2024 Lincoln Nautilus SUVOTY Review: Lincoln at Its Best?

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The Nautilus takes the Lincoln badge to another level and gives us hope for the future of American luxury. The third-generation Nautilus does not try to be German or overly sporty. It is comfortable in its American skin as a dynamic cruiser with off-road capability when needed, plus a hybrid option to improve efficiency.  

We appreciate the Lincoln’s attention to detail, from the illuminated logo up front to the gorgeous big glass volume button. There is an unexpected wow factor when you step inside. This Black Label trim has rich saddle brown Alcantara and leather seats with perforations to showcase the white layer below and match the stitching and piping. They are comfortable and well-bolstered, offering top-notch massages, but the mechanism is a bit loud. Lincoln uses an impressive amount of high-end, soft materials and lighting to create a soothing atmosphere, enhanced by the scents that waft through the cabin and the excellent Revel sound system. 

The 48-inch screen that spans the width of the car is set low for good visibility without overwhelming the occupants, and you can put it into a relax mode for night driving. The squircle-shaped steering wheel is designed to enhance visibility of the screen with its flat top. Its corners also serve as nice thumb rests.  

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We were surprised how quickly we learned to use the infotainment system and impressed that designers did not constrain themselves to traditional shapes and forms. “They’ve really embraced both in the graphics and the animations all the possibilities that a screen gives you,” features editor Scott Evans said. Ford’s Sync system is gone, replaced by a new digital experience that uses Android Automotive OS and offers the full Google Suite as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, setting a benchmark in how to integrate a host of systems so that all work together, with none blocking the use of others. The haptic controls on the steering wheel for cruise control and other commands to appear on the head-up display are also well executed; it is easy to see and use.   

The Nautilus rides on a new platform and has new powertrains: a 250-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 with an eight-speed automatic transmission or the efficient hybrid with its 300-hp gas-electric combination and continuously variable automatic transmission. The result is a vehicle with light and responsive steering; power comes on smoothly, it feels nimble and takes a curve gracefully, the suspension is supple, and the SUV rips in the deep sand. Braking can grab too harshly, especially at low speeds, though there is noticeable tire slap with the Black Label’s available 22-inch wheels (buy smaller rims!).  

The BlueCruise driver assist with lane change worked flawlessly, and the Nautilus has a high safety rating.  

Overall, the Nautilus makes no apologies for its cushy ride, technical director Frank Markus said, noting some understeer and a transmission that does not downshift aggressively. The whole mission of the Nautilus is to pamper and reduce stress on drives long or short, and it accomplishes that fabulously. Most of the goodness is available on the lower trims, as well. 

Gone are the days when Lincoln was synonymous with older generations. This new Lincoln is designed for young people who want to feel special, and it delivers on that promise. After driving it, even our opinionated senior features editor Jonny Lieberman said, “I think I’m a Lincoln man.”

This review was conducted as part of our 2025 SUV of the Year (SUVOTY) testing, where each vehicle is evaluated on our six key criteria: efficiency, design, safety, engineering excellence, value, and performance of intended function. Eligible vehicles must be all-new or significantly revised.

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