Toyota RAV4 vs Lincoln Nautilus

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus arrived in three trims: Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label. Each trim showcased a sophisticated exterior design that aimed to redefine Lincoln’s design language. The grille design was reminiscent of a bifurcated design seen on some Mercedes-Benz vehicles, but the Nautilus added its unique twist with LED lighting traversing the grille, illuminating the Lincoln star logo—an eye-catching feature.

The rear design of the Nautilus echoed the horizontal theme with an animated LED light bar spanning the vehicle's width and dual exhaust ports. A notable design feature was the high placement of the door handles, seamlessly integrated into the car’s beltline, which added to its streamlined appearance.

Inside, the Nautilus delivered an impressive interior. The standout feature was the expansive full-width screen that enhanced its immersive experience. Quality materials were plentiful, featuring polished metal accents, ambient lighting, open-pore wood, and fine leather surfaces. Traditional piano key shifters, a Lincoln staple since the mid-1950s, were also present. Buyers willing to spend an additional $3,000 for the Jet Appearance Package received two-tone paint, black exterior trim, and distinct 20- or 22-inch wheels, adding a unique flair.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 projected a tougher demeanor, striving to appear rugged even if its performance didn’t fully match the aggressive styling. The TRD Off-Road model, in particular, featured angular lower gray body cladding, dual exhaust outlets hinting at performance, and fake front and rear skid plates. Off-road-themed versions came with utility-style roof racks to emphasize its adventurous persona.

Our test RAV4 in Army Green, although not the most popular color, boasted practical elements such as a digital rearview mirror and various option packages. The TRD Off-Road version topped the lineup with a base price of $38,295 plus a destination charge of $1,350, bringing the total MSRP to $41,925 including extras.

RAV4’s pricing ranged from the base LE at $28,675 to the top-tier TRD Off-Road at $38,295 for the gasoline models, while hybrids added slight premiums. The interior design of the RAV4 emphasized utility over luxury, highlighted by storage solutions and robust materials meant for easy cleaning. Despite the practicality, it missed out on high-end finishes found in more luxurious competitors.

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 seamless transmission shifts. However, for an additional $1,500, drivers could opt for the hybrid setup offering 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and a notable EPA estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. This hybrid variant also provided an impressive range of over 600 miles.

All Nautilus models featured AWD and five drive modes: Normal, Excite, Conserve, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The hybrid version with its CVT demonstrated none of the typical drawbacks, such as droning or hasty engine speed increases. While not a driver’s car in the vein of a Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5, the Nautilus offered enough performance to engage drivers when needed.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4, conversely, featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. To maximize its power, the engine required high revs. The TRD Off-Road model came equipped with AWD, an exclusive off-road suspension, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. Its Multi-Terrain Select system offered Normal, Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt modes, though its 8.6-inch ground clearance was the same across several RAV4 variants.

The RAV4's off-road suspension improved daily driving comfort, absorbing bumps and irregular road surfaces effectively. Despite its tough exterior, the RAV4's engine was loud and somewhat unrefined, though the eight-speed automatic transmission and dependable engine performance countered some of these shortcomings. Fuel economy for the TRD Off-Road model stood at 28 mpg combined, with our testing averaging 26.6 mpg.

The interior of the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats across all trims, with the Black Label trim offering Lincoln’s 24-way Perfect Position front seats. These seats, inclusive of a continuous massage function, were lauded as some of the most comfortable in the mid-size luxury SUV class, rivaling even luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and Genesis. Rear legroom in the Nautilus was quite generous at 43 inches, accommodating taller passengers with ease.

The Lincoln Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images to create a calming atmosphere, and optional scents added an extra layer of luxury. Cargo space in the Nautilus was respectable with 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with the seats folded, though slightly reduced in higher trims.

The RAV4, designed for practicality, featured a straightforward and utility-focused interior. Equipped with various storage compartments and easy-clean surfaces, the RAV4 was all about function. The TRD Off-Road model offered SofTex artificial leather seats with eight-way power adjustment for the driver, with optional heated and ventilated front seats. The driver’s seat provided ample comfort, and visibility was excellent.

Cargo space in the RAV4 stood at 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded—competitive within its segment. The rear seat’s lower positioning and limited leg support were offset by adequate legroom and soft front seatbacks, making it suitable for carrying four adults comfortably.

The highlight of the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus’s technology suite was the 48-inch curved display, with a digital dash and multiple customizable sections for navigation, weather, audio, and more. The smaller 11.1-inch center touchscreen handled basic infotainment tasks and featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While some controls required navigating through menus, elements like Google Maps and Alexa Built-in added convenience. Wireless charging and multiple USB ports ensured connectivity for all passengers.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 boasted the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or available 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system included Service Connect and Safety Connect free for ten years, providing collision notification and emergency calling. Remote Connect and Drive Connect were free for the first year, offering cloud-based navigation and concierge services.

Despite the sophisticated setup, the RAV4’s system had some usability issues, such as the lack of a multi-panel Home screen and the need to use voice commands for certain functions. The digital voice assistant performed well overall but had occasional shortcomings. An optional JBL premium audio system provided enhanced sound quality, and the available digital rearview mirror improved rear visibility when the vehicle was fully loaded.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus was equipped with the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking. The standout feature was the Blue Cruise 1.2 hands-free/eyes-up technology, available with a subscription after an initial trial period. This system offered adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and an automatic lane-change assist. The 2024 Nautilus had not yet been rated by safety organizations, but the previous year’s model received strong ratings.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 included the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite, though the base LE trim lacked a blind-spot monitoring system. The suite provided adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, which performed better on straight highways. The system included various driver-assistance features, though some were found to be less effective on curvy roads.

Unfortunately, the 2024 RAV4 no longer held its IIHS Top Safety Pick award due to lower ratings in the latest crash tests, indicative of the need for an updated design.