Lincoln Nautilus

Overview: Is the Lincoln Nautilus a Good Luxury Crossover SUV?

The Lincoln Nautilus is a midsize luxury crossover SUV sold in the U.S. since 2019. As the successor to the Lincoln MKX, the Nautilus provides a balance of comfort, style, and performance in this highly competitive segment. With its refined interior, advanced technology, and capable powertrains, the Nautilus appeals to buyers seeking a premium driving experience in a spacious and versatile package. This overview covers the first-generation (2019-2023) and second-generation (2024-current) models. The first-generation Nautilus shares its underpinnings with the Ford Edge.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Lincoln Nautilus cars for sale.

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Key Features

The Lincoln Nautilus offers:

• Five-door, midsize luxury crossover SUV body style
• Two-row, five-passenger seating
• Front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Turbocharged four-cylinder or V6 engine options (a turbo hybrid four-cylinder replaced the V6 for 2024)
• 8-speed automatic transmission or continuously variable transmission (CVT) with the hybrid powertrain

Trims

Most used Lincoln Nautilus models come in three trims: Standard (or base), Reserve, and Black Label. The 2024 edition introduced the Premier grade to take over as the entry-level Nautilus. The starter trim offers features like heated front seats, a power liftgate, and a touchscreen infotainment system. The Reserve trim adds more luxury and convenience equipment, such as a panoramic sunroof, premium leather upholstery, and a 13-speaker Revel audio system. The range-topping Black Label trim offers the highest level of luxury with exclusive interior themes, a 19-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, and access to the Lincoln Black Label concierge service.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Lincoln Nautilus interior is designed around comfort and luxury. The front seats are welcoming, while the rear seats provide generous legroom. The Nautilus comes standard with Lincoln's SYNC 4 infotainment system, which features a large touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims and optional packages add features like a 360-degree camera system, a head-up display, and the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Plus suite of advanced driver assistance technologies. BlueCruise hands-free is available on select models. The Nautilus offers a spacious cargo area, with up to 71.3 cubic feet of storage space when the rear seats are folded down.

How It Drives

The first-generation Lincoln Nautilus offers a choice of two engines: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque or a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 with 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. The turbo four-cylinder carries over to the second generation, while a new 310-horsepower turbo hybrid assumes premium engine duties. Regardless of the generation, the base engine is more than adequate for most driving duties, but the upgraded engines make driving the Nautilus more engaging. All-wheel drive is optional with the first generation but standard on the second generation.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the first-generation Lincoln Nautilus a 5-star overall safety rating. The second generation has not been evaluated.

Reviews

Lincoln Nautilus reviews from Kelley Blue Book gave the first generation a solid 4.6/5 rating. Owners praise the model’s quality, reliability, comfort, and styling. There’s insufficient feedback to rate the second-generation Lincoln Nautilus.

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FAQs

Does the Lincoln Nautilus have transmission problems?

The Lincoln Nautilus has generally been reliable in terms of its transmission. However, some owners of early first-generation models (2019-2020) have reported rough shifting or hesitation issues. Lincoln has addressed these concerns through software updates and, in some cases, transmission replacements under warranty. Later models have shown improved transmission performance and reliability.

Which is bigger, the Lincoln Nautilus or the Lincoln Corsair?

In a Lincoln Corsair vs Nautilus matchup, the Lincoln Nautilus comes out ahead in terms of size. It’s a midsize luxury crossover SUV, while the Corsair is a compact luxury crossover SUV. The Nautilus offers more interior space, cargo capacity, and legroom than the smaller Corsair.

Is the Lincoln Nautilus a 7-seater?

No, the Lincoln Nautilus is not a 7-seater. It is a 5-passenger luxury crossover SUV with two rows of seating. The Nautilus offers ample space and comfort for up to five occupants but has no third-row option. The Lincoln Aviator and Navigator offer three-row seating.

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