2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2024 Hyundai Kona

Hyundai had designed the 2024 Kona as an electric vehicle (EV) first, and it showed in the SUV’s appearance. The front grille closely resembled that of the Ioniq 5 rather than the first-generation Kona, with its single-piece aesthetic, characteristic of recent electric powertrains. The new Kona adopted Hyundai's “seamless horizon” styling seen on the new Sonata, marked by a slender LED headlight that dominated the front end.

Despite growing nearly six inches longer than its predecessor, the Kona retained its recognizable shape. Upon closer inspection, the changes were evident: The creased "parametric surface" on the doors was a fresh addition, and the black body cladding on the base SE, the SEL, and the top Limited trims now appeared more substantial and angular. The N-Line trim, positioned just below the top in the hierarchy, boasted body-colored wheel arches.

Hyundai equipped the new Kona lineup with the standard LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights across all trims. The “seamless horizon” reappeared at the rear, with a single taillight stretching across the vehicle's width and wrapping around the sides. Wheel sizes varied from 17 inches on the base level to 18 inches on SEL, and to 19 inches on the N-Line and Limited trims.

Inside, the Kona’s cabin received a significant overhaul. The center stack was now driver-focused, and the gear shift had been moved to a stalk on the steering column, freeing up space between the driver and passenger seats for storage. The most striking update was the curved display that housed both the driver-information and infotainment screens. The vents, climate controls, and dashboard had all been redesigned for a more refined look.

Contrastingly, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, available in Premiere, Reserve, or Black Label trims, unveiled a sophisticated and streamlined exterior design. The new grille displayed a striking resemblance to the Mercedes Benz bifurcated design, with LED lighting extending through the grille to illuminate the iconic Lincoln star logo. The rear featured a horizontal aesthetic with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports.

Lincoln added a unique design element by placing the door handles high and incorporating them into the beltline of the car. However, the interior truly stood out. The full-width screen was the centerpiece, providing a breathtaking immersive display.

The remaining interior details were far from mundane. Premium materials, glints of polished metal, ambient lighting, open-pore wood, and fine leather adorned the cabin. Lincoln’s traditional piano key shifter style carried over from the mid-1950s. For an additional $3,000, the Jet Appearance Package introduced two-tone paint, black exterior trim, and black wheels (20 or 22 inches) to the mix.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained the engine lineup of its predecessor. The SE and SEL trims were powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The N-Line and Limited trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters were standard on N-Line and Limited, with the SEL Convenience Package also adding paddle shifters to the CVT for enthusiasts.

During the Kona launch, Hyundai allowed a test drive of the Limited from Baltimore to the Maryland countryside on a hot August day, returning to the city in the N-Line. Pickup felt a bit sluggish even with the turbo, though the intuitive steering and nimble handling were appreciated in narrow city streets. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard across the lineup, with optional all-wheel drive (AWD) available for $1,500. Opting for AWD slightly reduced EPA fuel economy estimates from 26 city, 32 highway, and 28 mpg combined to 24 city, 29 highway, and 26 mpg combined.

In contrast, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power application was smooth, with shifts being subtly backgrounded rather than overtly noticeable. For an additional $1,500, buyers could opt for a hybrid setup that produced 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA estimated 30 mpg in combined driving (compared to 24 mpg combined for the standard engine). The Nautilus hybrid offered a range of over 600 miles.

Every Nautilus model featured AWD and five drive modes, enhancing its versatility. Normal mode catered to everyday driving, offering a cushioned ride with a relaxed steering feel. Excite mode tightened steering, throttle response, and suspension to reduce body roll. The hybrid utilized a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that performed without the usual drone, maintaining an enjoyable driving experience. While the Nautilus wasn't designed as a driver’s car compared to models like the Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5, it had enough zest to satisfy occasional speed cravings.

The added length of the 2024 Hyundai Kona was most noticeable in rear-seat and cargo space. Rear-seat legroom increased to 38.2 inches, three inches longer than the 2023 Kona and six inches more than the Toyota Corolla Cross's back seat. The narrower, molded front seats created a more comfortable space for rear passengers. Headroom saw an increase to 38.3 inches both front and rear with a sunroof. The real news lay in cargo capacity, which expanded from 19.2 to 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and a whopping 63.7 cubic feet with them folded down — nearly 20 cubic feet more than the first-gen Kona. The Kona Limited now included a power hands-free liftgate, making it easier to access the ample cargo space.

