First introduced for the 2007 model year as the MKX, the since-updated and -renamed Lincoln Nautilus enters its second generation in 2024. Lincoln has introduced a few updates in recent years, including an infotainment refresh in 2021, but the complete overhaul for the 2024 model year brings it much closer in line with the forward-looking luxury SUVs against which it competes. Changes for the redesigned Nautilus crossover SUV include revised interior and exterior styling, newly available BlueCruise tech, and an available hybrid powertrain.
Lincoln offers two 4-cylinder powertrains in the 2024 Nautilus, including gas and hybrid options. The automaker focused heavily on interior tech and connectivity and has introduced a new digital cabin system that brings unique and customizable visuals, lighting, and scent combinations for vehicles equipped with the Lincoln Rejuvenate feature. The Chinese-built Nautilus will arrive on dealers’ lots in early 2024.
For 2024, Lincoln updates the Nautilus’ exterior with a new headlight design and revised taillights with a new animation feature. Pixel headlights are available for the first time, and the front end features a revised grille with handmade accents. The automaker integrates the door handles into the SUV’s beltline, giving it a clean profile. The Nautilus model name badge remains in place under the side mirror.
Wheel sizes range from 19 to 22 inches, and the top two trim levels are available with a black-painted roof. The available Lincoln Embrace feature brings auto-folding side mirrors, an approach detection system, and welcome/farewell lighting elements that activate when the driver is nearby with the key. Lincoln also offers a Jet Appearance package with dark exterior trim and unique wheel designs.
Lincoln focused heavily on the Nautilus’ interior for the new generation, giving it a new in-cabin digital system with customizable lighting and displays. The automaker says it designed the SUV for a younger audience, which includes a new ambient interior lighting system and crystal-inspired accents that “capture the essence of seeing sun reflected on water.”
A new Lincoln Rejuvenate system is available, which brings unique sounds, lighting options, and seat upgrades. Lincoln’s symphonic interior sounds carry on here, and the package comes with a scent system that offers three options. Mystic Forest is an earthy scent, Ozonic Azure is a bright scent, and Violet Cashmere is a floral scent. Drivers can choose their desired flavor from a menu in the infotainment system.
Three interior color schemes are available in the new Nautilus, including black and gray, a two-tone neutral color palette, and black/blue—an exclusive color to the Reserve trim. The Black Label upgrades are also available. Buyers can also choose between two ultra-plush interior themes, including Chalet, which brings Venetian leather, a cashmere headliner, and wood accents. The Redwood theme offers herringbone walnut trim, a suede headliner, and leather upholstery with suede inserts.
Lincoln offers two powertrain options for the 2024 Nautilus. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder making 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. An available hybrid powertrain includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and electric motors that provide a combined 310 hp. The gas engine comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid gets a continuously variable automatic transmission. All-wheel drive (AWD) comes standard. Also, Lincoln equips adaptive suspension that monitors road conditions to provide the most comfortable ride possible.
The Nautilus gets five driving modes: Normal, Conserve, Excite, Slippery, and Deep. The AWD system brings torque vectoring for better traction and performance, and Lincoln’s active noise cancellation system comes standard. When equipped with the optional trailer towing package, the Nautilus delivers 1,750 pounds of towing capacity.
Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 version 2.2 comes standard, bringing automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, a safe-exit system, and more. The lane-keeping and pre-collision systems bundle other features, such as lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, and intersection turn assistance.
The 2024 Nautilus is available with Lincoln BlueCruise 1.2, which brings automated lane changes, lane positioning, and hands-free driving on certain highways. The system comes with a 90-day trial, and buyers can continue the services with a subscription beyond the first three months.
The 2024 Nautilus has an 11.1-inch touchscreen and Lincoln’s excellent Sync infotainment software. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with built-in Amazon Alexa functionality. The new in-cabin digital experience lets the driver customize the display with the desired information, and the screens feature animations that change with the selected mood.
Ambient interior lighting comes standard, and the SUV offers USB ports across both rows of seating. Other standard tech includes a 10-speaker audio system, wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot. Depending on the configuration, two available Revel audio systems bring 14 speakers or 28 speakers.
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus competes against the Genesis GV80, which brings an available twin-turbo V6 and traffic-stopping styling. The Volvo XC90 is another solid choice in the segment, offering a serene interior experience. Buyers may also consider the Lexus RX, which is closer to the Lincoln’s modest base price.
Lincoln is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of April 17, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Your Test Driver, and others.
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