2025 Lexus RX vs. 2025 Lincoln Nautilus Comparison

When considering luxury midsize SUVs, the brands keep making it more challenging to make a choice. These vehicles continue to see improvements in styling, performance, and technology, helping to create the very definition of a first-world problem.

The 2025 Lexus RX and 2025 Lincoln Nautilus epitomize the segment’s continuous improvement. They are among the best in the midsize luxury group. While many consider the Lexus RX to be the leader of the pack, the Lincoln Nautilus offers stiff competition.

Let’s dive deeper into these two vehicles.

2025 Lexus RX

For many, the Lexus RX remains the benchmark for midsize luxury SUVs. It offers a premium interior, good performance, leading technology, and reasonable ownership costs. It is also available as a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

It’s powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder putting out 275 horsepower; however, you can upgrade to the 304-hp PHEV or to the most impressive 366-hp hybrid if you want more go from the gas pedal. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available. If you want an edgier look to match the performance, the brand now offers a new Black Line Special Edition as part of the RX 500h F Sport package.

The interior of the RX is hushed and spacious. As is often the case in a Lexus, everything is in the right place. Even the massive 14-inch high-definition touchscreen is easy to use.

Lexus RX Highlights

Enjoy the ride: Under the right conditions, the Lexus RX can steer, accelerate, and brake autonomously through stop-and-go traffic using Traffic Jam Assist. 

Impressive audio: The Mark Levinson audio systems offered across the Lexus line consistently rank among our favorites. The 21-speaker setup in the RX is almost as good as being at a concert in person.

Helpful tech: You can lock, unlock, and start the Lexus RX with your phone. The car senses your phone just like a key, so you don’t need to take it out of your pocket. You can even “send” a key to a friend.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the RX models for sale near you.

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

The Lincoln Nautilus is available in three trims: Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label. It enjoys a couple of powertrain options, starting with a 250-hp 4-cylinder, which may seem underwhelming. However, if you move up to the hybrid, you get more ponies — 310 of them to be exact. All-wheel drive is standard across the lineup.

The interior is where the Nautilus really shines. Its standard features include a 48-inch display spanning the top of the dashboard, an 11.1-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, Amazon Alexa, synthetic leather seating surfaces, wireless device charging, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. 

Lincoln Nautilus Highlights

Audio excellence: It seems you can’t produce a luxury SUV without a tie to a top-flight audio company. Lincoln’s partner is Revel, which provides a 14-speaker system for the entry-level Premiere trim. However, it gets bumped to the 28-speaker array in the Black Label model.

Mobile spa: Available on the Reserve and standard on the Black Label are 24-way adjustable front seats with built-in massage functions. The Nautilus spa-like experience is enhanced with an optional in-cabin diffuser that infuses the cabin with scents like patchouli and fresh linen. 

BlueCruise hands-free driving aid: This system allows hands-free highway driving on more than 130,000 miles of pre-mapped roads in North America. You can add it to the lower two trims, while it’s standard on the top-line Black Label. 

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Nautilus models for sale near you.

Similarities

They’re elegant on the outside and luxurious on the inside. Each allows for upgrades to the powertrain to move the vehicle from spirited to fast. The cabins are spacious and opulent, with all the technology you need and want right where you expect it to be.

Pricing

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Lexus RX vehicles and New 2025 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

Specifications

Conclusion

The Lexus RX and Lincoln Nautilus have long been regarded as excellent choices in this segment. The Nautilus is lauded for the excellence of its interior, but the RX offers more — and more powerful — powertrain options, enjoys an excellent reputation for quality, and features a price tag that starts $5,000 less than the Nautilus. Unless the interior’s the thing, the RX is the play.