2025 Lincoln Nautilus: A Pleasant Surprise
David Booth here, and I’ve got to say, the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus has completely changed my perspective on the brand. For years, I’ve dreaded testing Lincolns, especially regarding their seats. However, this time, I was pleasantly surprised.
One of the first things I noticed about the Nautilus, the subject of this test, is its exceptional seating. The contouring of the seats is a game-changer, especially for someone like myself, with a history of back issues. Previous Lincolns have offered numerous adjustments, but none seemed to provide comfort for longer than half an hour, and the Corsair suffered the same issue.
I expected the same, but for the first time in almost a decade, I was genuinely comfortable. No dull ache, no shooting pain, not even a hint of numbness. I didn’t need to fiddle with the seat controls, which is a stark contrast to previous experiences. This comfort allowed me to appreciate the rest of the redesign, especially the interior. I felt at ease and the design grew on me, in fact, it was comely and even somewhat sexy. The car handled well, although the suspension was a little stiff.
Nadine, you also drove the Nautilus. What were your first impressions?
Nadine Filion: Well, first, take my driving position into account: back straight and close enough to the steering wheel so you don’t have to “hold” it up. Besides, our Lincoln had three memory seat positions, so you could have made good usage of this “save-our-couple” function.
That said, the seats are fantastic. It’s a relief that you finally found comfort in a Lincoln. I’ve always liked Lincoln seats so much that I’ve wanted them as furniture in our living room. They are so good that I slide into them like I am going into a hot tub, and they offer strong “recovery” massages. I also love the calf supports that can be raised individually. It’s brilliant. If Lincoln sold a chair like this, it would be my first choice.
BlueCruise: A Mixed Bag
Speaking of technology, we should turn to BlueCruise, the Level 2 autonomous system. It was a little disappointing in this Nautilus. On the same roads where we tested the new Ford F-150 and experienced a smooth, almost hands-free drive, the Nautilus system didn’t offer the same level of sophistication. Even in good weather, it only gave me a few minutes of hands-free driving before requesting my attention to take back control. However, the BlueCruise 1.4 is on its way, so perhaps this will fix the issue. If the issue could be solved, I might lust over the new Lincoln as much as I lust after the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
A Gigantic Screen and Spacious Interior
DB: One of the biggest surprises for me was the massive gauge set and infotainment screen. Stretching nearly the entire width of the dashboard, the 48-inch curved screen is the most modern in the Ford lineup in its class. Unlike some competitors, the screen isn’t crammed with useless data or plagued by confusing menus. It is divided into five sub-sectors, including gauges, GPS, and configurable displays. I set it up to show the radio, trip meter, and temperature, with each “tile” providing minimal, easy-to-read information.
This design choice makes the information clear and less distracting than smaller, multi-functional screens. The infotainment technology has become my favorite development of the last few years.
NB: I also found the big OLED screen to be a highlight of the Nautilus. The graphics are gorgeous, and the screen even participates in a relaxing program called Rejuvenate, while the car is parked. The system offers a relaxing experience and I love it when I’m in a car.
Other “Jeez, I love this” items in the Nautilus are the spacious cabin, as much for the passengers (front and rear) as for luggage. You know how much stuff I bring for a weekend away at my house in Quebec? Well, I could have brought more stuff, and the cargo would still have some space left. It’s also got one of, if not the best sound-insulation in the market, giving the cabin a plush, rich, high quality fell.
Performance and Fuel Economy
DB: The 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine proved surprisingly smooth. While it sounded rough during a cold snap, it quickly smoothed out and delivered a silent, vibration-free ride. The eight-speed transmission also shifted smoothly. The engine, as a result, is more than reasonable in power, peaking at 250 horsepower and with a top torque of 275 pound-feet. The fuel economy is also respectable, and the turbocharger reacts with minimal lag. The throttle response is exceptional, and you don’t mind keeping your foot in it.
NB: Fuel economy was another positive surprise. Driving in “Conserve” mode, at the legal speed limit, the Nautilus averaged just over 9 L/100 km after 150 kilometers. After driving a bit faster on the highway, and driving on wintery Laurentian roads using “Excite” or “Slippery” the Nautilus still returned 9.8 L/100 km after almost 1,500 km. This level of efficiency is quite surprising in a non-hybrid mid-size SUV.
Hybrid Option
DB: Indeed, there is a hybrid variant of the Nautilus available in Canada. The good news is that its 100-kilowatt electric motor boosts output to 310 horsepower, making it quicker to 100 kilometers per hour. It’s also more fuel-efficient, averaging 7.7 L/100 km overall. The main issue, however, is that the Nautilus Hybrid is manufactured in China and is therefore affected by tariffs when importing into Canada. Still, at a starting price of $61,000, the Nautilus is a good deal in Lincoln’s lineup.
