Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Lincoln Nautilus

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including the destination charge, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could upgrade to higher trims like XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an optional feature. The test vehicle arrived in the top Platinum trim with all-wheel drive and an All-Weather Floor Liners accessory package, priced at $54,718. Minimal changes were made to its appearance for 2023, with the addition of a new Cypress Green paint color and standard power-folding exterior mirrors for Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was considered over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was criticized for its mismatched textures, reflections, and a lack of perceived quality, despite being quiet on the road.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted with a more sophisticated and streamlined exterior design, featuring a new grille with LED lighting extending through it and illuminating the Lincoln star logo. The rear design included a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports, while the profile incorporated door handles into the beltline. The interior was highlighted by a full-width screen, with excellent quality materials like open-pore wood and fine leather. The Jet Appearance Package offered additional customization with two-tone paint and black exterior trim. The Nautilus's design was seen as a step forward for Lincoln, combining elegance with modern technology.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The SUV weighed 4,430 pounds in Platinum trim, and the electric motors assisted with acceleration and low-speed electric-only driving. However, the gas engine's torque was limited to 175 pound-feet, resulting in weak high-speed passing power. The Highlander Hybrid offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an additional Trail mode for AWD models. Despite its focus on fuel economy, the test vehicle returned only 28.7 mpg compared to the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a noisy CVT, making it suitable for city and suburban driving rather than engaging or exciting journeys.

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 and 295 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid's range exceeded 600 miles, though the Lexus RX hybrid offered better fuel economy. All Nautilus models featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with adaptive suspension available for enhanced performance. The hybrid's CVT was noted for its smooth operation, and while not a driver's car, the Nautilus provided a satisfying driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate seven or eight passengers, though most models featured second-row captain’s chairs, making it more suitable as a two-row model. The interior included three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was cramped and best used occasionally. The Highlander offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with the second row down. However, the interior storage design was criticized for being complex and lacking lining, affecting utility and noise levels.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus provided power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, with the Black Label model offering 24-way Perfect Position seats with massage and extended heating 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 measured 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with the seats folded in the Premiere trim, slightly less in higher trims. The Nautilus seated five, prioritizing comfort and cargo space over additional seating.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum trims featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected service plans included Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect, with Drive Connect offering advanced features like Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle also had a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, though the graphics and controls were criticized for lacking intuitiveness and contrast.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a striking 48-inch curved display, with customizable sections for various information. An 11.1-inch touchscreen handled basic infotainment tasks, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. HVAC controls were accessible via permanent icons, though vent adjustments required navigating menus. Steering wheel controls were touch-sensitive, displaying options on the screen, but could be distracting. The Nautilus included Google maps, Alexa Built-in, gaming, web browsing, and over-the-air updates. Wireless charging and USB ports were standard throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Hybrids included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with Limited and Platinum trims adding parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well, though it occasionally struggled with lane changes and rural roads. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and collision notifications. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus included the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite, featuring lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. Blue Cruise 1.2 technology offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, with automatic lane-change assist and In-Lane Repositioning. The 2023 Nautilus received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the 2024 model had not yet been rated.