Lincoln Nautilus vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, despite being an SUV, with a long hood and low ground clearance. The vertical light bars and LED headlights added a modern touch, while the grille and lighting effects enhanced its unique style. The interior was crafted with attention to detail, featuring leather-wrapped seats, polished controls, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display. However, the floating center console was a design misstep, offering little functionality.

In contrast, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted with a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, highlighted by a bifurcated grille with LED lighting that illuminated the Lincoln star logo. The horizontal aesthetic continued at the rear with an animated LED light bar. Inside, the Nautilus impressed with high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and a massive 48-inch curved display. The interior was luxurious, with options like the Jet Appearance Package adding unique touches. The piano key shifter was a nod to Lincoln's design tradition, though not universally loved.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its sporty appearance, was more suited for long-distance comfort than spirited driving. It featured a dual-motor powertrain with 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, providing continuous all-wheel drive. The standard setup was a single rear motor with 340 hp. The 102-kilowatt-hour battery offered a range of 314 miles with rear-wheel drive and 307 miles with all-wheel drive, though real-world testing showed closer to 260 miles. The Lyriq's handling was hindered by its weight, affecting steering and cornering performance. Regenerative braking was a helpful feature, but the overall chassis needed improvement.

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, offering 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, was recommended for better performance and fuel economy. The Nautilus hybrid achieved an impressive range of over 600 miles. All-wheel drive and five drive modes were standard, with the adaptive suspension enhancing the driving experience. While not a driver's car, the Nautilus provided a comfortable and capable ride.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges with build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a faulty charging port, and a problematic glovebox were notable issues. The floating console lacked practicality, and the center cubby was small. Despite these drawbacks, the Lyriq offered generous headroom and legroom, though cargo space was limited at 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet when folded.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus excelled in interior comfort, especially with the Black Label model's 24-way Perfect Position front seats. 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 ample, with 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet when folded, though slightly reduced in higher trims. The Nautilus was available only with seating for five, prioritizing cargo space over additional seating.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls and a large, legible instrument cluster. The infotainment system ran native Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Super Cruise system provided excellent hands-free driving capabilities, and the 19-speaker AKG stereo delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a stunning 48-inch curved display, customizable for various information. The 11.1-inch touchscreen handled basic infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. While some controls were distracting, the inclusion of Google Maps and Alexa Built-in added convenience. Wireless charging and USB ports were standard, ensuring connectivity throughout the cabin.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. It came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and rear emergency braking.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking. The Blue Cruise 1.2 technology was available on all trims, providing hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. The 2023 Nautilus received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, though the 2024 model had not yet been rated.