2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

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 Mercedes-Benz's bifurcated 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 the highlight, with a full-width screen as its crown jewel. The materials used were of excellent quality, featuring polished metal, open-pore wood, and fine leather. The piano key shifter style, a Lincoln tradition since the mid-1950s, was a notable design element. An optional Jet Appearance Package added two-tone paint, black exterior trim, and 22-inch wheels for an additional $3,750.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, resembled a luxury SUV. Its sculptural sheet metal created a compelling interplay of light and shadow, contributing to a low, long, athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90 featured an elegantly rendered interior with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear. However, the ergonomics were a point of contention, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate panel switchgear. Despite these issues, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to most midsize three-row crossover SUVs from mainstream brands.

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 efficiency of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The hybrid also boasted a range of over 950 kilometres. All Nautilus models featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with the adaptive suspension enhancing the driving experience. The hybrid's continuously variable transmission (CVT) was surprisingly smooth, making the Nautilus a capable, if not sporty, option.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain variants, with the standard-output 3.3 Turbo generating 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, or 340 hp with premium gas. The CX-90's eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive system aimed to enhance driving dynamics. The CX-90's maximum towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and it offered various drive modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing. However, the drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour, especially when cold. Despite these issues, the CX-90 provided impressive ride and handling, with a firm suspension that communicated road conditions effectively.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, with the 24-way Perfect Position front seats providing exceptional comfort. The 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 to create different moods. Cargo space was generous, with 997 litres behind the second row and 1,947 litres with the seats folded down. The Nautilus was available only with seating for five, prioritizing cargo space over additional seating.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, in Signature trim, featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The three-zone climate control system struggled to maintain a comfortable temperature. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and the second-row captain’s chairs offered comfort, though seat-track travel was limited. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults. Cargo space was practical, with 451 litres behind the third row, 1,155 litres with the third row folded, and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened. However, storage options were limited, with an emphasis on style over practicality.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a stunning 48-inch curved display, with a customizable digital dash and a smaller 11.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment duties. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, though adjusting the vents required navigating through menus. The steering wheel controls were unlabelled, adding to the distraction. However, the inclusion of Google Maps, Alexa Built-in, and over-the-air updates were appreciated. Wireless charging and USB ports were available throughout the cabin.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring the use of a knob and buttons. The voice recognition system was lacking, but a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The 12-speaker Bose audio system provided a rewarding listening experience, and the Active Driving Display offered helpful data. However, the blind-spot monitoring system's audible warnings were excessive.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came equipped with 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 features like automatic lane-change assist and In-Lane Repositioning. The 2024 Nautilus had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2023 model received high scores for crash protection.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of the few midsize, three-row SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It also earned five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, with a four-star rollover resistance rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The driver aids were effective, though the audible warning systems were excessive.