2019 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee underwent a significant design transformation from its predecessor, which had a polarizing appearance. Initially rumored to be a Fiat design, the Cherokee's styling was revamped to align with modern SUV aesthetics. The new front-end design adopted a more conventional look, replacing the previous isolated daytime running lights and fog-light-like headlights with a standard headlight-above/fog-light-below configuration. The rear of the Cherokee also saw changes, with the license plate moved to the center of the rear hatch, creating a more typical appearance for a compact SUV. Inside, the Cherokee retained its well-received dash and cabin design, reminiscent of a downsized Grand Cherokee, offering a logical control layout and ample storage options. The Cherokee was available in several trims, including Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Trailhawk Elite, each offering varying levels of equipment and luxury.

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus, essentially an updated MKX, maintained its predecessor's handsome and well-defined design. The Nautilus featured a new grille and standard bi-LED headlights, enhancing its elegant appearance. The proportions of the Nautilus, with its swept roofline and arching rear shoulder line, contributed to its toned look. The Black Label trim added 22-inch wheels, further elevating its elegance. Inside, the Nautilus boasted a luxurious interior with soft leather seats, matte wood accents, and a brown-and-black steering wheel. The Black Label trim offered exclusive finishes, but even lesser trims felt plush. The interior design emphasized simplicity, with a digital gauge cluster and a central infotainment screen, although the vertical PRNDS gear selector was less intuitive in emergencies.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered a range of engines, including a new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine was optional across the lineup, except for the base Latitude. The base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine delivered 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque, standard on the Latitude, Latitude Plus, and FWD Limited. The 3.2-liter V6, with 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque, was standard on the 4WD Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk trims. A 9-speed automatic transmission was standard, with several 4WD systems available, including Active Drive I, Active Drive II, and Active Drive Lock. The Cherokee excelled in off-road capabilities, particularly the Trailhawk trim, which featured an off-road suspension and additional ground clearance. On-road, the Cherokee provided a comfortable ride, with the turbocharged engine offering solid acceleration but being somewhat noisy. Towing capacity was impressive, with the V6 capable of towing up to 4,500 pounds.

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder base engine, producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. However, the recommended engine was the optional twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission, the Nautilus offered smooth acceleration and a muted intake growl. The transmission performed well, with paddle shifters providing responsive rev-matching downshifts. FWD was standard, with AWD optional on all trims. The Nautilus excelled in straight-line speed, with light steering effort and minimal body roll. Despite its 22-inch wheels, the Nautilus maintained a smooth ride over road imperfections. Fuel economy was average for the class, with EPA ratings between 19 and 21 mpg city, 25 to 27 highway, and 21 to 23 combined.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee featured a functional control layout, with easy-to-reach controls and ample storage solutions, including deep door pockets and a center console. A hands-free power liftgate was optional, though its sensor was occasionally unreliable. Cargo space was limited, with 25 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and 54 cubic feet with the seats folded, falling short of class leaders like the Honda CR-V.

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus emphasized simplicity, with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a central infotainment screen. The vertical PRNDS gear selector was less intuitive, but overall, the interior was clutter-free. The Nautilus offered generous space, with reclining rear seats and a power tailgate with reliable gesture control. Cargo capacity was 37.2 cubic feet with the seats up and 68.8 cubic feet with them down. Visibility was adequate, and the rear backup camera included a washer. The interior featured large consoles and USB ports for convenience.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came standard with a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen on the Latitude and Latitude Plus trims, while higher trims featured an 8.3-inch system. Both systems supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with updated graphics and improved responsiveness. The Uconnect system was praised for its user-friendly interface, customizable screens, and intuitive layout.

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus shared its Sync 3 infotainment system with Ford, offering a simple and fast interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The system allowed Waze to take over factory navigation and supported remote functions through a companion app. The digital instrument cluster offered customization options, and the 19-speaker Revel Ultima stereo provided excellent sound quality. Optional front seats with 22-way adjustments and massage functions enhanced comfort, while the Driver Assistance package added semi-automated driving features.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee included standard safety features such as front and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, electronic stability control, and trailer-sway control. Optional safety packages added features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, forward-collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but the mechanically identical 2018 MKX received high safety ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.