2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design aimed at improving aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo now illuminated. Despite these changes, the ID.4 maintained a distinct EV appearance but lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which could be a drawback for some buyers. The interior carried over the minimalist design and quality feel from VW’s gasoline models, with leatherette upholstery and recycled fiber inserts standard for 2023.

In contrast, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted with a more sophisticated and streamlined exterior, featuring a new grille with LED lighting extending through it and illuminating the Lincoln star logo. The rear showcased a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports, while the door handles were integrated into the beltline for a sleek profile. The interior was a highlight, with high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and textures like open-pore wood and fine leather. The Black Label trim offered 24-way Perfect Position front seats with massage and extended heating functions, making it one of the most comfortable in its class.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, available only with RWD. The Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus retained the 82-kWh pack, available with both RWD and AWD. Single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, enhancing acceleration and handling. However, the ID.4's handling was not as sharp as its acceleration, with noticeable body roll on twisty roads. Regenerative braking was present but did not support one-pedal driving, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts.

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. The hybrid option, costing an additional $1,500, offered 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined, compared to 24 mpg for the gas-only engine. The hybrid also provided a range of over 600 miles. 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, if not sporty, drive.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample front and rear legroom and headroom. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing most entry-level EVs but falling short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 also had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console, a better phone spot, and available three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats across all trims, with the Black Label trim offering 24-way Perfect Position front seats with massage and extended heating functions. The rear seats provided 43 inches of legroom, more than the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, ensuring comfort for taller passengers. The Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images to create different moods, and a scented cabin option was available. Cargo space was 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with the seats folded in the Premiere trim, slightly less in the Reserve and Black Label trims. The Nautilus seated five, unlike some competitors with optional third rows.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remaining standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster and ID.Light ambient lighting system were also standard. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less user-friendly than traditional buttons, making voice recognition a more practical option for many functions.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a massive 48-inch curved display, with a digital dash for the driver and customizable sections for various information. An 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, which was distracting. Unlabeled steering wheel controls also posed a challenge, though the inclusion of Google Maps, Alexa Built-in, gaming, web browsing, and OTA updates were positives. Wireless charging and multiple USB ports were standard.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover tests. The 2022 model, similar to the 2023, earned the IIHS’ highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front crash prevention. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.

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 standout feature was the hands-free/eyes-up Blue Cruise 1.2 technology, included on all trims with a 90-day trial for Premiere and Reserve trims and four years standard for the Black Label. Blue Cruise combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, with automatic lane-change assist and In-Lane Repositioning. The 2023 Nautilus received five stars from the NHTSA for frontal and side crash protection and four stars for rollover protection. The 2024 model had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.