2025 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve AWD Review

 

Intro

The luxury SUV market has been heating up. While the German automakers continue to dominate with their traditional offerings, American luxury brands are making significant strides to reclaim their position. Lincoln, Ford's luxury division, has been quietly working on transforming itself from a comfortable but old-fashion brand into a serious competitor in the premium segment.

Last year saw the complete redesign of the Nautilus, Lincoln's mid-size luxury SUV. This third-generation model represents a dramatic departure from its predecessor, with a focus on technology, wellness, and refined driving dynamics. Thanks to a Lincoln Canada, I had the chance to test drive the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve for one week. Below is my unbiased review.

Exterior

The exterior design of the 2025 Nautilus is elegant and modern. At 193.2 inches long, 76.9 inches wide, and 68.2 inches tall, the Nautilus commands presence on the road without being ostentatious. The design language is distinctly Lincoln, with smooth, flowing lines that convey sophistication rather than aggression.

At the front, Lincoln's signature grille features a mesh pattern that flows seamlessly into the body. The adaptive LED headlamps are sleek and modern, incorporating daytime running lights that give the Nautilus a distinctive face. The illuminated Lincoln star in the grille adds a touch of elegance that's particularly striking at night – a feature unique to Reserve and Black Label trims.

The profile showcases the Nautilus's balanced proportions, with a gently sloping roofline that maintains rear headroom while providing a coupe-like silhouette. Our Reserve tester came equipped with the Jet Appearance Package, featuring stunning 22-inch satin dark luster wheels with satin chrome inserts. These wheels, combined with the Diamond Red Metallic paint, created a striking combination that turned heads wherever we went.

The rear design is clean and contemporary, with LED taillamps that stretch across the width of the vehicle. The power liftgate operates smoothly, and the hands-free activation works flawlessly when you approach with the key fob. Chrome accents and body-color details complete the refined look.

Overall, the Nautilus strikes an excellent balance between elegance and modernity. It's not as aggressive as a BMW X5 or as flashy as a Mercedes-Benz GLE, but it exudes a quiet confidence that's distinctly American luxury.

Interior

The interior of the 2025 Nautilus is where Lincoln truly shines. This is not an exaggeration – the cabin is one of the most impressive in the segment, rivaling and in some cases exceeding European competitors that cost significantly more.

The centerpiece is undoubtedly the 48-inch panoramic display that spans nearly the entire width of the dashboard. This isn't just a gimmick – it's thoughtfully executed, positioned high enough to keep your eyes near the road while providing a wealth of information. The display can be customized with various themes (Constellation, Engage, Inspire, and Tranquil), and you can arrange widgets for media, navigation, weather, and vehicle information according to your preference. An 11.1-inch center touchscreen handles the primary controls and works in conjunction with the larger display.

The seats in our Reserve tester were trimmed in premium leather with a Light Smoked Truffle color scheme. They're among the most comfortable seats I've experienced, with 24-way power adjustment that allows you to find the perfect position. The seats are heated, ventilated, and include Active Motion massage with multiple settings. The front seats also feature memory settings and power lumbar support.

Rear seat passengers are treated to generous space, with 43.1 inches of legroom – more than most competitors in this class. The rear seats are also heated and feature a 60/40 split-folding design. Headroom is adequate, though taller passengers might find it slightly tight if the panoramic Vista Roof is equipped.

Material quality throughout the cabin is exceptional. Soft-touch surfaces dominate, with real metal accents and high-quality plastics in the few places they appear. The attention to detail is impressive – from the knurled volume knob to the ambient lighting that can be customized in multiple colors.

One unique feature is the Lincoln Rejuvenate system, available on the Reserve with Equipment Group 203A. This multisensory experience combines massage seats, ambient lighting, calming visuals on the displays, curated soundscapes, and even aromatherapy through the Digital Scent diffuser. While it might sound gimmicky, it's genuinely relaxing and transforms the vehicle into a mobile sanctuary. The five or ten-minute sessions offer themes like waterfall and nature scenes, and I found myself using it more than expected during the week.

Infotainment

Lincoln calls their system the Lincoln Digital Experience, and it's powered by Google Built-In. This means you get native Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice control, and access to apps through Google Play. The system also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The interface is intuitive and responsive, a vast improvement over previous Lincoln systems. The combination of the 48-inch display and the 11.1-inch touchscreen provides plenty of real estate for multiple functions simultaneously. You can have navigation on the main display while controlling audio and climate through the center screen.

The Reserve comes standard with a 14-speaker Revel audio system, but our tester was equipped with the optional 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system as part of the Equipment Group 203A. The sound quality is absolutely phenomenal – rich, clear, and immersive. It's one of the best audio systems I've experienced in any vehicle.

Wireless charging is standard, as is a Wi-Fi hotspot (requires a subscription after the trial period). There are multiple USB ports throughout the cabin for charging devices. The SiriusXM satellite radio comes with a three-month prepaid subscription.

The one area where the system falls slightly short is the heavy reliance on touchscreen controls. Many functions that could be physical buttons require diving into menus. While the screens are responsive, there's something to be said for the tactile feedback of traditional controls.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2025 Nautilus comes standard with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.2 Vision, one of the most comprehensive safety suites in the segment. Standard features include:

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert
• Lane-Keeping System with Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
• 360-Degree Camera
• Evasive Steering Assist
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• SOS Post-Crash Alert System

The standout feature is BlueCruise, Lincoln's hands-free highway driving system. This comes standard on all 2025 Nautilus models with a four-year subscription included at no additional charge. BlueCruise works on over 200,000 kilometers of prequalified "Hands-Free Blue Zones" across North America – essentially most major highways.

