If you’re shopping for a luxury SUV that blends timeless elegance with next-gen innovation, you’re likely comparing two of Lincoln’s finest: the 2025 Lincoln Aviator and 2025 Lincoln Nautilus. Both models offer refined comfort, premium materials, and cutting-edge technology—but they serve very different lifestyles.
In the 2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Lincoln Nautilus comparison, the Aviator delivers three-row space and 400-hp performance for families and towing needs, while the Nautilus focuses on tech-forward luxury, hybrid efficiency, and personalized two-row comfort.
Whether you’re drawn to power and versatility or serenity and tech, Lincoln offers a distinct path to luxury tailored to your preferences. At Ted Britt Chantilly Lincoln, we bring decades of premium automotive expertise and a deep understanding of the needs of Fairfax, Arlington, and Loudoun County drivers. Now let’s explore what separates these standout SUVs—and help you discover which model speaks to your lifestyle best.
- The Aviator is built for power and space – with 400 standard horsepower, three-row seating, and a 5,000-lb towing capacity, it’s ideal for larger families, road trips, and versatile everyday performance.
- The Nautilus leads in personalized luxury – with a hybrid option, 48-inch panoramic display, digital scenting, and curated Black Label interiors, it’s perfect for drivers prioritizing innovation and a tranquil cabin.
- Each model reflects a different luxury lifestyle – the Aviator is your upscale workhorse; the Nautilus is your personal sanctuary. The right choice depends on your space, tech, and driving priorities.
Interior Space and Comfort: Which Cabin Fits Your Lifestyle?
| Feature | 2025 Lincoln Aviator | 2025 Lincoln Nautilus | Dealership Notes |
| Seating Capacity | 6–7 (three-row configuration) | 5 (two-row configuration) | Aviator is ideal for larger families; Nautilus is perfect for couples or small families. |
| Seat Features | 30-way Perfect Position seats (massage, heat, ventilation) | 24-way Perfect Position seats (massage, heat, ventilation) | Both offer luxury seating, but Aviator wins on adjustability and support. |
| Cabin Volume | 144.7 cu ft of passenger space | More intimate, focused on front-row experience | Aviator provides a roomier feel; Nautilus is more cocooned and tech-centric. |
| Cargo Capacity (max) | 77.7 cu ft | 65.3 cu ft | Aviator offers more versatility for weekend trips or family gear. |
| Climate & Ambience | Tri/quad-zone climate control, ambient lighting | Digital scents, ambient lighting, air purification | Nautilus takes a sensory-first approach; Aviator leans on traditional comfort. |
If you’re regularly driving with more than five passengers or need third-row flexibility, the Aviator’s extra seating and expanded cargo volume are hard to beat. But for those who prioritize intimate luxury, the Nautilus creates a curated, tech-driven experience that feels like a personal retreat. Both interiors deliver high-end comfort, but their layouts serve very different lifestyles—family utility vs. personalized indulgence.
Performance and Powertrain: Power Meets Efficiency
| Feature | 2025 Lincoln Aviator | 2025 Lincoln Nautilus | Dealership Notes |
| Base Engine | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (400 hp, 415 lb-ft) | 2.0L turbo I-4 (250 hp, 280 lb-ft) | Aviator leads in raw power; great for confident highway or towing needs. |
| Available Powertrain | None beyond V6 | Hybrid: 2.0L turbo + electric (310 hp, 295 lb-ft) | Nautilus hybrid is ideal for drivers prioritizing smoothness and efficiency. |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic or eCVT (hybrid) | Aviator offers more robust gear control for power delivery. |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 5,000 lbs | Up to 1,750 lbs | Aviator is the clear winner for active lifestyles requiring towing power. |
| Drive Type | RWD or AWD | AWD standard | AWD standard on Nautilus makes it appealing for snowy Virginia suburbs. |
The Aviator’s standard 400-hp V6 makes it one of the most powerful SUVs in its class, perfect for towing or highway dominance. In contrast, the Nautilus Hybrid powertrain offers 310 hp with a smoother, quieter ride, which will appeal to those prioritizing fuel savings without sacrificing responsiveness. These SUVs reflect two distinct approaches to performance—muscle and capability vs. smoothness and efficiency.
