Congrats to the Lincoln Nautilus, MotorTrend's newly named 2025 SUV of the Year! The midsize luxury two-row crossover took this year's honors following a comprehensive five-day evaluation process. Lincoln says its premium SUV stood out from the competition thanks to its elegant and sporty exterior, excellent driver assist features, interior comfort, and user-friendly, in-vehicle digital experience system.
"I can't say I am surprised! I spent a week with the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label, and the technology the Lincoln folks put into this 2-row SUV is incredible as are the luxury amenities," said Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds. "This is a well-earned honor for a stunning SUV that made my head spin."
MotorTrend tested the all-new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid Black Label in its evaluations, which also included the Rivian R1S, Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus GX550, Hyundai Santa Fe, GMC Hummer SUV, and the Mercedes G Wagen. The awards are based on six key criteria: safety, efficiency, value, advancement in design, engineering excellence, and performance of intended function.
“The right SUV is the perfect combination of style, comfort, and first-class driving experience – and the Nautilus delivers on every front. Each occupant, including backseat passengers, feels valued,” said Ed Loh, MotorTrend Group’s Head of Editorial. “The Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid also combines a compelling luxury experience mixed with uncompromised fuel efficiency, all at a competitive price.”
The Nautilus was all-new for 2024. The two-row, five-passenger sUV slots between Lincoln’s larger three-row, seven-passenger Aviator and smaller two-row, five-passenger Corsair. The hybrid model tested delivered a MotorTrend cited 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Standard non-hybrid models deliver 250 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque.
Lincoln says its mission was to make the SUV "feel like an oasis on wheels". The automaker says MotorTrend’s expert team of editors appreciated the luxury feel of the entire SUV and was specifically impressed by the quality of design and attention to detail involved in the interior, from the quality of the seats to the massive 48-inch panoramic display.
“The all-new Nautilus has been an absolute game changer for the Lincoln brand,” said Dianne Craig, president, Lincoln. “Not only does the Nautilus reimagine the cabin experience for our clients, it also takes our sanctuary to the next level with new connected experiences. This recognition from MotorTrend shows how we are delivering differentiated products for our clients and validates the transformative journey that the Lincoln brand is on.”
Lincoln says the all-new Nautilus which launched earlier this year is helping drive growth for Lincoln. Through the third quarter of this year, Nautilus saw a 39 percent sales increase compared to the prior year, which Lincoln says helped the overall brand to a sales lift of 25 percent year-to-date.
The winning Nautilus model had a base price of $79,445 as tested. For more analysis, check out MotorTrend’s SUV of the Year story here.
Photo: Lincoln.
