2025 Lincoln Nautilus Review: Gadget Overload? Not a Problem
The definition of a luxury car is a moving target. Is it the latest tech? Sumptuous comfort? Brand cachet? The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus aims to check all those boxes, and after spending a week with it, I’m ready to declare: mission accomplished.
Earlier, I had the chance to drive the Lincoln Corsair, comparing it to its Ford sibling, the Ford Escape. With the Ford Edge’s discontinuation, there wasn’t a similar Ford model to benchmark the Nautilus against. However, after my time behind the wheel, it feels more Lincoln than Ford.
As my mom put it: “The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label was really nice.” The Nautilus is unique, not having a direct Ford equivalent currently and made primarily in Ford’s Hangzhou plant in China. Ford and Lincoln invested heavily in bringing the Nautilus to American roads, but was it worth it? I can’t speak to macroeconomics, but I can certainly tell you what it is like to live with it.
Smooth Hybrid Power
While the mechanical aspects aren’t the main focus, they certainly add to the overall appeal of the Nautilus. The model I drove was a hybrid, pairing a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 310 horsepower. It’s also fitted with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Together, these components deliver a remarkably smooth driving experience. You won’t feel any gear changes – just effortless forward motion when you step on the accelerator. Lincoln claims the hybrid achieves 31 miles per gallon. In my typical, spirited driving style, I saw figures closer to the mid-20s.
A Luxurious and Thoughtful Interior
The interior is where the Nautilus truly separates itself. The design is unique, modern, and undeniably luxurious. The Cadillac Escalade feels like a private jet, and the BMW X6 is an art piece. The Infiniti QX60 offers a more traditional take on luxury. The Nautilus, on the other hand, features a massive screen that stretches across the entire dashboard; it is almost the focal point of the driving position.
The expansive four-foot-wide screen displays everything from weather updates and music selections to turn-by-turn navigation. I was initially wary of the screen but found it highly functional. Having a live map and weather forecasts readily available is convenient. Over the course of the week, the screen blended into the periphery, becoming less ostentatious.
Sitting inside the Lincoln proved to be a pleasant experience. The seats are incredibly comfortable, and the interior felt like a welcome escape from the elements.
It’s filled with features that would make a Neiman Marcus catalog blush. The scent diffuser is just one example. To list every feature inside the Nautilus would take a solid 5,000 words. The front seats are 24-way power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and massaging, while rear passengers also get heated seats. The “Redwood Venetian Leather” on the seats was visually appealing.
The Price of Luxury
Now comes the less pleasant part: the price tag. The base 2025 Lincoln Nautilus starts at $51,890, which is not terrible. This particular model, however, was a Black Label hybrid, which starts at $74,950. The Black Label trim includes a 28-speaker Revel sound system, the 24-way power seats, the scent diffuser, Ford’s BlueCruise driver assistance, a panoramic sunroof, and an undeniable sense of luxury. Additional options on the test vehicle were an additional $2,000 for the color called “Chroma Caviar Dark Gray Metallic”, a “Jet Appearance Package” for $3,000, and $2,000 for 22-inch wheels. Add the $2,000 hybrid drivetrain and a $1,595 destination charge, and you’re looking at a final price of around $83,545.
The Verdict
Over $80,000 for a midsize crossover is a significant investment. However, in comparison to its competitors it’s not out of line with other models in its segment.
Ultimately, I can’t find anything wrong with the 2025 Nautilus, aside from fuel economy. It’s a truly great car, enjoyable, and comfortable.
With the Lincoln, there are clearly features galore, but you can enjoy them at your own pace. Its approach to luxury is appreciated and it is genuinely a great and enjoyable vehicle.
