Did you forget about the Lincoln Nautilus? You’re not alone. This mid-sized SUV occupies a somewhat ambiguous space between the budget-friendly Corsair and the robust, rear-drive-based Aviator. With prices ranging from approximately $45,000 for the base model to nearly $70,000 for the Black Label variant, the Nautilus has often been perceived as less of a value compared to the similarly-priced Corsair and Aviator.
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus significantly transforms its offering, both in size and appearance. In terms of dimensions, the 2024 model features a 114.2-inch wheelbase that is 2.0 inches longer, with the overall length increasing from 190.0 inches to 193.2 inches. Additionally, it is now 2.0 inches taller and 1.1 inches wider, and the wheel track has been extended by four-tenths of an inch in the front and six-tenths in the rear. The new Nautilus is also more visually appealing from all perspectives.
Gallery: 2024 Lincoln Nautilus
The new design language, Quiet Flight 2.0, feels more modern than past Lincoln designs, sharing stylistic similarities with the non-North American Zephyr rather than the Aviator or Navigator models available in the U.S. The front features a light strip that connects to the Lincoln badge and merges into the sleek, angular headlights, while a robust grille sits above a rather intricate front fascia.
The Nautilus may not have a traditionally beautiful front end, but it exudes a modern vibe, especially with the Black Appearance package. The taillights mirror those of the Zephyr, with influences from the Audi Q8 also present. The side profile, characterized by a pronounced beltline and sloping roofline, is reminiscent of the Aviator, resulting in a more attractive vehicle than its predecessor.
As striking as the exterior is, the interior design makes an even stronger impression. Replacing the previous 12.3-inch gauge cluster and 13.2-inch touchscreen, Lincoln has introduced a unique dashboard featuring dual 23.6-inch displays. The left display functions as an instrument cluster, while a thin bezel separates it from the right display, creating an illusion of a seamless screen.
Drivers can customize the two displays, which can access a 5G data source, alongside Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa for enhanced functionality. When asked about possible distractions this system could create, Lincoln representatives noted that customer preferences lean toward having displays closer to their line of sight. Additionally, an 11.1-inch touchscreen is included alongside the larger displays and combines with steering wheel controls as the primary user interface for the Nautilus’s new tech suite. These configurations come standard, with even more advanced options available for higher trims.
An innovative feature is the Lincoln Rejuvenate system, which integrates ambient lighting, screens, and massage functions from the optional 24-way adjustable seats with soothing music. The system also releases selected scents into the cabin, with three options available – Mystic Forest, Ozonic Azure, and Violet Cashmere – though initial impressions of the aromas could be quite intense. Fortunately, the system allows drivers to adjust the scent intensity at three different levels.
On a more practical note, Lincoln offers the BlueCruise 1.2 hands-free driver assistance system (available free for the first 90 days, then requiring a four-year connected service plan). This updated tech suite features lane change assistance and in-lane repositioning, making driving less burdensome. While optional, Lincoln asserts that this new Nautilus will come standard with more active safety features than any other vehicle in its class.
The 2024 Nautilus is powered by two newly developed engines. The base engine is an enhanced turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, shared with the Corsair, delivering 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive standard. A hybrid variant combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with a continuously variable transmission, alongside a 100-kilowatt electric motor and an unspecified battery to yield 310 horsepower. The hybrid model also features continuously controlled dampers and standard 21- or 22-inch wheels, though both powertrain models share many similarities otherwise.
When asked about the potential for an all-electric Nautilus, the company provided no specific comments. The current model is manufactured at a facility in Oakville, Ontario, which Ford is transforming into an electric vehicle hub with a $1.3 billion investment. While the 2024 Nautilus is built on a modified version of Ford’s C2 platform alongside the Chinese-market Evos at the automaker’s Changan Hangzhou factory, it would be poetic for this nameplate to return to Oakville as an electric vehicle.
The new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus is set to hit North American dealerships in early 2024. However, interested buyers can place a no-deposit order on Lincoln’s consumer website now. Further details regarding pricing and fuel economy will be announced in the coming months.
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