Porsche Cayenne vs Lincoln Nautilus

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne presented itself as a versatile SUV, available in both a standard SUV form with a squared-off rear end and a sporty Cayenne Coupe. The trim levels varied from the base Cayenne to the high-performance Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, each with unique exterior features. The GTS trim, which was the focus of this review, boasted high gloss black trim, a distinctive front fascia with larger air intakes, and tinted headlights. Red brake calipers were visible through 21-inch anthracite grey wheels, and the Cayenne Coupe featured an adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from the colour of the cabin to the trim and seat belts. The interior was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that provided additional storage space.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus exuded a stately appearance with a grille hinting at a horse collar design, flanked by squinting eye-slit headlights with winged LED light signatures. The body was wide and proud, featuring a contrasting black roof and pillars, integrated door handles, and a spear-shaped design element along the upper doors. The rear showcased a spoiler and a full-width taillight within a black trim piece. The Nautilus sat on standard 19-inch alloy wheels, with larger options available. Inside, the Nautilus adopted a high-end look with a unique interior layout, featuring a large 48-inch screen at the base of the windshield. The cockpit had a stepped design, and the base Premiere trim offered synthetic leather upholstery, while the Reserve trim upgraded to leather with additional colour options.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, all capable of delivering impressive performance. The base model featured a 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Cayenne S offered a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp, though only available as a coupe. Plug-in hybrid options provided up to 729 hp. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, delivered 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. The GTS could accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 275 km/h. The GTS trim struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and a low centre of gravity. The Cayenne also offered an Off-Road package and a lightweight package for enhanced performance.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus, in contrast, had modest power for its price. The standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produced 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The hybrid version, which was tested, combined the same engine with a larger turbo and an electric motor, resulting in 310 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a smooth and quiet ride. The Nautilus focused on comfort rather than sportiness, with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. The Reserve trim added adaptive dampers for a softer ride. The Nautilus offered various drive modes, but its handling remained soft and spongy. Despite this, the ride was smooth, even with larger wheels.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte customization, with limited standard features. The base model included eight-way power-adjustable seats, heated but not cooled or massaging, and two-zone climate control. The GTS trim added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing for customization of interior materials and features. The Cayenne accommodated five passengers, with a comfortable second row. It could tow up to 3,500 kilograms and had a payload capacity of over 635 kilograms. Cargo space was slightly smaller than competitors, with 772 litres behind the second row and 1,708 litres with seats folded. The coupe version had less space, and plug-in hybrids further reduced cargo capacity.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus prioritized comfort for passengers, with standard power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated front seats, 24-way power front seats with massage, and heated rear seats were available. The second row offered ample space, with 1,095 millimetres of legroom and sculpted seats. Cargo space was generous, with 1,030 litres behind the rear seats and 2,020 litres with seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free version available.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with the Porsche Communication Management system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Spotify, Apple Music, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The system was user-friendly, with quick response times and voice control options. A head-up display provided information to the driver, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne also included four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus took a different approach with a full-width 48-inch screen at the base of the windshield, displaying essential information. An 11.1-inch lower touchscreen handled infotainment controls, including navigation, climate settings, and audio functions. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, a digital key, satellite radio, remote start, and a wireless smartphone charger. The audio system ranged from a standard 10-speaker setup to a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D unit. Lincoln Rejuvenate offered relaxation programs using scent, seating, lighting, and temperature, with calming images displayed on the screen.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system was not tested due to the car's German specifications. The Cayenne had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS for safety.

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane centring steering, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, high beam assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and intersection assist, and automatic emergency braking. Lincoln BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system, was also standard for four years. The Nautilus received a perfect five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.