2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus had an air of sophisticated elegance that exuded a new direction in Lincoln's design philosophy. Available in trims like Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label, the Nautilus showcased an exterior that was more streamlined and sophisticated. The new grille, which was reminiscent of the split design seen in Mercedes-Benz models, featured LED lighting that extended through the grille and illuminated the Lincoln star logo. This detail was especially stunning. At the rear, a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports echoed this horizontal aesthetic, giving the car a balanced look. There was also an innovative design twist where the door handles were placed high and incorporated into the beltline, adding a unique touch.

However, the interior was where the Nautilus truly shined. The centerpiece was a full-width screen that set a new bar for immersive displays in the mid-size luxury SUV class. Complemented by high-quality materials like polished metal, open-pore wood, and fine leather, the cabin offered a luxurious and tactile experience. Ambient lighting further enhanced the overall feel, although the piano key shifter style, a Lincoln tradition since the mid-1950s, drew mixed feelings.

An optional Jet Appearance Package for an additional $3,000 added two-tone paint and black exterior trim, and depending on the model, black 20- or 22-inch wheels. This package also included unique interior elements, making for a customized touch.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 was a radical departure from its predecessor. It adopted a more geometric and aggressive exterior styling. The spindle grille, a Lexus trademark, appeared less pronounced, and it flanked standard triple-beam LED headlights. The squared-off upper edge and more upright front fascia gave the GX a more commanding presence. Sharp character lines and a low window beltline added to the vehicle's rugged look, while powered running boards in Luxury+ trims provided practical functionality.

With six trim levels available—Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, and the off-road-focused Overtrail and Overtrail+—the GX offered diverse options to consumers. Luxury trims featured high-end amenities like 22-inch wheels and illuminated doorsills, while Overtrail trims boasted off-road enhancements such as 18-inch wheels and 33-inch all-terrain tires. The utilization of Nuluxe leatherette in Overtrail models added durability, and the interior offered a blend of luxury and robust materials.

For those looking at performance, 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. This combination delivered a smooth power application and discreet shifts, making for a pleasant driving experience. However, for an extra $1,500, drivers could opt for a hybrid setup that provided 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid offered an impressive EPA estimated 30 mpg in combined driving, compared to the 24 mpg for the gas-only engine. A total range of over 600 miles was achievable with the hybrid model.

Every Nautilus came with all-wheel drive and five driving modes: Normal, Excite, Conserve, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. To fully leverage these modes, the adaptive suspension was a beneficial optional upgrade. While the Nautilus wasn't a back-road champion like a Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5, its Excite mode added a bit of spirited driving capability.

On the other hand, the 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a more refined twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, which delivered 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This power was readily available low in the rev range, ideal for off-road obstacles. Built on the GA-F truck platform, also used by the Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX, the new GX featured a stiffer chassis, improving both on-road stability and off-road prowess.

Equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the GX’s gearbox operated confidently without hunting for gears. Full-time four-wheel drive, locking Torsen limited-slip center differential, and additional lockers in Overtrail trims made it highly capable off-road. The advanced Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) further ensured stability by balancing wheel articulation and keeping all four wheels in contact with the ground over uneven terrains.

During test drives, the GX exhibited impressive acceleration and effective braking, although the conditions were highly favorable with moderate temperatures and flat terrain. The new GX showed reduced body roll and a composed behavior, marking a significant improvement from the older model’s excessive body movement.

Interior space in the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus focused on delivering luxury and comfort. The Black Label model featured Lincoln's 24-way Perfect Position front seats, touted as the most comfortable in the mid-size luxury SUV class, thanks to their ongoing massage function. Front seats in all trims were power-adjustable, heated, and cooled. Rear seat passengers enjoyed a spacious 43 inches of legroom, surpassing the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Nautilus also offered Rejuvenate, an ambient feature combining massage, lighting, and screen images to invoke different moods.

Cargo space in the Nautilus was ample, with 36 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 71 cubic feet when the seats were folded down in the Premiere trim. However, space slightly decreased in the Reserve and Black Label trims. The SUV was only available with two rows of seating, unlike some competitors, which could be a point of consideration for families needing a third row.

The Lexus GX introduced a modern interior with minimalist design cues. The 2024 model displayed fewer physical buttons, focusing instead on essential controls. It offered 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The optional third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was more suitable for children due to its limited 31.7 inches of legroom. In comparison, the Land Rover Defender 110, a close competitor, had marginally more spacious second-row seating but was even tighter in the third row.

The GX stood out with its cargo space versatility. It provided 10.3 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 76.9 cubic feet of total cargo space. Overtrail models, which skipped the third row, offered even more cargo space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a whopping 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus stole the show with its impressive 48-inch curved display, split into sections including a digital dash for the driver and customizable sections for weather, audio, and other metrics. An 11.1-inch touchscreen on the center console handled basic infotainment duties with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Although HVAC controls were easily accessible, the fact that vent adjustments required navigating through menus was a drawback. The steering wheel’s unlabelled controls were another potential distraction, though the integration of Google Maps, Alexa Built-in, gaming, web browsing, and over-the-air (OTA) updates added a modern touch. Wireless charging and multiple USB ports were standard features.

The 2024 Lexus GX, by comparison, incorporated a 14-inch touchscreen stylishly into the dash. Front-seat occupants had access to dual USB-C ports and an available wireless charging pad. Overtrail models came with two additional USB-C ports, and non-Overtrail models included even more. The trunk offered a 120-volt wall-style AC electrical outlet. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and intelligent voice assistant via Drive Connect, offered robust functionality. However, the need for subscription plans after an initial three-year trial to retain these features might factor into long-term ownership costs. The GX also boasted a 10-speaker audio system, with higher trims offering an expansive 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo.

Safety features in the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus were comprehensive, with the CoPilot 360 suite including lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. Particularly noteworthy was the inclusion of Blue Cruise 1.2 hands-free driving technology, providing advanced automatic lane-change assist and in-lane repositioning. While this feature was free for a limited period depending on the trim, it became a subscription-based service afterward. The 2024 Nautilus had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous model performed well in past assessments.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant safety upgrades with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite as standard. This included pre-collision detection, avoidance, and braking systems. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning, and road sign recognition were all standard features. While the GX had not undergone crash testing by the NHTSA or IIHS, its modern architecture and enhanced ADAS offered added peace of mind.