Toyota Highlander Vs Lincoln Nautilus: Which Luxury Suv Reigns Supreme In 2023?

In the realm of midsize SUVs, two prominent contenders emerge: the Toyota Highlander and the Lincoln Nautilus. Both vehicles boast impressive features, offering a blend of comfort, performance, and versatility. However, discerning buyers may wonder which SUV reigns supreme. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of each vehicle, unveiling their strengths, weaknesses, and unique characteristics to help you make an informed decision. So, buckle up and embark on this journey as we pit the Toyota Highlander against the Lincoln Nautilus in a head-to-head showdown.

Performance and Efficiency: Power and Frugality Unveiled

Under the hood, the Toyota Highlander offers a choice of two powertrains: a 295-horsepower V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission or a hybrid system that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, delivering a combined output of 243 horsepower. The Lincoln Nautilus, on the other hand, features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

When it comes to fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid shines with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The gasoline-powered Highlander achieves 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Lincoln Nautilus, with its turbocharged engine, delivers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Comfort: A Haven of Luxury and Convenience

Inside the Toyota Highlander, you’ll find a spacious cabin with seating for up to eight passengers. The interior boasts a user-friendly layout, with comfortable seats and ample legroom and headroom in both rows. The Lincoln Nautilus offers a more upscale cabin, featuring premium materials, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. Its front seats provide excellent support and adjustability, while the rear seats offer ample space for adults.

Technology and Infotainment: Staying Connected and Entertained

The Toyota Highlander comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system is intuitive to use and responds quickly to inputs. The Lincoln Nautilus boasts a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system features a sleek interface and offers a wide range of features, including a navigation system and a premium audio system.

Safety Features: A Commitment to Passenger Protection

Both the Toyota Highlander and the Lincoln Nautilus come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, traction control, and stability control. The Highlander also offers a blind-spot monitoring system and lane departure alert as standard, while the Nautilus adds adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.

Cargo Space and Versatility: Adapting to Your Needs

The Toyota Highlander offers a generous 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.3 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The Lincoln Nautilus provides 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats, expanding to 68.8 cubic feet with the second row folded.

Price and Value: Weighing the Scales

The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $35,850 for the base L trim, while the Lincoln Nautilus starts at $44,145 for the Standard trim. As you move up the trim levels, the prices increase accordingly. The top-of-the-line Highlander Platinum trim starts at $48,560, while the range-topping Nautilus Black Label trim starts at $65,960.

Wrap-Up: Unveiling the Victor

The Toyota Highlander and the Lincoln Nautilus are both compelling choices in the midsize SUV segment. The Highlander offers a spacious cabin, excellent fuel economy, and a host of standard features, making it a great value for the price. The Lincoln Nautilus, on the other hand, boasts a more luxurious cabin, a larger infotainment screen, and a more comprehensive suite of safety features. Ultimately, the choice between these two SUVs depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, space, and value, the Toyota Highlander is a solid choice. If you seek a more luxurious experience with advanced technology and safety features, the Lincoln Nautilus may be the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions: Unraveling Common Queries

• Q: Which SUV offers better fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander or the Lincoln Nautilus?
• A: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers superior fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, compared to the Lincoln Nautilus’s 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

• Q: Does the Toyota Highlander have more cargo space than the Lincoln Nautilus?
• A: Yes, the Toyota Highlander offers more cargo space than the Lincoln Nautilus. Behind the third row of seats, the Highlander provides 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to the Nautilus’s 16.5 cubic feet. With both the second and third rows folded, the Highlander offers 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Nautilus provides 68.8 cubic feet.

• Q: Which SUV has a more spacious cabin, the Toyota Highlander or the Lincoln Nautilus?
• A: The Toyota Highlander offers a more spacious cabin than the Lincoln Nautilus, with more legroom and headroom in both rows of seats. The Highlander can seat up to eight passengers, while the Nautilus seats five.