Our Opinion - 2026 Lincoln Nautilus Review “Lincoln luxury” sounds good, and the Nautilus, which looks like a mid-size SUV, is a great example of what it means. The Nautilus goes up against more expensive European cars like the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and the BMW X5. It achieves this by boasting a stylish exterior and a luxurious interior equipped with the latest technology. The Lincoln isn’t as fun to drive as the other models, but the Nautilus’ quiet cabin and smooth ride more than make up for its poor performance, and turning isn’t its main purpose. We like the Nautilus’ hybrid version (reviewed separately), which has more power and fits the SUV’s calm, smooth personality better. It features all-wheel drive and delivers 250 horsepower. What's New? There are a few new color choices and better tech features on the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus order sheet. It comes with BlueCruise 1.5, the most up-to-date hands-free driving aid that lets you change lanes without using your hands to get around slower-moving traffic. In Reserve models, the Light Smoke Truffle/Allura Blue color combination has been swapped out for a Hot Chocolate/Medium Light Space Grey inner mix. On Premium models, the exterior color Light Smoke Truffle has been replaced with Light Space Grey. The Jet Package comes with special 22-inch wheels and a blacked-out exterior and is now standard on all ranges. The top-of-the-line Black Label model now features a new Aurora interior concept as well. Pros and Cons Pros Elegant and up-to-date style. Big screens that can be changed. To drive the BlueCruise 1.5 without using your hands. Cons The average gas mileage of hybrids. Nonlinear setting for the brake pedal. Not as fancy as other companies. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The Nautilus is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. It comes equipped with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. On the road, the Nautilus offers a composed, comfortable, and secure driving experience. When set to Normal mode, the suspension smoothly handles most bumps and road irregularities. Switching to the more dynamic Excite mode results in a firmer setup that reduces body roll during cornering but can lead to a harsher ride, particularly with the larger 22-inch wheels. Safety Lincoln’s Co-Pilot360 set of driving aids is built into all Nautilus models. It also comes with a 48-month trial subscription and the latest version of Lincoln’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving assistance technology. Key safety features include: Most automatic emergency braking systems can detect pedestrians on the road. Standard lane-keeping assistance enhances the effectiveness of the lane departure warning system. Adaptive cruise control and hands-free driving mode come included as standard features. Internal and External Cargo Capacity The Nautilus goes to great lengths to create a luxurious experience for its passengers. The cabin features generous leather upholstery, large digital screens, and ambient lighting that enhances the overall atmosphere. The Lincoln Rejuvenate feature further elevates the experience, functioning like an in-car spa by allowing occupants to personalize lighting, seat positions, screen visuals, and massage settings for added relaxation. A trio of fragrance cartridges housed in the center armrest releases scents such as patchouli, cashmere, and fresh linen. Enhancing the sensory experience even further, the Nautilus includes a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and 24-way power-adjustable seats. Additional upscale touches include copper-toned interior stitching, aluminum trim accents, and a Redwood interior theme exclusive to the Black Label edition, designed to evoke the atmosphere of a redwood forest. Standard features include remote keyless entry, 10-way power-adjustable heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG Fuel economy ratings for the 2026 Nautilus have not yet been released by the EPA. However, the previous year’s model was estimated to achieve 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. In our 75-mph highway fuel economy test, the Nautilus outperformed its estimates by achieving 30 mpg. We also tested the hybrid version under the same conditions, and it matched that result with a return of 30 mpg. Infotainment and Connectivity Lincoln claims the Nautilus features a 48.0-inch dashboard display—the largest in its class—but its vertical tape-measure measurement suggests it’s not quite on par with an IMAX screen. Initially, the widescreen design is striking, but over time, it becomes more of a subtle presence compared to traditional infotainment systems. Complementing the expansive display is an 11.1-inch central touchscreen, which serves as the hub for audio controls, phone connectivity, and navigation input. The system also includes Amazon Alexa voice control, allowing for hands-free operation, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. Range, Charging, and Battery Life For most drivers, the supercharged four-cylinder engine provides sufficient speed. In our performance tests, the Nautilus accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. The hybrid version proved slightly quicker, achieving the same speed in just 6.6 seconds. Towing And Payload Capacity The Lincoln Nautilus can only pull up to 1,750 pounds, which is less than its competitors. For instance, the Genesis GV80 can pull up to 6,000 pounds. Price and How to Choose The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus could cost anywhere from $55,535 to $78,725, depending on the trim level and extras chosen. The best deal in the Nautilus range is the intermediate Reserve trim. It comes with a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated leather front seats, adjustable suspension, and a Revel 14-speaker sound system as standard. Optional features include a black-painted roof and more striking 21-inch wheels for a bolder look.
