Toyota highlander vs lincoln nautilus: battle of the hybrid suvs

The Toyota Highlander and the Lincoln Nautilus are two popular midsize SUVs that offer a blend of comfort, practicality, and style. However, each vehicle has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this comprehensive guide, we will compare the Toyota Highlander vs. Lincoln Nautilus across various aspects to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The Toyota Highlander offers a choice of two engines: a 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horsepower and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid with 243 horsepower. The Lincoln Nautilus, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower.

In terms of fuel economy, the Highlander Hybrid shines with an impressive EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined. The Highlander V6 offers a respectable 23 mpg combined, while the Nautilus falls behind with a combined 23 mpg.

Interior and Features

The Highlander boasts a spacious and well-appointed interior with seating for up to eight passengers. It features a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium audio system.

The Nautilus offers a more luxurious interior with high-quality materials and a focus on comfort. It comes standard with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, a 12-speaker Revel audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. Both vehicles offer a range of advanced safety features, including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.

Cargo Capacity and Towing

The Highlander offers ample cargo space with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down. The Nautilus, meanwhile, provides 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 68 cubic feet with the second row folded.

In terms of towing capacity, the Highlander V6 can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the Nautilus is slightly more capable with a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

Off-Road Capabilities

While neither the Highlander nor the Nautilus is a dedicated off-roader, the Highlander offers an available all-wheel drive system with a multi-terrain select knob for improved traction on various surfaces. The Nautilus, on the other hand, is primarily designed for on-road driving and does not offer any significant off-road capabilities.

Price and Value

The Toyota Highlander starts at around $35,000 for the base L trim. The Lincoln Nautilus, however, has a higher starting price of around $45,000 for the Standard trim.

When it comes to value, the Highlander offers a more well-rounded package with a spacious interior, good fuel economy, and a lower price point. The Nautilus, on the other hand, offers a more luxurious experience with a premium interior and advanced features, but it comes at a higher cost.

Takeaways: Making the Right Choice

The Toyota Highlander and the Lincoln Nautilus are both excellent midsize SUVs that cater to different needs and preferences. The Highlander is the more practical and value-oriented choice with its spacious interior, good fuel economy, and affordable price tag. The Nautilus, on the other hand, offers a more luxurious experience with its premium interior, advanced features, and higher towing capacity. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual priorities and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?
A: The Toyota Highlander V6 has a more powerful engine with 295 horsepower, compared to the Lincoln Nautilus’s 250 horsepower engine.

Q: Which vehicle offers a hybrid option?
A: The Toyota Highlander offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid option, while the Lincoln Nautilus does not offer a hybrid option.

Q: Which vehicle has a larger cargo capacity?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a larger cargo capacity with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, compared to the Lincoln Nautilus‘s 30 cubic feet behind the second row.