayenne Turbo GT. The GTS trim featured high gloss black trim, bronze exhaust tips, and a unique front fascia with larger air intakes. The interior was customizable, with options for color, trim, and seat belts, though pricing could escalate quickly. The Cayenne's cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter for added storage space. The GTS trim balanced sporty performance with comfort, making it a versatile choice for drivers.

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 power to 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid offered a range of over 600 miles, making it a practical choice for long drives. 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 provided a comfortable and efficient ride.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a variety of engines, starting with a 3.0-liter V6 producing 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. The Cayenne S featured a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp. Plug-in hybrid options delivered up to 729 hp. The GTS trim, with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, produced 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The GTS offered precise steering, a low center of gravity, and an agile driving experience, enhanced by Pirelli P Zero tires and an active suspension. The Cayenne excelled in both sporty performance and daily driving comfort.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, with the Black Label model featuring 24-way Perfect Position seats with massage 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, expanding to 71 cubic feet with seats folded down. The Nautilus seated five, prioritizing cargo space over a third row.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with standard eight-way power-adjustable seats and options for cooling and massage. The GTS trim included a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with ample headroom in the second row. Towing capacity exceeded 7,700 pounds, but cargo space was smaller than competitors, with 27.3 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to over 60 cubic feet with seats folded. The coupe version offered less cargo space, and plug-in hybrids further reduced utility.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a massive 48-inch curved display, with a customizable digital dash and a smaller 11.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Google Maps and Alexa Built-in. The system included wireless charging and USB ports throughout the cabin. However, some controls were distracting, requiring menu navigation.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne boasted a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Porsche Communication Management. Optional features included a 10.9-inch passenger screen and a head-up display. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and streaming services. Four USB-C ports and a cooled wireless charging area were standard, enhancing connectivity and convenience.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus included the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite with lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. Blue Cruise 1.2 technology offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, with a trial period for lower trims. The 2023 Nautilus received high safety ratings, but the 2024 model had not yet been rated.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, but adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were optional. The advanced InnoDrive system was not tested. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had rated the 2025 Cayenne for safety.