Imagine picking up a rental car for a long road trip and finding yourself in a 2022 Lincoln Nautilus. It’s a decent enough SUV, comfortable and familiar, but it hardly screams excitement. Think of it as the automotive equivalent of comfortable sweats – perfectly acceptable, but not exactly making a statement. Driving a rental spec Nautilus, you might find yourself experiencing just that – a competent but unremarkable vehicle. The interior plastics are reminiscent of budget containers, the infotainment feels dated, and the engine performs adequately without inspiring any thrills. It gets the job done, reliably transporting you from point A to point B, but it’s not something that ignites passion.
Returning home from such a trip, the reviewer was met with a surprise: a 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, the latest model, ready for a press review. Typically, press vehicles are top-tier trims, showcasing the best a manufacturer has to offer, a stark contrast to rental versions. Expecting a modest upgrade from the rental experience, the reality of the 2024 Nautilus proved to be dramatically different.
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus marks the dawn of a new generation, and it is nothing short of a complete transformation. This isn’t a minor refresh; it’s a full-blown reinvention. The difference between the rental 2022 model and the press fleet 2024 Nautilus Black Label is akin to a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. Where the older model was understated and functional, the 2024 version emerges as a head-turning luxury SUV, ready to command attention.
Lincoln has truly elevated the Nautilus for 2024. The exterior design is striking, featuring a bold grille that immediately establishes its presence. However, the interior is where the 2024 Nautilus truly shines. Stepping inside is like entering a high-end lounge, with materials and design that could rival even luxury marques like Bentley. The cabin is adorned with rich textures, and the seats offer armchair-like comfort, a world away from the basic cloth of a rental car. Technology takes center stage with a revolutionary infotainment system.
Gone is the dated system of the previous generation. In its place is a sprawling 48-inch screen that dominates the dashboard, a futuristic and immersive display that houses all vehicle information and controls. This cutting-edge technology is seamlessly integrated and incredibly intuitive, making the older system feel generations behind. And those seats? They are not merely seats; they are meticulously crafted thrones. The Black Label trim enhances this further with massaging front seats that feel genuinely therapeutic, unlike the often-token massage features found in lesser vehicles.
The driving experience in the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus is equally transformed. While the 2021 rental Nautilus performed its basic function, the 2024 model feels engineered with genuine passion for driving pleasure. The engine is responsive and refined, and the ride quality is exceptionally smooth, striking a perfect balance between comfort and road feedback. Driving the 2024 Nautilus is an event. It’s a vehicle that draws admiring glances and conveys a sense of sophisticated craftsmanship and luxury.
This isn’t just transportation; it’s an experience. The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus encourages you to take the scenic route, to savor the drive. The leap from the older generation to the new model is astonishing. It’s a shift from black and white to vibrant color. The 2024 Nautilus isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a complete reimagining of what a luxury SUV can be.
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus doesn’t just outdate the 2021 model; it relegates it to a bygone era. Having experienced both, the choice is unequivocally clear. The older Nautilus is simply a vehicle to get you there. The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, however, makes you question why you would ever settle for anything less than extraordinary. This Lincoln Nautilus Review highlights the monumental leap Lincoln has achieved, transforming the Nautilus from a capable rental to a truly desirable luxury SUV.
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label
MSRP: $74,250
MSRP (as tested): $80,845
Engine: 2.0 liter inline 4
250 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm, 280 lb-ft torque @ 3,000 rpm
Fuel Mileage (EPA): 21 city, 29 highway, 24 combined
Fuel Mileage as tested (mixed conditions): 26 mpg
Curb Weight: 4,349 lbs.
Exterior Dimensions
Length: 193.2 in.
Overall width with mirrors: 85.4 in.
Height: 68.2 in.
Wheelbase: 114.2 in.
Interior Dimensions
Front head room: 39.1 in.
Front leg room: 43.5 in.
Front shoulder room: 58.9 in.
Front hip room: 56.8 in.
Rear head room: 38.4 in.
Rear leg room: 43.1 in.
Rear shoulder room: 58.0 in.
Rear hip room: 56.3 in.
Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 35.2 cu.ft.
Maximum cargo capacity: 68.8 cu.ft.
Warranty
Basic: 4 yr./ 50,000 mi.
Drivetrain: 6 yr./ 70,000 mi.
Rust: 5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside assistance: Unlimited yr./ unlimited mi.
Free maintenance: 4 yr./ 50,000 mi.
