Subaru Ascent vs Lincoln Nautilus

In 2024, the Lincoln Nautilus appeared more refined and streamlined. Available in three trims—Premiere, Reserve, or Black Label—the exterior design leaned towards a sophisticated evolution in Lincoln's overall aesthetic. The grille, resembling a bifurcated Mercedes-Benz design, incorporated LED lighting that extended into the grill and elegantly illuminated the Lincoln star logo, creating a striking visual effect.

This horizontal light style was echoed at the rear with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. Unique to the Nautilus were its high-mounted door handles, cleverly integrated into the beltline, a subtle design twist that enhanced the car's profile.

Inside, the Nautilus impressed with its lavishly appointed cabin. Central to the interior's allure was the immersive full-width screen. Complementing this were high-quality materials like open-pore wood and fine leather, punctuated by polished metal accents that exuded luxury. Ambient lighting and varied textures further enriched the cabin environment. Despite mixed feelings about the piano key shifter—a Lincoln staple since the mid-1950s—the interior remained a high point.

An optional Jet Appearance Package, costing an additional $3,000, allowed customization with two-tone paint, black exterior trim, and unique interior elements, including black 20- or 22-inch wheels, depending on the model.

Conversely, Subaru's aesthetic efforts with the 2024 Ascent were less successful. Despite being offered in various trims—Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Onyx Edition Limited, and Touring—the vehicle's design choices weren't as appealing. The 2024 model maintained the previous year's controversial styling changes, characterized by bold, almost aggressive design elements, including prominent tusks and a spear-like feature running across the grille into the headlights.

Prices for the Ascent ranged from $34,395 to $48,695, excluding a $1,345 destination charge. The top-tier Touring trim, tested at an MSRP of $50,181, included high-end features such as a panoramic sunroof, premium Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a navigational system, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a camera-based rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera, presenting a comprehensive package.

However, unlike the poised Nautilus, the Ascent's interior exuded functionality over flair. The design, true to Subaru's practical brand ethos, sometimes felt modular, almost like a giant Lego set, prioritizing usability over modern sophistication.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus could be powered by either a turbocharged four-cylinder engine providing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, or an upgraded hybrid option. The base engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth power and unobtrusive gear shifts. However, the hybrid setup, costing an additional $1,500, upped the ante with 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid boasted an impressive EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined, with real-world tests suggesting a total range exceeding 600 miles. In contrast, the non-hybrid variant managed 24 mpg combined.

Each Nautilus model came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and five distinct drive modes, with the adaptive suspension enabling optimal performance across various conditions. While its normal mode sufficed for comfortable city driving, the Excite mode tightened steering and suspension for a more engaging drive. Additional modes included Conserve, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, tailored for different terrains.

The hybrid's continuously variable transmission (CVT) avoided the usual pitfalls of droning or over-eager engine speeds, although the Nautilus wasn't designed as a driver's car. Those seeking spirited drives were better off with alternatives like the Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5.

Comparatively, the 2024 Subaru Ascent, powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, demonstrated solid performance. Paired with a CVT, the engine provided ample power across a broad RPM range, efficiently driving all four wheels with active torque vectoring. Notably, the Ascent offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, dropping to 2,000 pounds for the Base trim.

The Ascent excelled in diverse environments, from urban settings to off-road trails. Its robust platform managed urban speed bumps and rutted terrains with ease, delivering a rally-like performance on winding gravel roads. Still, its prowess was compromised by its hefty curb weight and softly tuned suspension, making twisty mountain roads a challenge. Fuel economy was another weak point; with 20-inch wheels, the Ascent achieved 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. Real-world usage fell short, with test drives reflecting 16.7 mpg city and 18.6 mpg overall, but its 19.3-gallon fuel tank allowed for a decent range of 325 miles.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus aimed for ultimate comfort with its power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats. The Black Label model's standout feature was the 24-way Perfect Position front seats, considered the epitome of luxury in the mid-size SUV class. These seats offered continuous massage functionality, a rarity among competitors where massage functions typically timed out.

Rear seat passengers enjoyed a generous 43 inches of legroom, surpassing the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. Although the rear seats lacked the same luxurious features as the front, they were heated in the top trim. The Lincoln Rejuvenate feature used massage, lighting, and screen images to create relaxing moods, akin to Mercedes-Benz’s Energizing Comfort.

Cargo space in the Nautilus was ample, with 36 cubic feet available behind the second row, expanding to 71 cubic feet with seats folded. However, premium trims like Reserve and Black Label offered slightly less space. Notably, the Nautilus's five-seating configuration meant giving up on the possible third row that some competitors offered, but this sacrifice often favored additional cargo space.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent emphasized practicality. The cabin featured thoughtful touches like a dashboard shelf, large cupholders, backpack pegs, and cargo hooks. Touring trim models boasted Nappa leather seats, heated and ventilated for optimal comfort, although the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster.

Rear doors opened nearly 90 degrees, facilitating easy loading and unloading, crucial for families with children. The roof rails, capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, could accommodate a rooftop tent.

While second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, legroom was relatively limited compared to rivals. The third row offered acceptable comfort for short trips, with relatively easy access and sufficient air conditioning vents and storage space.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 75.6 cubic feet with all rear seats down. These figures were slightly diminished with the panoramic sunroof option.

In 2024, the Lincoln Nautilus's technological centerpiece was its 48-inch curved display, part digital dash, part customizable infotainment hub displaying weather, audio, fuel economy, tire pressure, and more. Crisp graphics and vibrant colors enhanced the interactive experience. The console featured a smaller 11.1-inch touchscreen handling traditional infotainment tasks with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Despite the distraction of using touchscreen controls for HVAC adjustments, other tech inclusions like Google Maps, Alexa Built-in, gaming, and web browsing provided a comprehensive tech package, complemented by over-the-air updates, wireless charging, and USB ports throughout the cabin.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent utilized the Starlink infotainment system, highlighted by an 11.6-inch touchscreen in portrait orientation. The system supported Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and text messaging. Higher trims included connected services such as Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

Although the display suffered visibility issues in direct sunlight and the native voice-recognition system was subpar, physical controls for common functions mitigated these drawbacks. Upper trims with Cabin Connect projected the driver's voice through the speakers, facilitating easier communication with passengers. A surround-view camera and camera-based rearview mirror further enhanced the high-end Touring trim’s tech offerings.

The Nautilus was equipped with the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. The standout feature was Blue Cruise 1.2, a hands-free/eyes-up system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, with Premiere and Reserve trims receiving a 90-day trial, while Black Label models enjoyed it for four years.

While official safety ratings for the 2024 model were pending, the 2023 Nautilus had received five-star scores for frontal and side crash protection, and four stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated it "Good" in crashworthiness, though it hadn’t provided updated scores for front crash prevention or child seat systems.

Known for safety, the Subaru Ascent garnered high marks. The NHTSA awarded it five stars in all categories except rollover resistance, where it earned four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ for 2023.

Equipped with the comprehensive EyeSight package, the Ascent featured automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. Upgraded trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic reverse braking, and a driver monitoring system with facial recognition.

However, the latest EyeSight tech had issues, particularly with lane-centering assist, which showed uncertainty around freeway exits and entrances. Various driving scenarios, such as navigating the winding Conejo Grade, revealed the system's resistance to driver inputs, creating instability and uncertainty.