2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, available exclusively in Reserve trim in Canada, showcased a sophisticated and streamlined exterior design. Its new grille, reminiscent of the bifurcated design seen on Mercedes-Benz models, featured LED lighting that extended through the grille, illuminating the Lincoln star logo. This horizontal aesthetic continued at the rear with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The interior was a standout, with a massive full-width screen as its crown jewel. The materials used were of excellent quality, featuring polished metal, open-pore wood, and fine leather. The piano key shifter style, a traditional Lincoln design element, was present, though not universally loved. An optional Jet Appearance Package added two-tone paint, black exterior trim, and 22-inch wheels for an additional cost.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, boasted classic design proportions with a blunt nose, short front overhang, and a tapered roofline. While the design was appealing, the 2025 styling was considered less elegant and more generic, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator offered a plush interior with a classic architectural sensibility, opting for a more traditional approach rather than overwhelming with screens. However, the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction. The Aviator was available in Premiere and Reserve trims in Canada, with prices ranging from $79,595 to $81,695, including destination charges. The Reserve trim, equipped with several option packages, carried an MSRP of $96,295.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The power delivery was smooth, and shifts were unobtrusive. For an additional $3,500, a hybrid setup was available, offering 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and a fuel economy of 7.7 L/100 km in combined driving. The hybrid also provided a range of over 950 kilometres. All Nautilus models featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with the adaptive suspension enhancing the driving experience. The hybrid's CVT was well-tuned, avoiding the typical droning associated with such transmissions.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple driving modes, including Excite, Conserve, and Normal. The optional adaptive air suspension firmed up in Excite mode, though the Aviator was not particularly exciting to drive. The V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, but the observed fuel economy was 13.3 L/100 km, higher than the official rating. The Aviator's ride quality was generally pleasant, though larger bumps and road noise from the 22-inch wheels were noticeable. The adaptive Air Glide suspension effectively controlled body motions, ensuring a composed and calming ride.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, with the 24-way Perfect Position seats providing exceptional comfort. The rear seats, while not as luxurious, offered 1,095 millimetres of legroom, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The Lincoln Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images to create different moods. Cargo space was generous, with 997 litres behind the second row and 1,947 litres with the seats folded down. The Nautilus was available only with seating for five, prioritizing cargo space over a third row.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's Perfect Position front seats offered 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, with available heating and ventilation. The third-row seats were less accommodating, with limited legroom and low, flat cushions. Storage space was excellent, with a well-organized centre console and deep door panel storage pockets. The Aviator provided 466 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,131 litres with the seats folded down, and a maximum capacity of 2,149 litres.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a stunning 48-inch curved display, with a customizable digital dash and crisp graphics. A smaller 11.1-inch touchscreen handled basic infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The inclusion of Google maps and Alexa Built-in for voice controls was appreciated, though some controls were distracting to use. Wireless charging and USB ports were standard throughout the cabin.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience. It supported Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant was unresponsive in the test vehicle, though Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality. The available head-up display offered a widescreen presentation of data, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came equipped with the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. The Blue Cruise 1.2 technology offered hands-free driving assistance on pre-mapped highways, though it required an annual subscription after four years. The 2023 Nautilus received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the 2024 model had not yet been rated.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 collection of advanced driver assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. BlueCruise was standard, offering hands-free driving assistance on approved highways. The Aviator received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.