Technology and Infotainment: Classic Luxury vs. Futuristic Interface
| Feature | 2025 Lincoln Aviator | 2025 Lincoln Nautilus | Dealership Notes |
| Infotainment System | 13.2″ touchscreen, Google built-in | Full-width panoramic display | Nautilus wows with its futuristic display, Aviator is elegant and familiar. |
| Instrument Cluster | 12.4″ digital gauge cluster | Integrated digital cockpit | The Nautilus cockpit feels immersive; Aviator keeps it more traditional. |
| Audio System | 3D audio system (Revel available) | Revel audio with up to 28 speakers | Nautilus may appeal more to audiophiles with its immersive system. |
| Advanced Features | BlueCruise, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | BlueCruise, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Both offer hands-free driving and connectivity, but Nautilus leads in tech-forward design. |
| Ambient/Sensory Experience | Ambient lighting, Vista Roof | Digital scents, air purification, ambient lighting | Nautilus goes beyond traditional luxury, adding wellness elements. |
The Aviator brings refined elegance with its Google-powered infotainment, while the Nautilus wows with a panoramic display that stretches across the entire dash. For drivers who want an ultra-modern tech experience, the Nautilus sets the standard. But for those who prefer a premium yet familiar interface, the Aviator’s setup offers a seamless and intuitive journey. It’s a question of avant-garde vs. timeless tech presentation.
Exterior Design and Road Presence
The Lincoln Aviator makes a bold statement with its longer stance and sequential lighting, which gives it a sense of presence and prestige. Meanwhile, the Nautilus offers a sleeker silhouette and futuristic lighting signature, more tailored to design-focused drivers in urban areas like Arlington or Centreville.
While both look striking in Black Label trims, the Aviator leans into old-school opulence while the Nautilus embraces modern sophistication. Whether you prefer bold power or minimalist elegance, there’s a Lincoln SUV to match your aesthetic.
Safety and Driver Confidence Features
Both models come standard with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 driver-assist technology, but the Nautilus benefits from newer enhancements like Co-Pilot360 2.2 Vision and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition. The Aviator adds BlueCruise, adaptive cruise, and evasive steering assist—ideal for high-speed, long-haul road trips.
What sets the Nautilus apart is its next-gen sensors and digital visibility, giving it an edge in high-density, stop-and-go driving conditions. Both SUVs are designed to protect, but their safety DNA caters to different environments—city driving versus highway cruising.
Which Lincoln SUV Is Right for You?
The Aviator is built for families, long-distance travelers, and drivers who want top-tier power and three-row functionality. On the other hand, the Nautilus speaks to modern professionals and couples looking for a sanctuary-like ride packed with innovation.
Choosing between the two comes down to your lifestyle needs—whether you want to command the road with muscle or cruise in elevated calm. Fortunately, no matter your pick, Lincoln’s signature serenity and craftsmanship are guaranteed.
A Final Word on the 2025 Lincoln Aviator vs. 2025 Lincoln Nautilus Comparison
If you’re deciding between the 2025 Lincoln Aviator and the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, the right choice depends on whether you need full-size versatility or personalized, two-row luxury.
The Aviator delivers commanding power, family-sized utility, and elite towing capabilities that make it ideal for larger households, long road trips, or drivers who want their SUV to perform like a refined grand tourer. Meanwhile, the Nautilus leans into modern serenity and tech-focused elegance, creating a sanctuary-like cabin for couples or commuters who value design, efficiency, and cutting-edge features like its immersive panoramic display and available hybrid powertrain. Either way, Lincoln ensures that you travel in exceptional comfort, with intuitive safety systems and unmistakable road presence.
At Ted Britt Lincoln of Chantilly, we’re here to help you experience both firsthand. Whether you’re coming from Fairfax, Centreville, or Arlington, our expert team will walk you through every trim, feature, and ownership perk Lincoln has to offer—so you can make the confident choice that fits your lifestyle.
Stop by today at 4171 Auto Park Cir, Chantilly, VA 20151, or give us a call at 703-810-3215 to schedule your personalized test drive. Let’s find the Lincoln SUV that fits your definition of luxury.
Ted Britt Chantilly Lincoln
https://www.tedbrittlincolnofchantilly.com
4171 Auto Park Cir, Chantilly, VA 20151
Chantilly | Sterling | Centreville | Herndon | Alexandria | Leesburg | Fairfax
