Textual content by Tom Appel
2025 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label AWD
Specs
Class: Premium Midsize Crossover
Nation of Manufacture: China
Shade: Silver Radiance Metallic
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 134
Actual-world gas economic system: 22.7 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | A |
| Energy and Efficiency | B |
| Match and End | A |
| Gasoline Financial system | B |
| Worth | B- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and will not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of the whole mannequin lineup. | |
| Large & Tall Consolation | |
| Large Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Large & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Large” score primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 250-horsepower 2.0-liter |
| Engine Kind | Turbocharged 4 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gas economic system: 21/29/24 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline sort: Premium fuel
Base value: $74,950 (not together with $1595 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at automobile: Jet Look Bundle ($3000)
Worth as examined: $79,545
Professionals and Cons
The nice: Class main quietness and experience high quality
The great: Opulent cabin, breathtaking audio high quality
The not so good: Steep Black Label trim-level value
Evaluation
Humorous factor about Lincoln, after years of struggling to seek out an identification, Ford’s luxurious model is now firmly, and convincingly, all about coddling. And when you look intently, Lincoln form of has this area of interest all to itself. Form of.
Refinement versus Sportiness
Because the auto business evolves, the luxurious phase appears to be altering in attention-grabbing, if quite predictable, methods. Although having absolutely adopted crossovers greater than a decade in the past, German premium-vehicle makers stay solidly within the luxury-equals-performance camp. Nearly each automobile retailed by Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz may be had in an uplevel high-performance trim. The automobiles are luxurious, however the deal with consolation isn’t absolute.
Cadillac
Cadillac’s uniquely brash design philosophy is arguably sporty, as is the American model’s dedication to electrical automobiles. For 2026, Cadillac could have 5 EVs on supplier tons, six when you depend each lengths of the electrical Escalade. Are Caddys snug? Positive. However that’s not totally the place the emphasis lies.
Lexus
Lexus talks a great efficiency sport, and the “F” trim degree variants out there on many of the model’s product line are compelling. However, in actuality, Toyota’s luxurious arm is absolutely all about high quality and refinement, attributes we at Shopper Information absolutely admire. Be aware: Lexus has cranked out some critically fun-to-drive sedans and coupes through the years, however the maker’s crossovers are all about consolation and polish. We’d argue Lexus is Lincoln’s closest competitor.
Genesis
And although it appeared as if startup luxurious carmaker Genesis was leaning towards preserving issues comfortable, the Hyundai luxurious division has revealed plans for a performance-oriented sub-brand dubbed Magma. Anticipate to see Magma variants of most Genesis fashions in a couple of years.
Acura, in fact, is all about efficiency and sporty character, and the Infiniti lineup is simply too skinny in the mean time to have a personality profile.
Spa Therapy
Again to Lincoln. Although all Lincolns are endowed with ample energy for satisfying getaways and brisk passing maneuvers, the model’s emphasis is on quietness and luxury. In actual fact, learn any Lincoln gross sales copy and also you’ll discover the phrase “spa” pop up with regularity.
So, within the battle for supreme refinement, the competitors comes right down to Lincoln versus Lexus, and we give the nod to Lincoln, particularly the not too long ago redesigned Nautilus. Right here’s why:
Chinese language Luxurious
In-built China, the Nautilus is Lincoln’s best-selling mannequin in that nation. And to some extent, the 2-row, midsize Lincoln was designed for Chinese language luxury-car consumers, which suggests it performs barely upmarket of American-market automobiles in the identical phase.
Redesigned for 2024, the Nautilus options clear, purposeful exterior strains, and solely a restricted quantity of vivid trim. Be aware that there aren’t any figuring out badges on the again of the automobile.
Costs and Trim Ranges
Returning for 2025 are Premier ($53,485), Reserve ($62,705), and Black Label ($76,645) trim ranges. Hybrid variants run roughly $2000 larger.
Black Label
Justifying the Black Label’s massive value bump over the Reserve are quite a few premium options, in addition to some compelling concierge-style perks.
