If you're looking for a luxury SUV in the Central Valley, you've got two standout options from Lincoln to consider. The differences between the 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Nautilus will affect your daily drives through Bakersfield and weekend trips to Sequoia National Park. Your family's comfort, your wallet, and your lifestyle all factor into making the right choice between these two premium rides.
Dimensions and Seating
When comparing the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus vs. 2025 Lincoln Aviator dimensions, you'll see that the 2025 Lincoln Aviator is built for bigger families, offering three rows of seating for up to six or seven passengers. The first row provides 40.2 inches of headroom and 43 inches of legroom, while the second row offers 38.4 inches of headroom and 39 inches of legroom. The third row gives 36.9 inches of headroom and 29.2 inches of legroom. As for cargo space, the Aviator offers 78.6 cubic feet behind the first row, 42.7 behind the second row, and 19.2 behind the third row.
With a total passenger volume of 140.6 cubic feet, it's a great option if you need extra space but don't want to give up the luxury touches and technology that Lincoln is known for.
Meanwhile, the two-row 2025 Lincoln Nautilus seats five with up to 113.5 cubic feet of total passenger space. Front passengers get 39.6 inches of headroom, while rear passengers get 39.8 inches. Legroom measures 43.5 inches up front and 43.1 inches in back. The Nautilus offers less cargo space than the Aviator, providing 71.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and 36.4 cubic feet with the seats up. It's perfect if you care more about saving gas and easy parking than having that third row.
Powertrain and Performance
The Aviator is equipped with a powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine with Auto Start-Stop producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters. While rear-wheel drive (RWD) comes standard, all-wheel drive (AWD) is available.
On the other hand, the Nautilus comes standard with AWD and offers two engine options. You can choose between a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder outputting 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque or a hybrid version that pairs the same engine with electric motors for 310 combined horsepower.
Towing Capacity
Now coming standard with a Class III Towing trailer hitch, the 2025 Aviator can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This beats the Nautilus’ 1,750-pound towing capacity. You can easily tow most boats or a decent-sized camper for family trips. While the Nautilus can still pull small trailers or light camping gear, it trades towing muscle for better gas mileage and easier city driving.
Fuel Economy
Gas mileage separates these SUVs dramatically. The Nautilus’ standard engine hits 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, while the hybrid version shines at 30 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. The Aviator's V-6 demands more fuel. RWD models achieve 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, dropping to 17 mpg in the city with AWD.
Interior Technology and Comfort
The Nautilus boasts a 48-inch panoramic display — the largest in its class — and an 11.1-inch center touch screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It includes Digital Scent technology for a spa-like experience and an available 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio system.
The Aviator features a 13.2-inch touch screen and a 12.4-inch instrument cluster display. The Reserve trim adds quad-zone climate controls, while the top-tier Black Label trim offers 30-way power front seats with automatic heating and cooling.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Both models include the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 safety suite. The Nautilus offers blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and hands-free parking assist. The Aviator adds Intersection Assist 2.0, which monitors cross traffic at intersections and can brake automatically.
BlueCruise hands-free driving technology now comes standard on both models. This cool feature lets you take your hands off the wheel on certain roads while an infrared camera monitors your eyes and head position to ensure you're still paying attention. Lincoln gives buyers a generous four-year BlueCruise subscription trial for each model.
Pricing and Trims
The Nautilus starts at $53,940 for the Premiere, $63,180 for the Reserve, and $77,130 for the Black Label. Opting for the hybrid engine adds about $2,500. Starting at $59,295 for the Premiere, $66,520 for the Reserve, and $87,395 Black Label, the Aviator's higher price gets you three-row seating, more cargo space, and a stronger engine.
Which SUV Is Right for You?
If you have a large family, the Aviator's seven seats and extra cargo space make it an excellent choice. Heavy commuters should consider the Nautilus Hybrid, as its smaller size makes it more efficient and parking easier.
Local conditions matter too. Sequoia National Park roads get steep and curvy, sometimes requiring tire chains due to snow and ice. Plus, with weather varying wildly from sunny Bakersfield to cold Sequoia Groves, you may need extra gear for all your adventures. The Aviator's higher ground clearance, stronger towing, and larger cargo area handle these conditions better.
Experience Lincoln Luxury at Jim Burke Lincoln
Whether you choose the larger three-row Aviator with V-6 power or the two-row Nautilus with hybrid efficiency and cutting-edge displays, both deliver Lincoln's trademark luxury vibe, advanced tech, comfortable cabins, and top-notch safety systems that make every drive better.
To see which fits your life better, you should try them yourself. The differences in how they handle, how the tech works, and how they feel on the road only become clear when you're behind the wheel. Visit our dealership in Bakersfield to test-drive both models and figure out which luxury Lincoln SUV matches your lifestyle best.