Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Lincoln Nautilus

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, including destination charges and fees. In Canada, all-wheel drive was standard, while the U.S. offered a front-wheel drive version. The Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD came with a Special Edition package, and the Limited trim allowed for a Platinum package upgrade. The Limited trim with the Platinum package had an MSRP of $61,800 in Canada. Minimal changes were made to its appearance, with a new Cypress Green paint colour being the only notable update. The design was considered over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was criticized for its mismatched textures and tones, and the quality of materials and controls was deemed subpar. Despite these issues, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride.

In contrast, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus was available exclusively in Reserve trim in Canada, showcasing a more sophisticated and streamlined exterior design. The new grille featured LED lighting that extended through it, illuminating the Lincoln star logo. The rear design included a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports, while the profile incorporated door handles into the beltline. The interior was highlighted by a full-width screen, with excellent quality materials such as open-pore wood and fine leather. The Jet Appearance Package offered additional customization options. The Nautilus's design was praised for its elegance and attention to detail, providing a luxurious and comfortable experience.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, plus a third motor for the rear wheels, creating standard AWD. It delivered 243 combined horsepower, propelling the 2,060-kilogram SUV. The electric motors assisted with acceleration and allowed for low-speed electric-only driving. However, the gas engine's 175 pound-feet of torque limited high-speed passing power. The Highlander Hybrid could tow up to 1,588 kilograms, but power was limited, and brake performance was questionable in mountainous terrain. It offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with a Trail mode for light off-road use. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but real-world results were higher than expected. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a CVT contributing to a lack of engagement.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid option, costing an additional $3,500, provided 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with a fuel consumption of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres. The gas-only engine consumed 9.8 L/100 km. The hybrid offered a range of over 950 kilometres. The Nautilus came with AWD and five drive modes, with adaptive suspension available for enhanced performance. The hybrid's CVT was noted for its smooth operation, avoiding common issues associated with CVTs. While not a driver's car, the Nautilus offered a satisfying driving experience with its Excite mode and adaptive features.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate family needs, seating seven or eight people depending on the configuration. Most models featured second-row captain’s chairs, making the third row suitable only for occasional use. Standard features included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with additional amenities in the Platinum package. The front seats offered power adjustment, though more thigh support was desired. Second-row passengers enjoyed comfort and sunshade protection, while third-row access was tight and uncomfortable for adults. The Highlander offered various storage solutions, though some were criticized for their design and lack of lining. Cargo space was generous, with 453 litres behind the third row and up to 2,387 litres with seats folded.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus provided power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, with the option for 24-way Perfect Position seats offering exceptional comfort and massage functions. Rear seats offered 1,095 millimetres of legroom, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images for relaxation. Cargo space was ample, 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, unlike some competitors.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display with customizable themes. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system featured an 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected services and remote access were standard, with the Drive Connect service plan offering advanced features like natural voice recognition and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, which performed well. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a 48-inch curved display, with a digital dash and customizable sections for various information. An 11.1-inch touchscreen handled basic infotainment tasks, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. HVAC controls were accessible via permanent icons, though vent adjustments required navigating menus. Steering wheel controls were touch-sensitive, displaying options on the screen. Google Maps and Alexa Built-in were included, with gaming and web browsing available when stationary. Over-the-air updates ensured the system remained current, and wireless charging was standard.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid excelled in safety, equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional features in higher trims. The ADAS performed well, though it occasionally struggled with lane changes and rural roads. Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and collision notification. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Blue Cruise 1.2 technology offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, with 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 IIHS rated the 2024 Nautilus as "Good" in crashworthiness, though other ratings were pending.