The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus arrives with a complete makeover that transforms this midsize luxury SUV into something genuinely compelling. If you've been shopping for a comfortable, well-equipped family hauler that doesn't scream for attention, this might be exactly what you're looking for.
What Makes the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Different
Lincoln went back to the drawing board with the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, and it shows. This isn't just a refresh with new paint colors and updated infotainment. We're talking about a complete redesign that touches everything from the exterior styling to the powertrain options.
The previous generation felt a bit lost in the crowded luxury SUV market. This new version has a clearer identity and actually competes well against established rivals like the Acura MDX, Lexus RX, and Genesis GV80.
Design and Exterior Styling
Front End Appeal
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus gets a fresh face with a redesigned grille that's more cohesive with Lincoln's current design language. The headlights are sleeker, and the overall presence feels more premium without being overly flashy. Lincoln kept things sophisticated rather than going for the bold, in-your-face look that some competitors favor.
Side Profile and Proportions
From the side, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus maintains good proportions with a slightly more athletic stance than before. The roofline flows nicely toward the rear, giving it a modern silhouette without sacrificing headroom for rear passengers. Chrome accents are present but restrained, which keeps the look contemporary.
Rear Design Updates
The rear end received particular attention in this redesign. New taillights stretch across the width of the vehicle, connected by a light bar that's become popular in modern SUV design. It works well here without feeling like Lincoln just followed trends blindly.
Interior Quality and Comfort
Cabin Materials
Step inside the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus and you'll immediately notice the upgrade in materials. Soft-touch surfaces cover most areas you interact with regularly. The leather upholstery feels genuine and substantial, not like the thin stuff some luxury brands try to pass off these days.
Lincoln included real wood trim on higher trims, and it actually looks like wood rather than plastic pretending to be wood. The metal accents have a satisfying weight to them. Everything feels put together with care.
Front Seat Experience
The front seats in the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offer excellent support for long drives. They're not overly firm or too soft, striking a nice balance that works for different body types. Ventilation and heating work quickly, and the massage function actually provides relief rather than just vibrating randomly.
Visibility is good all around, though the thick pillars require a bit of attention when changing lanes. The driving position feels commanding without being truck-like.
Rear Seat Space
Adults will be comfortable in the back seats of the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. Legroom is generous, and the seat cushions provide proper thigh support. Three across is possible but works best with two passengers who get plenty of space to stretch out.
Climate controls for rear passengers are easy to access, and there are enough USB ports to keep everyone's devices charged. The panoramic sunroof adds an airy feeling that makes the cabin feel larger than it is.
Technology and Infotainment
Digital Display Setup
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus features a large touchscreen that handles most infotainment functions. The interface is relatively intuitive, though there's still a learning curve if you're coming from a different brand. Response times are quick, and the graphics look sharp.
The digital gauge cluster can be customized to show different information layouts. Some people love this flexibility, while others might find it unnecessary. Either way, it's easy to read in various lighting conditions.
Connectivity Features
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, both with wireless connectivity on most trims. The system connects quickly and maintains a stable connection. Voice commands work reasonably well for basic functions, though complex requests sometimes require rephrasing.
The available premium audio system delivers impressive sound quality. If you care about your music sounding good, the upgrade is worth considering.
Driver Assistance Technology
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus comes loaded with safety and convenience features. Adaptive cruise control works smoothly in traffic, maintaining consistent following distances without the jerky acceleration and braking some systems exhibit.
Lane keeping assist provides gentle steering inputs rather than aggressive corrections that fight your steering inputs. Blind spot monitoring is reliable, and the 360-degree camera system provides clear views when parking.
Key driver assistance features include:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
- Lane centering assist
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Blind spot monitoring with trailer coverage
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Parking sensors front and rear
- 360-degree camera system
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Engine Options
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offers two turbocharged engine choices. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces adequate power for daily driving and delivers respectable fuel economy. It's smooth and quiet under normal acceleration but can sound strained when you ask for full power.
The upgraded 2.7-liter V6 is the better choice if you regularly carry passengers or tow anything. It provides strong acceleration and never feels like it's working hard. The extra power makes highway merging and passing effortless.
