Lincoln creates vehicle meditation mode backed by Purdue University research to reduce stress in American drivers
Published on Oct 19, 2025 at 5:04 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Oct 15, 2025 at 5:09 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Lincoln has created an unusual vehicle meditation mode which, thanks to research from Purdue University, should help with driver stress levels.
The American car company has worked with the university to try to ensure drivers can unwind as much as possible without needing to leave the car.
The mode is called ‘Forest Meditation’, and it has also been created in collaboration with the popular mental health app, Calm, to create a soothing and relaxing driving experience.
It is certainly one of the more intriguing features to be added to a car in modern times.
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How the Lincoln vehicle meditation mode works
Labelled Forest Meditation, the mode attempts to capture the atmosphere of a peaceful woodland retreat.
It brings the woodland into the cabin of the car and combines forest visuals, sounds, and a subtle fragrance.
Calm narrator, Tamar Levitt, guides drivers and passengers through the experience.
The meditation mode leads listeners through what is known as a ‘body scan meditation.’
Five and ten-minute options are available, depending on how long occupants want to recharge.
The ultimate aim is to make driving more relaxing and relieve any stress that drivers may feel.
Research from Purdue University has played a big role in shaping this new feature.
Lincoln itself commissioned the study by the university.
A relaxed driving experience brings added benefits.
The study explored the benefits of a relaxed driving environment.
It showed that sound, light, and scent can have positive impacts on moods and stress levels when combined.
Up to 70 percent of Americans report daily stress in their lives.
Given how often we are in our cars, having that space to relax is incredibly important.
Lincoln itself sees cars as a ‘third space’, or a sanctuary for us away from home and work.
Being relaxed and calm when driving can also help to prevent any driving errors.
The feature is currently standard on the 2025 Lincoln Navigator.
It is also available on select trims of the 2025 Nautilus.
It’s already a popular feature, as more than half of the owners who have it have tried it.
Other manufacturers could follow suit should the feature’s popularity grow further over time.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
