2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a standout in the SUV market, outselling its sibling, the Land Rover Discovery, by a significant margin. Despite sharing similar size and price points, the Defender's boxy, classic Land Rover design appealed more to consumers than the Discovery's Ford-like appearance. The Defender's design was a nod to the beloved old LR4, with its square-jawed face, rectangular hood, and doors set parallel to the ground. Its design was consistent and industrial, with steep angles on the windshield and lower front bumper. The Defender also paid homage to its 1980s predecessor with tasteful accents like the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and a body-color square separating the side glass. The vehicle was available in three body styles: the short two-door 90, the medium-length four-door 110, and the extended-length four-door 130, offering a variety of choices for consumers.

Inside, the Defender maintained a focus on function and durability, with interiors coated in moisture-wicking rubbers and plastics. Despite its high price, the interior was basic, with exposed screws and plain air vents, contrasting with the more opulent Range Rover models. The Defender's build quality was excellent, but its price tag, especially for models like the $120,000 Defender 110 V8 Carpathian Edition, seemed excessive to some. However, its popularity indicated that many buyers appreciated its unique character and rugged appeal.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted with a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, signaling a new direction in Lincoln design. Its grille, reminiscent of Mercedes Benz's bifurcated design, featured LED lighting that extended through the grill and illuminated the Lincoln star logo, creating a stunning visual effect. The horizontal aesthetic continued at the rear with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The Nautilus also incorporated a unique design twist by placing the door handles high and integrating them into the beltline.

The interior of the Nautilus was a highlight, with a full-width screen serving as the crown jewel. The materials used were of excellent quality, featuring polished metal, ambient lighting, open-pore wood, and fine leather. While the piano key shifter style was a traditional Lincoln design element, the overall interior experience was luxurious. The Jet Appearance Package offered additional customization with two-tone paint, black exterior trim, and unique interior elements, enhancing the vehicle's appeal.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in off-road performance, showcasing its uncanny grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its air suspension allowed it to tackle challenging terrains, although most owners didn't utilize its full capabilities. On-road, the Defender's performance was less impressive, with friction in the drivetrain, body drag, and excessive body roll. The steering was slow, and wind noise was apparent. However, its turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided impressive power. The V8 delivered 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, making it a formidable force on the road. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, providing a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 14/19/16 mpg, while the six-cylinder achieved 18/23/20 mpg.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid setup, available for 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, making it an efficient choice for long drives. The Nautilus came with all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with the adaptive suspension enhancing the driving experience. The hybrid's continuously variable transmission (CVT) performed well, avoiding the typical droning associated with CVTs. While not a driver's car, the Nautilus provided a satisfying driving experience with its Excite mode, which tightened steering and reduced body roll.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the Defender 90 seating six with a jump seat option. The larger 110 and 130 models provided additional seating options, with the 130 accommodating up to eight passengers. The Defender's large glass areas, including alpine lights, enhanced visibility. Cargo space varied across models, with the 130 offering 77 cubic feet with seats folded, while the 90 and 110 provided 58 and 79 cubic feet, respectively. The Defender's versatility extended to its off-road capabilities, with options for off-road or all-season tires, a metal roof rack, and various accessories like a console refrigerator and power-deployable side steps.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus prioritized comfort, with power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats standard across trims. The Black Label model featured Lincoln's 24-way Perfect Position front seats, offering exceptional comfort with massage and extended heating functions. Rear passengers enjoyed 43 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Nautilus's Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images to create a relaxing atmosphere. Cargo space in the Premiere trim was 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with seats folded, although slightly reduced in higher trims. The Nautilus seated five, focusing on comfort and cargo space over additional seating.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch touchscreen offered quick and simple operation, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice assistant, connected apps, and navigation as standard features. The Defender S trim added heated 12-way power seats and a Meridian stereo, while higher trims offered additional features like air suspension, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display. The Defender's technology package included a cabin air purifier and configurable ambient lighting.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a massive 48-inch curved display, with a digital dash for the driver and customizable sections for various information. The center console housed an 11.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. While some controls were distracting, the inclusion of Google maps and Alexa Built-in enhanced the user experience. The Nautilus offered gaming and web browsing when stopped, with over-the-air updates ensuring current technology. Wireless charging and USB ports were standard throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. agencies but received five stars in Euro NCAP crash testing. It featured six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional safety features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. However, the Defender lacked a self-steering highway assist.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came 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 automatic lane-change assist and In-Lane Repositioning. The 2023 Nautilus received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, although the 2024 model had not yet been rated.