Transmission and Handling
An eight-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties across all models. It's programmed well, selecting appropriate gears without hunting or harsh shifts. Manual control is available through paddle shifters if you want more involvement.
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus prioritizes comfort over sportiness, which suits its character. The suspension absorbs road imperfections well while maintaining decent body control through corners. This isn't an SUV you'll want to throw around on winding roads, but it handles competently when needed.
Ride Quality
Ride comfort is where the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus really shines. Even on broken pavement, the cabin remains quiet and composed. Wind noise is minimal at highway speeds, and tire noise is well-controlled. Lincoln clearly focused on creating a serene driving environment, and they succeeded.
Fuel Economy Considerations
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus achieves competitive fuel economy for its class. The four-cylinder engine delivers better numbers at the pump, making it suitable for buyers who rack up significant mileage. Real-world fuel consumption tends to match EPA estimates reasonably closely with normal driving.
The V6 sacrifices some efficiency for performance, but the difference isn't dramatic. If you need the extra power, the fuel economy penalty is manageable. All-wheel drive reduces efficiency slightly compared to front-wheel drive models.
Cargo Space and Practicality
Trunk Capacity
Behind the rear seats, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offers decent cargo space for grocery runs and luggage. It's not the most spacious in its class, but most families will find it adequate for daily needs. The cargo floor is relatively flat, making it easy to slide items in and out.
Versatility Features
The rear seats fold down to expand cargo capacity significantly when needed. The split-folding design lets you carry longer items while still accommodating rear passengers. Underfloor storage provides a place to hide valuables or keep emergency supplies out of sight.
Tie-down hooks and a cargo net help secure loose items. A power liftgate comes standard on most trims, and it operates smoothly without feeling slow.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus is available in multiple trim levels, each adding more features and luxury content. The base trim includes a good amount of standard equipment, making it a solid value proposition. Higher trims add premium materials, upgraded technology, and additional convenience features.
Pricing positions the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus competitively against established luxury brands while typically coming in below German competitors. You get a lot of equipment for the money, which makes it worth considering if you want luxury amenities without the premium badge pricing.
Comparison to Key Competitors
Against the Acura MDX
The Acura MDX offers three-row seating, which the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus doesn't provide. However, the Lincoln feels more luxurious inside with better materials and a quieter cabin. If you need the third row, Acura wins. If you want a more premium two-row experience, Lincoln delivers.
Against the Lexus RX
Lexus has a strong reputation for reliability, which gives the RX an advantage for buyers prioritizing long-term dependability. The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus counters with more standard features, better technology integration, and a more comfortable ride. It's a question of priorities.
Against German Competition
Compared to the BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus costs less while providing similar levels of luxury. The German SUVs offer sportier driving dynamics and stronger brand prestige. Lincoln provides better value and arguably more comfort for long-distance cruising.
Who Should Buy the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus makes the most sense for buyers who prioritize comfort and quietness over sporty handling. If you spend hours on the highway commuting or taking road trips, this SUV will make those miles more pleasant.
Families who don't need a third row but want space and luxury will appreciate what the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offers. It provides a grown-up, refined experience without demanding attention or costing as much as German alternatives.
People who want modern technology integrated smoothly into a luxury package will find the Lincoln satisfying. The tech works well without overwhelming you with complexity.
Final Thoughts on Value
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus represents a significant improvement over its predecessor and deserves consideration in the luxury midsize SUV segment. Lincoln created something genuinely competitive that holds its own against established rivals.
The combination of comfort, technology, and value makes the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus worth a test drive if you're shopping in this category. It won't be the right choice for everyone, particularly those who want sporty handling or need three rows of seating. But for buyers who value refinement and comfort, it delivers exactly what Lincoln promised.
According to automotive insights shared on platforms like bigwritehook, the luxury SUV market continues to evolve with buyers seeking more value-oriented options that don't sacrifice quality. The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus fits this trend perfectly, offering premium features without the premium price tag of European competitors.
Whether the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus is right for you depends on what you prioritize in a luxury SUV. Take one for a test drive and see if Lincoln's vision of American luxury matches what you're looking for in your next vehicle.