Today, we’re taking a closer look at the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label. I’ve been driving this 2-row luxury SUV for a week now, and I have to say, I’m impressed with a lot of what it has to offer, but I was definitely sticker-shocked at the $79,000 MSRP (for the non-hybrid model).

That said, price isn’t everything. The real question is: is the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus family-friendly?

If you’re new here, hi! I'm Kelly, The Car Mom. I review cars for moms and for families. I'm a mom of four, and I'm a certified child passenger safety tech. Let’s dive in.

To see an in-depth tour of the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, watch my car tour below:

2025 Lincoln Nautilus Highlights: What Families Should Know

Car seat setup: Lower LATCH anchors on both outboard seats, and it’s three-across friendly with tether anchors across the entire second row.
Potential challenges: Buckles are recessed, making boosters harder to install, and climate vents are limited in the second row
Fuel economy: Close to 30 mpg for the standard, non-hybrid option
Luxury factor: Premium Black Label trim has a bold design and lots of elevated finishes
Family-friendly and comfort features: Heated/ventilated/massaging seats, panoramic sunroof, tons of charging options

If you’re a family of four or fewer, the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus could be a strong option in the midsize luxury SUV space.

2025 Lincoln Nautilus Car Seat Setup

The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus has lower anchors on both outboard seats, and it has tether anchors across the entire second row.

If you need to maximize your second row, this car can handle three across, as long as you’re using slim car seats. I tested a Graco SlimFit3 LX, one of my favorite slim car seats, in the middle seat, and it fit beautifully. It can get trickier once you add boosters or older kids out of car seats, because you’ll need regular access to the seat belt buckles.

Although you can do three across, it really depends on the seats you’re using. If you’re not sure what fits best, start with ChatCPST. ChatCPST is an email consultation service that allows you to chat with a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and get real, personalized advice from an expert within 48 hours. We’re here to help you find the right seat for your child and the easiest fit for your car.

Some other important things to note about the Lincoln Nautilus car seat setup:

The buckles are recessed, which means they’re set deeper into the seat instead of sticking up, making booster use tricky. Kids may struggle to buckle themselves in without help.
Families with a mix of boosters and car seats should be aware that access could be a daily frustration.

2025 Lincoln Nautilus Exterior Design

The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label has an elevated look. The Black Label trim adds gorgeous black accents and unique design touches.

One of the boldest moves? No traditional door handles. Instead, you press an upper trim button to open the doors. Yes, it’s a bit controversial. Some love the futuristic look, others say it looks like bubbling trim. Personally, I think it kind of gives the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus a sleek look.

In the back of the SUV, there’s Lincoln’s signature full-width light bar, a tucked-away wiper, and a hidden Lincoln warden. I think it gives it a very minimalistic finish. It’s definitely a design that stands out without being flashy.

Driver Seat Experience and First Row Features

For as minimalistic as the outside is, the interior is a different story. The interior is bold and borderline overdesigned. Expect premium leather options, chrome details, and a massive 48-inch curved display stretching across the dashboard. It definitely feels luxurious, and you can tell Lincoln made sure to bring the razzle-dazzle to compete with other cars in this space.

A few first-row highlights:

Steering wheel: Lincoln’s new oval-shaped steering wheel is so comfortable. I love it, love it, love it!
Screens: 48-inch curved display + 11-inch center screen. It looks stunning, but it takes a lot to get used to and replaces a traditional heads-up display.
Climate controls: All digital, including vent direction (which I despise; just give me a manual vent!).
Tech: Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, ambient lighting, upgraded audio with 28 speakers.
Seating: Heated, ventilated, and massaging seats with fully customizable adjustments, including dual leg bolsters. It’s extremely comfortable, like sitting in a gamer chair.

Storage in the first row is decent with large cupholders, multiple USB ports, a wireless charger (though hit-or-miss), and a big center console.

2025 Lincoln Nautilus Second Row Features

In short, the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus backseat is awesome. Along with its great car seat combo options, it has:

Space: Excellent legroom and headroom. I’m 6 feet tall and I had tons of space sitting behind my own driver’s seat setting.
Seating: Wide, tall, and long bench. Very three-across friendly.
Comfort: Heated seats and a panoramic sunroof keep passengers happy. Ventilation is limited to two small lower vents (I’d love to see more overhead options).
Charging: USB ports conveniently located on the back of the front seats.

Wrap Up: Is the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus Family-Friendly?

The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label is a stylish, luxury two-row SUV that blends comfort, tech, and design. At $79,000 MSRP, you’re paying for luxury touches, bold styling, and tech-heavy features. It’s best for families of four or fewer who want comfort, space, and luxury finishes without needing a third row. Reminder to booster users to be aware of the recessed buckles because they could be a pain in the long run.

Overall, if you’re in the market for a luxury midsize SUV and don’t need three rows, the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus is worth a look. If you know you’ll need more seating or cargo space down the road, the Lincoln Navigator or Navigator L is worth considering instead.

What do you think of the 2025 Lincoln Nautius? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest family vehicles on the market, check out my recent posts:

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