2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, available exclusively in Reserve trim in Canada, showcased a sophisticated and streamlined exterior design, hinting at a new direction for Lincoln. Its grille, reminiscent of a bifurcated Mercedes-Benz design, featured LED lighting that extended through the grille, illuminating the Lincoln star logo. The rear mirrored this horizontal aesthetic with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The interior was a standout, with a massive full-width screen as its crown jewel. High-quality materials, ambient lighting, and textures like open-pore wood and fine leather adorned the cabin, although the piano key shifter style was a traditional Lincoln element that some might not favour. The optional Jet Appearance Package added two-tone paint, black exterior trim, and 22-inch wheels for an extra $3,750.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, differentiated itself as a luxury SUV with upscale looks and toned-down styling compared to other Lexus models. The TX 350 Executive package included striking 22-inch wheels that enhanced its presence. Available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, the TX offered a range of prices from $72,036 to $87,486, with the TX 550h+ expected to start over $90,000. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard AWD. The Ultra Luxury package added premium interior features, but the dark Peppercorn interior felt too sombre despite the panoramic glass sunroof. Overall, the TX 350's interior was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

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 setup delivered smooth power application and unobtrusive shifts. For an additional $3,500, the hybrid option offered 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and an impressive fuel economy of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a range exceeding 950 kilometres. The hybrid's CVT avoided typical droning issues, and the Nautilus featured five drive modes, with the adaptive suspension enhancing the driving experience. While not a driver's car, the Nautilus could satisfy occasional performance desires.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed an acceleration time of roughly eight seconds to 100 km/h, though the SUV felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a test average of 13.8 L/100 km. The suspension provided a balance between road feel and comfort, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, with the 24-way Perfect Position front seats providing exceptional comfort, thanks to a continuous massage function. Rear seats, while not as luxurious, offered 1,095 millimetres of legroom, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Lincoln Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images for relaxation. Cargo space was generous, with 997 litres behind the second row and 1,947 litres with seats folded. The Nautilus seated five, prioritizing cargo space over a third row.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. The second-row bench seat was comfortable, though lacking a massage function. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with stadium-style seating and ample leg support. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with seats folded, and 2,746 litres with the second row down. The TX offered numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a stunning 48-inch curved display, with a customizable digital dash and crisp graphics. An 11.1-inch touchscreen handled basic infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. HVAC controls were permanent icons, but vent adjustments required navigating menus. Unlabelled steering wheel controls were a distraction, though Google Maps and Alexa Built-in added convenience. Wireless charging and USB ports were standard.

The 2024 Lexus TX included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with a head-up display and surround-view camera in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen, with Drive Connect subscription offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were easy to use, and the TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came with the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, including 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.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist offered additional braking and steering assistance. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds, though Lexus did not offer a higher-speed system.