2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus presented a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, available in Premiere, Reserve, or Black Label trims. Its new grille design, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz, featured LED lighting that extended through the grille, illuminating the Lincoln star logo. The rear mirrored this horizontal aesthetic with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The interior was a standout, with a full-width screen as its crown jewel, complemented by high-quality materials like open-pore wood and fine leather. The Jet Appearance Package offered additional customization with two-tone paint and black exterior trim.

In contrast, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse showcased a robust exterior design, consistent with Chevrolet's SUV lineup. The interior, while well-designed with digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system, fell short in material quality, with hard, glossy plastics and Evotex artificial leather that lacked authenticity. The Traverse offered trims like LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with the Z71 being the off-road variant. Despite its appealing layout, the Traverse's interior materials did not match its price point, which ranged from $41,095 to $55,495.

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. For an additional $1,500, buyers could opt for a hybrid setup, boosting power to 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid also offered a range of over 600 miles. The Nautilus featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with the adaptive suspension enhancing the driving experience. The hybrid's CVT was surprisingly smooth, making the Nautilus a capable, if not sporty, performer.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivered 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. The engine's exhaust note was less than pleasing, but it provided ample power, especially with all-wheel drive engaged. The Z71 trim offered off-road capabilities with increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse's driving modes included Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, though it lacked a truly sporty feel. The Z71's suspension and tires excelled in off-road conditions and provided a smoother ride on rough pavement. The Traverse achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats across all trims, with the Black Label model featuring 24-way Perfect Position front seats with massage functions. Rear passengers enjoyed 43 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images for relaxation. Cargo space was generous, with 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with seats folded down. The Nautilus seated five, prioritizing cargo space over a third row.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted significant interior volume, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. It offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench or captain's chairs. The third row, while comfortable, lacked a view and USB charging ports. The Traverse provided 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with seats folded. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second row, complicating the process.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a stunning 48-inch curved display, with customizable sections for weather, audio, and more. An 11.1-inch touchscreen handled infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The inclusion of Google Maps and Alexa Built-in enhanced voice controls, while wireless charging and USB ports were standard. However, the unlabelled steering wheel controls and menu-driven vent adjustments were distracting.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with a 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Google Built-in, Alexa compatibility, and wireless smartphone integration. The user interface was intuitive, with effective voice recognition. Climate controls were accessible via separate knobs, and an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel offered customizable views. Optional features included a digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came equipped with the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Blue Cruise 1.2 technology offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, with a trial period for lower trims. The 2023 Nautilus received high safety ratings, though the 2024 model had not yet been rated.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and more. The Driver Confidence Package added advanced camera systems and traffic sign recognition. The Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.