Interior storage was enhanced with a handy shelf on the passenger side of the dashboard, ideal for items like phones or sunglasses, while a “guardrail” kept phones in place on the wireless charging pad. However, the center console had a short and shallow tray that wasn’t ideal for larger items. Seat options included cloth for SE and SEL trims, while N-Line sported a leather/suede combination, and Limited featured Hyundai’s H-Tex leatherette. For the first time, ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on Limited, while heated front seats were standard from N-Line upwards or optional on SEL with the Convenience Package.

For the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, all trims featured power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats. The Black Label model offered the pinnacle of comfort with Lincoln's 24-way Perfect Position front seats, which some of the most comfortable in the mid-size luxury SUV class, including massage functions that operated continuously until manually turned off. Rear seats, while not as luxurious, still boasted heat (on the top trim) and an impressive 43 inches of legroom, more than what was available in competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE.

The Lincoln Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images to create different moods, similar to Mercedes-Benz’s Energizing Comfort. Additionally, a scented cabin with options like Mystic Forest or Ozonic Azure added an extra layer of luxury. In terms of cargo space, the Nautilus offered 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with the seats folded down in the Premiere trim, slightly reducing space in the Reserve and Black Label trims. Although seating was limited to five passengers, Lincoln maximized cargo room, preferring it over cramped third-row seating options found in some competitors.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona saw several notable technological upgrades. A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen display became standard across the lineup, compared to the 8-inch display standard in the 2023 model with a 10.25-inch screen for higher trims. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were temporarily limited to the lower trims, Hyundai promised an over-the-air (OTA) update to add wireless connectivity to the top trims soon. For now, N-Line and Limited trims, as well as SEL with the Convenience Package, had to rely on wired connections but benefited from wireless device charging and a new Wi-Fi hotspot. The upgraded stereo system was provided by Bose, replacing the previous Harman Kardon system. Two USB-C ports in the front and two in the rear ensured ample connectivity for passengers.

Dual 12.3-inch screens were standard on higher trims, providing a panoramic view in a curved housing. OTA update capability was now standard, and Hyundai’s Bluelink connected services came included for the life of the vehicle.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a massive 48-inch curved display that was truly a highlight. The left side of the screen served as a digital dash for the driver, with customizable sections displaying weather, audio, fuel economy, tire pressure, and trip mileage. Graphics were crisp and vibrant. A smaller 11.1-inch touchscreen on the center console handled infotainment duties, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Permanent HVAC control icons ensured ease of use, though adjusting vents required navigating menus, which was distracting.

Unlabelled steering wheel controls added another layer of distraction as drivers had to touch the right or left side for audio or ADAS controls respectively, which took time to master. However, the inclusion of Google Maps and Alexa Built-in offered voice controls, enhancing convenience. OTA updates ensured the system stayed current, and wireless charging was standard, with USB-A and -C ports throughout the cabin.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona came well-equipped with advanced driver-assistance safety features even on lower trims. The 2023 Kona’s standard Safe Exit Warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance were carried over, with notable additions for 2024. High-beam assist became standard, adaptive cruise control was included on N-Line and Limited trims, and the Limited trim also gained Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor.

Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist suite of Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features impressed during the test drive. Lane-keep assist handled highway curves smoothly without overly corrective actions. The system’s understanding of driver intentions was commendable, though cancellation on backroads could have been more intuitive.

Conversely, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured the comprehensive Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features as standard. These included lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. However, Blue Cruise 1.2 technology stood out, offering hands-free/eyes-up driving on pre-mapped highways in North America. Premiere and Reserve trims came with a 90-day trial, while Black Label trims had a four-year standard inclusion. Blue Cruise combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, with new features like automatic lane-change assist and In-Lane Repositioning for better spacing from larger vehicles.

The NHTSA had not yet rated the 2024 Nautilus, but the 2023 model received five stars for frontal and side crash protection and four stars for rollover protection. The IIHS rated the 2024 model “Good” in crashworthiness but had not yet evaluated the latest model in front crash prevention or child restraint systems.