Options embrace: bigger wheels and tires, distinctive inside themes, an improve model of Lincoln’s glorious Revel audio system, digital scent know-how (actually), and a panoramic roof.
Service niceties embrace: free “anytime” automotive washes for all times, Lincoln Shopper Relationship providers, a private Black Label liaison, an Avis Presidential Membership, free service pickup and drop-off, and a Lincoln Premium Perks membership to earn factors for service visits and different dealership purchases.
Blue Cruise
Plus, Ford’s Blue Cruise semi-autonomous driving system is commonplace on the Black Label.
Energy for the Nautilus comes from both a 250-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, or a hybridized variation of the identical engine good for 310 horsepower. The usual engine mates with an 8-speed automated, whereas the hybrid with a CVT-style transmissions. All Nautilus variants come commonplace with AWD.
Take a look at Automobile
Shopper Information not too long ago spent per week with a 2025 Nautilus in Silver Radiance with the Jet Look Bundle and Redwood inside theme (the Black Label may also be had with the Chalet inside). Together with vacation spot cost, our take a look at automotive got here to $79,545.
Plush Cabin
We’ve been singing the praises of Genesis interiors of late, however new Nautilus’ cabin is equally spectacular. Trendy, elegant, and decidedly premium, the Black Label inside is worthy of a automobile priced comfortably over $100,000. In further to the high-quality leather-based and aluminum vivid trim, meeting high quality is seemingly high notch.
Huge LCD Display screen
Most spectacular, nonetheless, is the large, pillar-to-pillar, LCD display which is place beneath the windshield. The sprawling, easy-to-read monitor may be configured to current no matter info you wish to see at a look, and is impartial of the console display (see beneath). This editor selected to have an analog clock, present music selection, a map, and journey info on show. And, regardless of the display location, it isn’t simply washed out, ever by direct daylight. In any other case, the controls are typically Ford easy, and that’s excessive reward.
Room and Consolation
The cabin is four-adult roomy, and getting into and exiting the Nautilus is a lot straightforward. Underway little sound makes its means contained in the automobile, making for straightforward freeway dialog, or severe music listening. Black Labels are treating to lineups greatest audio system, the Revel Ultima 3D with 28 audio system.
Revel Audio
This writer can affirm that the Revel system does a unprecedented job with mid-century jazz, in addition to the works of Devo. Nice stuff.
Energy and Efficiency
The small turbocharged engine has loads of muscle to maneuver the Nautilus from a cease in a rush, in addition to for passing and merging. Actually, our solely criticism is that the engine itself, although by no means unrefined, sounds just a little (just a bit) small and high-revving, one thing feels considerably incongruous with this Lincoln’s mission of refinement.
Paint High quality
We’d like to notice the standard of our take a look at truck’s paint, and the way a lot we admire the cohesive and stealthy look of the Jet Look Bundle. Although expensive ($3000), the Jet bundle properly compliments the Nautilus’ smooth, understated profile. It’s value noting that the bundle’s huge 22-inch wheels didn’t appear to take a toll on experience high quality, one thing massive wheels usually do.
2025 Shopper Information Finest Purchase
We’ve already named the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus a 2025 Shopper Information Finest Purchase. Buyers contemplating a automobile of this refinement would do effectively to additionally take a look at drive the wonderful Lexus RX. Although—dare we are saying it?—the Lexus truly leans into the sportiness sphere a bit greater than the Lincoln. As for the Black label trim degree…
Worth
Since eating places with a hostess make us nervous, we discover lots of the Black Label perks just a little intimidating. But when your way of life leans additional into that degree of indulgence, this may occasionally simply be the trim degree for you. As we famous earlier, we do absolutely admire the stylish cabin and killer audio system.
Whatever the trim degree, the Nautilus, with virtually no pretense of sportiness, is laser targeted on quiet, calm, refinement. And, we admire the hassle. In the event you’re not frightened about carving corners or profitable stoplight drag races, there’s a great probability this well-mannered Lincoln deserves a spot in your test-drive quick listing.
Hearken to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
2025 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label Photos
Click on beneath for enlarged photographs
2024 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve Hybrid: Evaluation, Costs, and Specs