Unlike some competitor systems, BlueCruise allows true hands-free driving while a driver-facing camera monitors your attention. The system handles acceleration, braking, and steering smoothly, and it can even change lanes with a simple turn signal activation. It's remarkably confidence-inspiring and makes highway driving significantly less fatiguing.

Driving

The 2025 Nautilus Reserve is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift manual mode and paddle shifters.

Let's be honest – 250 horsepower doesn't sound like much for a vehicle weighing over 4,500 pounds. However, in practice, the powertrain is more than adequate for daily driving. The turbo delivers strong low-end torque, making the Nautilus feel responsive in urban environments and during highway merging. The 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.3 seconds is competitive for the class.

The eight-speed automatic is smooth and intelligent, shifting seamlessly in normal driving. The transmission responds well to throttle inputs and downshifts promptly when you need to pass. Manual mode via the paddle shifters is responsive, though you'll rarely need it.

Our Reserve tester came with the adaptive suspension, which is part of the Jet Appearance Package. This system provides five drive modes: Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. In Normal mode, the Nautilus delivers a supremely comfortable ride, absorbing road imperfections with ease while maintaining excellent body control. Excite mode firms things up slightly for more dynamic driving, though the Nautilus never pretends to be a sports SUV.

The steering is appropriately weighted and precise, if not particularly communicative. This is a comfort-oriented vehicle, and the steering calibration reflects that philosophy. Road and wind noise are exceptionally well-controlled, contributing to the serene cabin atmosphere. Lincoln even includes active noise control to further reduce unwanted sounds.

The all-wheel-drive system is standard and operates seamlessly, though you'll rarely notice it working. This isn't a serious off-roader, but it provides confidence in adverse weather conditions and can tow up to 1,750 pounds with the optional trailer tow package.

If there's a criticism, it's that the Nautilus doesn't offer much driving excitement. This is a vehicle designed to transport you in supreme comfort, not to attack canyon roads. For buyers seeking engaging dynamics, the BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne would be better choices. But for those prioritizing comfort and refinement, the Nautilus excels.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is rated at 9.8 L/100km combined (11.2 city, 8.1 highway) according to Natural Resources Canada. During our week-long test, which included a mix of city and highway driving, we achieved 10.3 L/100km. That's respectable for a mid-size luxury SUV, though not class-leading. The Lexus RX hybrid and some European diesel competitors offer better efficiency.

For those seeking better fuel economy, Lincoln offers a hybrid powertrain that achieves 7.8 L/100km combined. The hybrid adds 60 horsepower for a total of 310 hp and delivers noticeably quicker acceleration (0-60 mph in approximately 6.9 seconds). However, it uses a CVT transmission instead of the conventional automatic, which may not appeal to all buyers.

Cargo Space & Storage

The Nautilus offers practical cargo capacity for a two-row luxury SUV. Behind the second row, there's 35.2 cubic feet of space in Reserve and Black Label models (36.4 cubic feet in the base Premiere trim). With the 60/40 split rear seats folded using the EasyFold release, capacity expands to 68.8 cubic feet (71.3 in Premiere).

The cargo area is well-shaped and usable, with a power liftgate and hands-free operation. The slightly lower capacity in higher trims is due to the additional sound insulation and premium materials, though the difference is negligible in real-world use.

Small item storage is adequate. The center console is large and features a wireless charging pad. Door pockets are generously sized, and there are cupholders throughout the cabin. The Digital Scent diffuser cartridges are located in the center console, easily accessible for changing fragrances – Lincoln offers scents like Violet Cashmere, Ozonic Azure, and Mystic Forest.

One clever feature is the adjustable cargo management system with tie-downs, which helps keep items secure during transport.

Verdict

The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve represents a remarkable achievement for American luxury. It offers a level of comfort, technology, and refinement that rivals European competitors costing thousands more. The interior is genuinely world-class, with the 48-inch display, exceptional seats, and innovative features like BlueCruise and Lincoln Rejuvenate setting it apart from the competition.

The Nautilus isn't perfect. Some will find the styling too conservative, the powertrain could be more powerful, and the heavy reliance on touchscreen controls may frustrate some users. But these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise an exceptionally well-executed luxury SUV.

For $82,595 as tested (including the Jet Appearance Package and other options), the Nautilus Reserve delivers remarkable value. It's priced competitively with base versions of European competitors while offering more standard equipment and a uniquely American take on luxury – one that prioritizes comfort and wellness over sporting pretensions.

The vehicle also benefits from Lincoln's comprehensive warranty coverage: four years or 80,000 kilometers for basic coverage, and six years or 110,000 kilometers for the powertrain. Roadside assistance is included for the duration of ownership.

Lincoln has created something special with the third-generation Nautilus. It's a vehicle that makes you want to spend time inside, whether you're driving across the country or simply sitting in your driveway unwinding with the Rejuvenate feature. In a segment filled with competent but often clinical German SUVs, the Nautilus offers genuine warmth and character.

If you're shopping for a mid-size luxury SUV and haven't considered Lincoln, you owe it to yourself to visit a dealer. The Nautilus might just surprise you.

Test Vehicle: 2025 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve AWD

MSRP: $82,595 CAD (as tested)

Color: Diamond Red Metallic