The anticipation of a long road trip often comes with the pragmatic choice of a rental car. In my case, it was a 2022 Lincoln Nautilus. Rental cars serve their purpose – they’re a temporary solution, a means to an end. Think of it like a polite acquaintance at an airport; you’re cordial, but the relationship is fleeting, marked by the miles ticking down until departure. My prior experience reviewing a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus gave me a baseline expectation for this week.
The older Nautilus is by no means a bad vehicle. It’s a comfortable and dependable SUV, offering a touch of Lincoln luxury, a step above the basic rental fleet. However, it’s still a rental, embodying a certain understated practicality – like comfortable sweats rather than show-stopping attire. The interior, dominated by hard plastics reminiscent of budget-friendly containers, and an infotainment system seemingly stuck in the dial-up era, reinforced this impression. The engine, while adequate, performed its duties with the uninspired enthusiasm of mundane chores. Essentially, the rental Nautilus is a car that simply exists, functional but not particularly exciting.
True to form, the rental 2022 Nautilus delivered me home without any drama. But waiting for me was my press fleet vehicle for the week – ironically, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. Manufacturers typically showcase their best foot forward with press vehicles, opting for top-tier trims loaded with features. Therefore, I was transitioning from a base rental Nautilus to a high-end Black Label version, complete with perks like complimentary car washes and, amusingly, rental car benefits for travel. Yet, I wasn’t anticipating a dramatic shift in experience.
I couldn’t have been more mistaken.
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Alt text: Side view of the luxurious 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label in Palm Springs, showcasing its redesigned exterior.
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus represents the dawn of a new generation, a complete transformation, not just a minor refresh. This isn’t simply an upgrade; it’s a revelation. The difference between the 2022 rental and the 2024 model is akin to seeing that same familiar person transformed into a red carpet sensation. The 2024 Nautilus has shed its understated persona and emerged as a head-turning masterpiece.
The redesign is breathtaking. Lincoln has elevated the 2024 Nautilus into something genuinely exceptional. The exterior is strikingly modern, featuring a grille that makes a bold statement of intent. However, the interior of the Lincoln Nautilus 2024 is where it truly shines. Stepping inside is like entering a first-class lounge – a space so refined it could rival a Bentley. The materials are rich and premium, the seats offer armchair-like comfort, and the technology is undeniably state-of-the-art.
The infotainment system in the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus is a quantum leap forward. The outdated system of the previous generation has been replaced with a sprawling 48-inch screen dominating the entire dashboard, reminiscent of a futuristic sci-fi interface. This panoramic display houses all the vehicle’s technology, creating a seamless and immersive experience. The seats are not mere seats; they are thrones. Incredibly comfortable and supportive, they make the 2021 Nautilus seats feel rudimentary in comparison. Being the Black Label trim, the front seats featured a lavish massage function, far exceeding the often-underwhelming massage features in other vehicles. It felt akin to having a professional masseuse discreetly onboard.
While the 2021 Nautilus performed adequately, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus driving experience is clearly engineered for those who appreciate driving. The engine is responsive and refined, and the ride is exceptionally smooth, yet provides just enough road feedback to maintain driver engagement. Driving the 2024 Nautilus is an event. It garners attention wherever it goes. It’s not just perceived as a car; it’s recognized as a statement of style, luxury, and meticulous craftsmanship that commands attention.
This is more than just transportation; the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offers an experience. It inspires you to choose the scenic route, purely for the pleasure of driving it.
To say I was impressed is an understatement. It’s like transitioning from a monochrome world to vibrant color. The 2024 Nautilus is not just an incremental improvement; it’s a complete reimagining. Lincoln appears to have taken the existing strengths of the Nautilus and amplified them to an entirely new level.
This comparison transcends simply contrasting old versus new, or rental practicality against Black Label luxury. It’s a powerful demonstration of Lincoln’s progress and evolution. The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus doesn’t just make the 2021 model seem dated – it relegates it to a bygone era. Having experienced both, there’s no question which Nautilus I would prefer to drive. The older model might get you from point A to point B, but the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus makes you question why you would ever settle for anything less than extraordinary.
2024 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label Specifications
MSRP: $74,250
MSRP (as tested): $80,845
Engine: 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
Fuel Mileage (EPA): 21 city, 29 highway, 24 combined mpg
Fuel Mileage as tested (mixed conditions): 26 mpg
Curb Weight: 4,349 lbs
Exterior Dimensions:
Length: 193.2 in.
Overall width with mirrors: 85.4 in.
Height: 68.2 in.
Wheelbase: 114.2 in.
Interior Dimensions:
Front head room: 39.1 in.
Front leg room: 43.5 in.
Front shoulder room: 58.9 in.
Front hip room: 56.8 in.
Rear head room: 38.4 in.
Rear leg room: 43.1 in.
Rear shoulder room: 58.0 in.
Rear hip room: 56.3 in.
Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 35.2 cu.ft.
Maximum cargo capacity: 68.8 cu.ft.
Warranty:
Basic: 4 yr./ 50,000 mi.
Drivetrain: 6 yr./ 70,000 mi.
Rust: 5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside assistance: Unlimited yr./ unlimited mi.
Free maintenance: 4 yr./ 50,000 mi.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of the sophisticated 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label, highlighting its distinctive grille and headlights.
Alt text: Interior shot of the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus showcasing the luxurious leather seats and spacious cabin.
Alt text: Close-up of the 48-inch panoramic display in the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, emphasizing its advanced technology and sleek design.
Alt text: Rear view of the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus demonstrating its modern taillight design and elegant silhouette.
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Alt text: Profile shot of the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus in motion, illustrating its smooth lines and commanding presence on the road.
Alt text: Front angle of the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve Hybrid model in Palm Springs, highlighting its hybrid powertrain option.
Alt text: Detailed view of the wheel and tire of the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label, emphasizing the premium finishes and attention to detail.
