2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches. The front end appeared ready to dominate the road, framed by large headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned with three paint options: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and the exclusive Nori Green Pearl.

Despite its imposing front, the GX's side profile revealed a more compact dimension with a 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs. This design suggested a vehicle engineered for off-road adventures. The flared fenders added to its robust look, but the overall aesthetic leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky designs. Inside, the GX featured a mix of luxury touches and disappointing plastic materials, with heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted with a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, hinting at a new direction in Lincoln design. The new grille, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz's bifurcated design, featured LED lighting that extended through the grille and illuminated the Lincoln star logo. The rear echoed this horizontal aesthetic with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The door handles were cleverly integrated into the beltline, adding a unique twist to the profile.

The interior of the Nautilus was the highlight, with high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and textures like open-pore wood and fine leather. The 48-inch curved display was a standout feature, providing an immersive experience. The Jet Appearance Package, available for an extra $3,000, added two-tone paint, black exterior trim, and unique interior elements, enhancing the vehicle's overall appeal.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, which delivered a linear rise in noise and power as the accelerator was depressed. The 4.6-liter V8 produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 offered a satisfying driving experience for some. However, its 6,500-pound towing capacity and fuel economy of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined were less impressive compared to modern SUVs.

The GX's weight contributed to its predictable and controllable roll through corners. The steering was vague off-center, but the brakes were strong and reliable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential distributed the 4WD system into a 40:60 front:rear split, adjusting based on wheel slip, making it user-friendly in various conditions.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid option, available for an extra $1,500, offered 310 horsepower, 295 pound-feet of torque, and an EPA estimated 30 mpg combined. The hybrid also provided a range of over 600 miles, making it a more fuel-efficient choice.

All Nautilus models featured AWD and five drive modes, with the adaptive suspension enhancing the driving experience. The hybrid's CVT was smooth and unobtrusive, making the Nautilus a comfortable and capable vehicle, though not a driver's car like the Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a handy space for a phone, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, featuring only USB-A ports. The physical controls were a blessing for those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens, though the abundance of buttons required some getting used to.

The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and fold-out cupholders, while the third row was too tight for regular use. The side-hinged trunk door was not power-operated and required effort to open. Cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, with the Black Label model offering 24-way Perfect Position front seats with massage and extended heating functions. The rear seats, while not as luxurious, provided 43 inches of legroom, making them comfortable for taller passengers.

The Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images to create different moods, adding to the vehicle's luxury appeal. Cargo space was generous, with 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with the seats folded down in the Premiere trim. The Nautilus was available only with seating for five, prioritizing cargo space over a cramped third row.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, revamped in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integrations. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo.

However, the GX's tech offerings lagged behind newer Lexus models, with a slow touchscreen and less crisp graphics. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Off-Road Package further enhanced its off-road prowess.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a stunning 48-inch curved display, with a digital dash for the driver and customizable sections for various information. The 11.1-inch touchscreen on the center console handled basic infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. HVAC controls were permanent icons on the screen, but adjusting the vents required navigating through menus.

The unlabelled steering wheel controls were a distraction, but the inclusion of Google maps and Alexa Built-in for voice controls was a plus. Gaming and web browsing were available when the car was stopped, and over-the-air updates kept the system current. Wireless charging and USB-A and -C ports were standard throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but its design dated back to 2010, raising concerns about its structural safety. However, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams.

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 hands-free/eyes-up Blue Cruise 1.2 technology was included on all trims, with a trial period for lower trims and four years of standard service for the Black Label. The 2023 Nautilus received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, and the 2024 model was expected to perform similarly.