2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, was a nod to the past with its retro body stripes and heritage grille design. It featured bronze 17-inch wheels and badges, along with a numbered plaque on the dashboard, marking its exclusivity out of 4,040 units. Available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior, the 40 ASE was based on the SR5 trim level and added $3,330 to its price. The 4Runner lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $51,050 to $66,220, plus a $1,930 destination charge. The 40 ASE test vehicle, priced at $54,380, exuded a nostalgic charm with its 1970s-inspired design elements, while its truck-based SUV stance and solid interior build quality added to its enduring appeal.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve trim in Canada showcased a sophisticated and streamlined exterior design, hinting at a new direction for Lincoln. Its grille, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz's bifurcated design, featured LED lighting that illuminated the Lincoln star logo. The rear boasted a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports, while the profile incorporated high door handles into the beltline. The interior was a highlight, with a full-width screen as its crown jewel. The cabin materials were of excellent quality, featuring ambient lighting, open-pore wood, and fine leather. The Jet Appearance Package, available for an extra $3,750, added two-tone paint, black exterior trim, and 22-inch wheels, enhancing the Nautilus's luxurious appeal.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive (4WD), with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Two 4WD systems were available: a part-time 4WD system and a full-time 4WD system on the Limited trim. The 4Runner's fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the 40 ASE averaging 13.9 L/100 km. It offered 24.4 centimetres of ground clearance and standard Active Traction Control, with additional off-roading technologies like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. The 4Runner's performance was impressive off-road, but its on-road dynamics were less refined, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a brake pedal that lacked finesse.

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, available for an additional $3,500, offered 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with a fuel economy of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The gas-only engine consumed 9.8 L/100 km combined. The hybrid's range exceeded 950 kilometres, making it a practical choice for long drives. The Nautilus featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with an adaptive suspension available for enhanced performance. While not a driver's car, the Nautilus provided a comfortable and capable ride, with the hybrid setup offering a smooth and efficient driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's rear window, which powered down into the tailgate, was a standout feature, providing excellent ventilation. The interior offered comfortable seats, with the 40 ASE featuring SofTex artificial leather. Dual-zone climate control and numerous storage locations were available, though some lacked rubber liners. The second-row seating area was spacious, with good legroom and USB charging ports. A third-row seat was optional but compromised cargo space and comfort. The cargo area offered 1,337 litres of space behind the second row, with a bumper that doubled as a seat and a 120-volt AC power outlet.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, with the 24-way Perfect Position seats offering exceptional comfort. The rear seats provided 1,095 millimetres of legroom, accommodating taller passengers. The Lincoln Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images for relaxation, while a scented cabin added to the luxurious experience. The Nautilus offered 997 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,947 litres with the seats folded down. It was available only with seating for five, prioritizing cargo space over a third-row option.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was straightforward, with traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It featured Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with optional upgrades like a navigation system and JBL premium sound. The infotainment system's voice recognition performed well, though it lacked some modern features found in newer Toyotas.

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

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating from the IIHS for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. The Blue Cruise 1.2 technology offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, with an annual subscription model after four years. The 2023 Nautilus received five stars from the NHTSA for frontal and side crash protection, and the 2024 model earned a "Good" rating from the IIHS for crashworthiness.