MotorTrend Group and Warner Bros. Discovery today announced that the Lincoln Nautilus has won the prestigious “SUV of the Year 2025” award. The premium Lincoln SUV stands out among competitors thanks to its elegant and sporty exterior, advanced driver assistance features, high level of cabin comfort, and intuitive in-car digital system. The Nautilus marks an important step in the development of the Lincoln brand, with an “X-factor” that captivated the MotorTrend judges and propelled this mid-size luxury crossover to the top of the podium.
The Lincoln Nautilus outperformed several impressive competitors, including the Rivian R1S, Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus GX550, Hyundai Santa Fe, GMC Hummer EV, and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen. The MotorTrend “SUV of the Year” award is based on six key criteria: safety, efficiency, value, progressive design, engineering excellence, and performance of stated features.
“A properly chosen SUV is the perfect combination of style, comfort, and top-tier driving experience. The Nautilus delivers on all fronts. Every passenger, including those in the back seat, feels truly valued,” said Ed Lo, editorial lead of MotorTrend Group. “The Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid also combines luxury with uncompromising fuel efficiency at a competitive price.”
In its second generation, the Lincoln Nautilus for five passengers perfectly fills the space between the larger three-row Aviator for seven passengers and the smaller Corsair for five. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid version of the Nautilus uses an eCVT, with a 168-hp electric motor that boosts the total system output to 310 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Lincoln’s mission was to create an SUV that would be a true “oasis on wheels.” And it succeeded on all levels: elegant design, powerful engine, and high comfort — all these elements are thoughtfully designed with the driver and passengers in mind. MotorTrend experts were impressed with the luxury the Nautilus offers and particularly praised its interior design, featuring a massive 48-inch panoramic display and high-quality materials throughout the cabin.
User experience and comfort were at the core of the Nautilus’s technological solutions. For instance, the driver’s seat comes with independently adjustable thigh bolsters, massage, and cooling functions, ensuring comfort on long journeys. The multimedia system interface is fully customizable and placed for ease of use. The Nautilus also boasts a high level of safety, confirmed by the Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.
“The all-new Nautilus has changed the game for the Lincoln brand,” said Diane Craig, president of Lincoln. “This SUV not only redefines the in-cabin experience but also offers a new level of connection with technology. This recognition from MotorTrend validates how we continue to deliver innovative and differentiated products for our customers.”
Released earlier this year, the Nautilus is helping to drive growth for the Lincoln brand in the SUV segment. In the third quarter of this year, Nautilus sales rose 39% compared to the previous year, contributing to a 25% overall growth in sales for Lincoln year-to-date.