The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Review: A Classy SUV for the Digital Age

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus is coming to shake up the top-shelf of the mid-tier lux SUV sector. Armed with fancy new tech, a redesign, and an emphasis on bliss, this Lincoln aims to transform your commuter miles into a first-class cabin 35,000 feet up in the skies. Does it live up to those promises, though, or is it an empty suit? Join us as we try to find out.

A Dapper Exterior

The Nautilus has always been easy on the eyes, but 2024 cranks it up a notch. Lincoln bestows subtle tweaks on the front end, adding brighter LED lighting and a tad more sparkle to the grille…let’s call it subtle sophistication, not Vegas neon lights.

Available in several sumptuous hues, including Crystal Red and Diamond Blue, the Nautilus also has a variety of wheel options, including 19-inch wheels as well as an immense (our pick) set of 22-inch wheels. Its design can be adjusted to take on however much style you want to give it in the moment.

What’s it Got Under the Hood?

The 2024 Nautilus is furnished with one of two powertrains, and, although it is not a speed demon, there is enough pep in its step to keep drivers happy.

  • 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4:
    • 250 horsepower, 275 lb-ft of torque.
    • Silky smooth for your daily commute
  • 2.7L Twin-Turbocharged V6:
    • 335 horsepower, 380 lb-ft of torque.
    • For those who want a bit more oomph

Each comes coupled with an 8-speed auto and includes all-wheel drive as standard. Whether you’re dashing across town or cruising down the Interstate, the Nautilus feels well-sorted and composed, though it’s not worth your time to attempt drag-racing a BMW X5 M.

Enter to the World of Tech

The inside is the real showstopper in the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. Lincoln has thrown the old playbook away and gone balls to the wall on tech, luxury, and comfort.

Interior Features
  • Massive 48-Inch Display:
    • Yes, that’s right—48 inches of digital real estate stretch across the dashboard, fully integrating the instrument cluster and infotainment screen
    • It’s brash, futuristic, and surprisingly user-friendly
  • Premium Materials:
    • Open-pore wood, brushed aluminum, and soft-touch leather are everywhere
    • Even its base trim feels a cut above its price bracket
  • Available Ambient Lighting:
    • Choose your vibe with a variety of colors —great for date night or soothing road trips
Comfort & Space
  • Space for five with plenty of legroom in front and back
  • Optional 24-way power-adjustable front massaging seats
  • Cargo space is ample, at 37.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to a nice 68.8 cubic feet with them folded.

Trims & Options: Find the Perfect One for Your Style

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus is available in three trims, and there’s something to suit every taste and budget.

  1. Standard:
    • 2.0L Turbo engine, synthetic leather seats, and 18″ wheels
    • Lincoln Co-Pilot360 safety suite (adaptive cruise, lane-keeping assist, auto emergency braking)
    • Ideal for anyone who values luxury but knows better than to break the bank.
  2. Reserve:
    • Adds leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a 14-speaker Revel audio system
    • Adds some more customization options such as bigger wheels and better tech packages
  3. Black Label:
    • The best of the best with the 2.7L V6, unique interior themes, and 21-inch wheels
    • Comes with membership in Lincoln’s Black Label program, which offers benefits like complimentary maintenance and concierge services
Interesting Add-Ons
  • Ultra Comfort Package: Because some of us need to sit in royalty with ventilated, massaging seats
  • Dynamic Handling Package: Adaptive suspension for more comfortable, oil-sporty driving
  • Monochromatic Appearance Package: A sexy, but also sort of sinister, all-blacked-out look. Think Darth Vader

A Smooth Operator

Out on the road, the 2024 Nautilus is all about comfort — and composure. The suspension handles potholes with polished ease, and the cabin is hush-quiet, via active noise cancellation. Lincoln has clearly put making the drive as stress-free as possible high on its agenda, and it shows.

What About the Handling?

The Nautilus doesn’t handle sportily, mind you, but it feels pretty stable and confident in corners. The optional adaptive suspension provides a bit more finesse, but if you’re after razor-sharp dynamics, you might want to look at rival German alternatives.

Fuel Economy
  • 2.0L Turbo: EPA estimated at 21 mpg in the city/26 mpg on the highway
  • 2.7L V6: A little thirstier at 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway.

The Nautilus Competition

The luxury mid-size SUV segment is packed with heavyweights. Here’s how the Nautilus stacks up against some of its main rivals:

  1. Lexus RX
    • Strengths: Dependability, hybrid availability, tech-heavy interior
    • Why It’s a Threat: The RX is a storied model in this category that has an army of loyalists
  2. BMW X5
    • Strengths: Nimble handling, strong available engines, high-quality interior
    • Why It’s a Threat: It’s a higher-driving experience, even if it’s at a higher price
  3. Genesis GV80
    • Strengths: Beautiful and more daring design, lavish interior, competitive pricing
    • Why It’s a Threat: Genesis has been on fire, and the GV80 is a stunner
  4. Volvo XC90
    • Strengths: Safety, Scandinavian style, hybrid powertrains
    • Why It’s a Threat: For those who enjoy understated luxury, the XC90’s minimalist styling is difficult to beat
  5. Acura MDX
    • Strengths: Nimble handling, a respectable amount of room, and an overall great value
    • Why It’s a Threat: Doles out the sporty edge without compromising on practicality

Some Pros and Cons of the Lincoln Nautilus

Pros
  • Gorgeous 48-inch display and tech-forward cabin
  • Comfortable, serene ride quality
  • Plenty of standard features for the price
Cons
  • Not as fun to drive as some competitors
  • Fuel economy could be better
  • Limited engine options

Final Take: Should You Give the Nautilus a Try?

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus is a strong player in the luxury mid-size SUV game. It’s not the flashiest or sportiest of possible choices, but there’s no shortage of comfort or elegance (and some pretty cutting-edge tech, to boot). Regardless of whether you’re heading into work or out of town for the weekend, the Nautilus is that friend who always knows how to keep things chill.

But don’t take my word for it…what do you think? Is the Lincoln Nautilus the perfect combination of style and substance, or would you be better served by one of its myriad luxury SUV rivals? Plop ’em in the comments here.

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