2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2025 Nissan Armada

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus presented a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, available in Premiere, Reserve, or Black Label trims. Its design featured a new grille reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz, with LED lighting extending through the grille to illuminate 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, boasting a full-width screen as its crown jewel, complemented by high-quality materials like open-pore wood and fine leather. The Jet Appearance Package offered additional customization with two-tone paint and black exterior trim.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Armada showcased a high beltline and a taller grille and front fascia, contributing to its imposing presence. The PRO-4X trim emphasized its off-road capabilities with a skid plate and unique front lighting. The Armada's side profile appeared larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. The rear featured C-shaped DRLs and a fashionable red lightbar on higher trims. The Armada offered a range of wheel sizes, with the PRO-4X sporting all-terrain tires and a two-tone paint option for added style.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For an additional $1,500, buyers could opt for a hybrid setup, delivering 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid's range exceeded 600 miles, making it a practical choice for long journeys. The Nautilus featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with an adaptive suspension available for enhanced performance. While not a driver's car, it offered a satisfying driving experience.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, inspired by the GT-R, producing 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous seven-speed, and the Armada offered rear-wheel drive or Nissan's Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive, except for the PRO-4X, which was 4WD-only. The PRO-4X also featured an electronic locking rear differential and adaptive electronic air suspension, providing impressive off-road capabilities. The Armada's towing capacity reached 8,500 pounds, and its updated electric power steering offered a balanced on-road experience.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats across all trims, with the Black Label model featuring 24-way Perfect Position front seats with massage and extended heating functions. Rear passengers enjoyed 43 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Lincoln Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images for relaxation. Cargo space measured 36 cubic feet behind the second row and 71 cubic feet with seats folded, though seating was limited to five.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada Platinum Reserve featured "Zero Gravity" seats, offering comfort with standard eight-way power adjustment, increasing to 12-way on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard on the SL trim, with cooling and second-row heating available on higher trims. The Armada's three-row configuration provided flexible seating options, with increased cargo volume across all rows. The third row offered 32.9 inches of legroom, enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a stunning 48-inch curved display, with a digital dash and customizable sections for various information. An 11.1-inch touchscreen handled infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. While HVAC controls were easily accessible, adjusting vents required navigating menus. Unlabeled steering wheel controls posed a distraction, but Google Maps and Alexa Built-in offered convenient voice controls. Wireless charging and USB ports were standard throughout the cabin.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came with dual screens, 12.3-inch on lower trims and 14.3-inch on higher trims, housed in a flat display unit. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with six USB-C ports. The SL trim added a wireless charging pad and Google Built-In, allowing Google Maps to be viewed on the driver-information display. A head-up display was optional, and a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System became standard on the SL trim, offering an enhanced audio experience.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus included the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, such as lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. Blue Cruise 1.2 technology was available, offering hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. The 2023 Nautilus received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the 2024 model had not yet been rated.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite, with enhanced versions available on higher trims. ProPILOT Assist 1.1 added proactive speed management, while ProPILOT Assist 2.1 offered hands-free highway-driving assist. Nissan Safety Shield 360 included features like traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. A surround-view camera and 3D Around View Monitor were available on higher trims, enhancing visibility and safety.