Compare the2024 Lexus RXVS 2023 Lincoln Nautilus

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The RX offers optional Intuitive Parking Assist with Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Nautilus doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

Both the RX and Nautilus have rear cross-traffic warning, but the RX offers optional Parking Support Brake (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Nautilus’ Cross-Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

The RX’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Nautilus doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the RX and the Nautilus have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Lexus RX is safer than the Nautilus:

	RX	Nautilus
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	97	208
Neck Tension	201 lbs.	402 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.67 in	.87 in
Shoulder Force	178 lbs.	268 lbs.
Torso Deflection Rate	5 MPH	6 MPH
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	90	260
Neck Tension	45 lbs.	156 lbs.
Neck Compression	45 lbs.	89 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	1.14 in	1.5 in
Shoulder Force	245 lbs.	424 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.3 in	1.57 in
Torso Deflection Rate	8 MPH	11 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	469 lbs.	535 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Lexus RX achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Nautilus has not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

Warranty

The RX’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Nautilus’ (6 vs. 5 years).

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Lincoln vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 37 more problems per 100 vehicles, Lincoln is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Lincoln vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Lincoln is rated lower.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Lincoln vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus first in overall reliability. Lincoln is ranked 23rd.

Engine

The RX has more powerful engines than the Nautilus:

	Horsepower	Torque
RX 350 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder	275 HP	317 lbs.-ft.
RX 450h+ 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid	304 HP
RX 500h F Sport Performance 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	366 HP	406 lbs.-ft.
Nautilus 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder	250 HP	280 lbs.-ft.
Nautilus 2.7 turbo V6	335 HP	380 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Motor Trend the RX 450h+ 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Lincoln Nautilus turbo 4 cyl.:

	RX	Nautilus
Zero to 60 MPH	5.8 sec	7.3 sec
Quarter Mile	14.4 sec	15.6 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	97.1 MPH	88.8 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the RX running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Nautilus:

			MPG
RX
	FWD	350 2.4 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/29 hwy
	AWD	350h 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	37 city/34 hwy
		500h 2.4 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	27 city/28 hwy
		350 2.4 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/28 hwy
Nautilus
	FWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/26 hwy
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/25 hwy
		2.7 turbo V6	19 city/25 hwy

The RX 450h+ can travel with zero emissions for 37 miles. The Nautilus can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the RX 350h/500h/450+’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Nautilus doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The RX has a standard locking fuel door with a power remote release convenient to the driver. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Nautilus. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Lexus RX higher (7 out of 10) than the Lincoln Nautilus (5 to 6). This means the RX produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Nautilus every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The RX offers an available continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Nautilus doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the RX F Sport’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Nautilus:

	RX F Sport	Nautilus
Front Rotors	15.7 inches	13.8 inches

The RX’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Nautilus are solid, not vented.

Tires and Wheels

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the RX has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Nautilus.

Suspension and Handling

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the RX is .4 inches wider in the front and 1.8 inches wider in the rear than on the Nautilus.

The RX 450h+ executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Nautilus Reserve AWD (26.8 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 27.6 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the RX 500h F Sport Performance’s turning circle is 3.9 feet tighter than the Nautilus’ (35.4 feet vs. 39.3 feet). The RX’s turning circle is .5 feet tighter than the Nautilus’ (38.8 feet vs. 39.3 feet).

Passenger Space

The RX has .3 inches more front hip room and .4 inches more rear hip room than the Nautilus.

Towing

A Trailer Sway Control is standard on the RX, using the Vehicle Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the Nautilus.

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Lincoln. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 43% lower rating, Lincoln is ranked 12th.

Ergonomics

The RX’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Nautilus does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The RX offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Nautilus doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The power windows standard on both the RX and the Nautilus have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the RX is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Nautilus prevents the driver from operating the rear windows just as it does the other passengers.

The RX’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Nautilus’ cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The RX’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Nautilus’ standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the RX has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Nautilus only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The RX Luxury/500h F Sport offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Nautilus doesn’t offer headlight washers.

When the RX is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Nautilus’ mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The RX Premium/Luxury/F Sport has standard front air conditioned seats and the RX offers them optionally in the rear. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The Nautilus doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats in the rear.

The RX Premium+/Luxury/F Sport’s optional Advanced Park can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Optional Remote Advanced Park will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Nautilus (except Standard)’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park and it doesn’t offer remote control parking.

Economic Advantages

The RX will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the RX will retain 58.33% to 60.37% of its original price after five years, while the Nautilus only retains 46% to 49.16%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Lexus RX will be $1669 to $7339 less than for the Lincoln Nautilus.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Lexus RX and the Lincoln Nautilus, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RX first among midsize premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Nautilus was rated third.

The Lexus RX outsold the Lincoln Nautilus by almost five to one during 2023.

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