2025 Lincoln Nautilus Review
Price: 51790 (Premiere), 61010 (Reserve), 74950 (Black Label); Hybrid + ~2000.
Engine/Trans: 2.0L I-4 Turbo/8-spd auto (standard); 2.0L I-4 Turbo + 100kW electric/CVT (hybrid). Both AWD.
Power/Torque: 250 hp/280 lb-ft (std); 310 hp/295 lb-ft (hybrid).
Efficiency (MPG): 21/29/24 (std); 30/31/30 (hybrid).
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The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus stands as a compelling testament to everything Lincoln is doing right, and simultaneously, a perplexing example of what the average luxury auto buyer often misses. What am I on about? The discerning luxury car purchaser frequently gravitates towards the established allure of Lexus, the precision of "zee Germans" (Audi, BMW), or the burgeoning appeal of Genesis. Yes, Cadillac exists, but let’s be honest, beyond the iconic Escalade, much of their lineup feels relegated to the 'upgrade' fleet for rental agencies. This conventional wisdom, however, overlooks a truly magnificent and, frankly, understated brand.
Consider a direct comparison with Genesis. They are often priced similarly across their respective segments, and yes, a Genesis offers a pleasant place to be. But the moment you start interacting with its surfaces and controls, there's a subtle "shallow and hollowness" to them. Now, step inside a comparable Lincoln product, like this 2025 Nautilus, and begin to poke and prod. That unsettling "hollowness" vanishes. It's replaced by a palpable sense of substance, heft, and weight. Everything just feels better, which in turn, elevates your own sense of well-being within the cabin. Closing any door on a new Lincoln resonates with the same authoritative "thunk," a reassuring embrace, whereas closing doors on many Genesis models can often elicit a hollow "tink." This fundamental reassurance of sealing yourself within a truly well-built machine tends to go a bit astray with Genesis.
But I don't want to strictly pick on Genesis. Comparing the 2025 Nautilus to a Lexus RX, Genesis GV70, or BMW X3 reveals just how much the Lincoln oozes an understated luxury, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology that the others simply cannot match. Take the interior, for instance! The Nautilus features an immense 48-inch panoramic display, stretching across the dashboard like a cinematic masterpiece. It feels less like a car interior and more like you’re piloting the bridge of the old Enterprise-D! Compare that to the comparatively pedestrian, often button-laden or smaller-screened interiors found in the Lexus RX, Genesis GV70, or BMW X3 – it’s not even a fair fight. The Nautilus offers a digital experience that's both immersive and intuitive, rather than just functional.
Performance and Powertrains
Under the hood, the 2025 Nautilus offers a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a compelling 250 horsepower, or an available hybrid powertrain pushing out 310 horsepower. Both are paired with smooth, responsive automatic transmissions. This contrasts sharply with the Lexus RX, which offers various powertrains including a 2.4L I-4 Turbo (275 hp) or a 2.5L I-4 Hybrid (246 hp total system), often leaning into more conventional or eCVT setups. The Genesis GV70 and BMW X3, while sporting engaging turbocharged engines (typically around 255-393 hp for the X3 or 300-375 hp for the GV70), often prioritize sportiness over the Nautilus's serene power delivery. The Electrified Genesis GV70, while a stunning EV, is an entirely different proposition drivetrain-wise, running solely on electric power, meaning direct comparisons are challenging with the Nautilus's hybrid/gas options. However, even against the Electrified GV70, the Nautilus maintains its advantage in perceived material quality and the sheer presence of its interior design.
Styling, Space, and Pricing
Styling-wise, the Nautilus maintains Lincoln’s elegant, flowing design language, looking substantial and sophisticated without resorting to aggressive lines or overly busy details. The Lexus RX, in contrast, is bold and angular, the Genesis GV70 is high-style and fashion-forward, and the BMW X3 is sportier. None possess the Nautilus's quiet confidence. In terms of interior space, the Nautilus offers generous room for passengers and ample cargo capacity, often surpassing the dimensions of the RX, GV70, and X3, making it a more practical choice for families or those needing extra utility.
Finally, pricing. The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus starts from around $51,790, which positions it competitively with the Lexus RX (starting around $49,125), Genesis GV70 (starting around $49,435), and BMW X3 (starting around $49,950). The Electrified Genesis GV70 also starts significantly higher, reflecting its EV-only nature. For the price, the Nautilus delivers an experience that simply feels more substantial, more luxurious, and undeniably more forward-thinking than its rivals, offering a truly premium proposition that deserves far more recognition from the luxury buying public.
Yousef Alvi
