2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was available in Canada in four trim levels, ranging from the RAV4 LE at just over $35,000 to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited, priced above $45,000. The design remained consistent with the 2019 model, particularly in the Trail trim, which featured a distinctive two-part face. The Trail trim, tested in its US equivalent, showcased a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and additional rugged styling elements like a faux skid plate and bridge-type roof rails. However, these features were more aesthetic than functional, giving the RAV4 a rugged appearance without significant off-road capabilities. Inside, the Trail trim added orange accents, contrast stitching, and a frameless rearview mirror, offering a touch of premium feel in an otherwise basic interior.

In contrast, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted in Canada exclusively in the Reserve trim, showcasing a sophisticated and streamlined exterior design. The new grille, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz's bifurcated design, featured LED lighting that illuminated the Lincoln star logo, creating a stunning visual effect. The rear design mirrored this horizontal aesthetic with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The interior was a highlight, with high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and textures like open-pore wood and fine leather. The 2024 Nautilus also offered a Jet Appearance Package for an additional $3,750, adding two-tone paint, black exterior trim, and 22-inch wheels.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) across all trims, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which, while preferable to a CVT, did not enhance acceleration significantly. The RAV4's performance was more "unobjectionable" than "exciting," with a noticeable engine noise. The Trail trim included 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and shared the same suspension setup as other RAV4 models.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For an additional $3,500, buyers could opt for a hybrid setup, delivering 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with a fuel efficiency of 7.7 L/100 km combined. The hybrid model also boasted a range of over 950 kilometres. The Nautilus featured AWD and five drive modes, with an available adaptive suspension for enhanced performance. The hybrid's CVT was well-tuned, avoiding the typical droning associated with such transmissions.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was designed to seat five, offering 958 mm of front headroom and 1,001 mm in the rear with the moonroof. Front legroom measured 1,039 mm, while the rear offered 960 mm, making it competitive in its class. The RAV4 provided ample storage options, including a shelf along the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space was 1,059 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, with the option for 24-way Perfect Position seats offering exceptional comfort. Rear legroom was a generous 1,095 mm, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Nautilus included the Lincoln Rejuvenate feature, combining massage, lighting, and screen images for relaxation. Cargo space was 997 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,947 litres with the seats folded. The Nautilus was available with seating for five, prioritizing cargo space over additional seating rows.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with over-the-air updates. The Limited trim also featured an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system and a 12.3-inch driver-information display.

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 system included Google Maps, Alexa Built-in, and over-the-air updates. However, some controls required navigating through menus, which could be distracting.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with the TSS 2.5 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash-testing.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Blue Cruise 1.2 technology offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, with features like automatic lane-change assist. The 2024 Nautilus had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2023 model received high scores for crash protection.