2024 Lincoln Nautilus
Thinking about a midsize luxury SUV? It makes common sense to check out the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. More precisely, make that “uncommon scents.” For the 2024 model, Nautilus gets a big makeover including a new powertrain line-up, the BlueCruise hands-free driving system and “Lincoln Rejuvenate,” which turns the Nautilus into an aromatic Zen spa on wheels.
The pillar-to-pillar display catches the eye first. This panoramic, 48-inch screen is at the back of the instrument . The usual gauges are directly in front of the driver. To the right are three zones with an assortment of widgets. You could chose, say, one detailing what is on the audio system, another displaying the latest weather and a third showing the fuel economy of my test vehicle’s hybrid drivetrain. A separate, 11.1-inch touchscreen atop the center stack controls the panoramic display and most other vehicle functions.
The rest of the cabin is a standout. High-trim packages feature a 24-way adjustable heated and ventilated driver’s seat. To enjoy a 5- or 10-minute Rejuvenate session, pick one of seven such scents as Cloud Balsam or Twilight Embers and your seat reclines and starts a relaxing massage. Soothing music begins to play, with a serene video popping up on the 48-inch screen. (Rejuvenate mode won’t be activated until later this year via an over-the-air update.)
From a more practical standpoint, the 2024 Nautilus offers two powertrain options. A 2.0-liter inline-four makes 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The Nautilus Hybrid pairs the 2-liter gas engine with an electric drive system delivering best-in-segment power—300 hp and 310 lb-ft. It also boosts the gas model’s 24-mpg combined fuel economy to an EPA-rated 30 mpg. Both packages come standard with all-wheel drive.
From an exterior design standpoint, this year’s two-row, five-seat Nautilus adds nice touches like the cross-grille lightbar and up to 22-inch wheels and tires. Higher trim packages use foam insulation in the wheels to reduce road noise. With the SUV’s active noise cancellation system, Nautilus is uncannily quiet inside. And on the open road you can further relax by triggering BlueCruise which allows you to go completely hands-free on more than 100,000 miles of U.S. and Canadian highways. You can even automatically slower vehicles simply by tapping the turn signal stalk.
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus starts at $50,415 and runs to $74,465 fully loaded. What may seem to be gimmicks are also distinctive features that set Nautilus apart in a crowded market segment that includes the Lexus RX, Audi Q5 and Genesis GV70.
