“Exceptionally reliable, exceptionally comfortable seats, very quiet comfortable ride, good performance.”
2021 Lincoln Nautilus: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus is its thoroughly redesigned cabin, led by a new dashboard and a standard 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen. The basic platform and engine lineup carry over, while the exterior receives a mild front-end update.
About the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus
1st-generation Lincoln Nautilus (2019-2023), major mid-cycle refresh for 2021.
Lincoln positions the Nautilus as a serene two-row midsize luxury SUV built around quiet comfort instead of sporty attitude. The core appeal is a calm cabin, an easy ride, simple-to-use technology, and enough space for everyday family duty without moving up to a larger three-row SUV. Against rivals that lean harder into performance, the Nautilus is the choice for shoppers who want a relaxed, polished luxury SUV with strong comfort and straightforward controls.
Lincoln positioned the 2021 Nautilus as a calm, modern two-row luxury SUV, with the same large touchscreen and core driver-assistance features even on the base trim. Reserve adds comfort-focused equipment such as ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic roof, navigation, and a 13-speaker Revel audio system. Black Label pairs a standard 335-hp twin-turbo V6 and AWD with Chalet or Flight interior themes, Venetian leather, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera.
What changed, by category
Styling
Lincoln redesigned the dashboard and center console, fitted its piano-key shifter layout, and lightly revised the front end. Black Label also gained Chalet and Flight cabin themes. Leather seats became standard on the base trim, while Reserve fog lights changed from standard to optional.
Tech
A 13.2-inch touchscreen running the newer SYNC 4 system became standard across the lineup.
2021 Lincoln Nautilus specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / V6, Twin Turbo, 2.7 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 2.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 8-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 8-Spd w/SelectShift |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 19–20 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 250–335 hp | 335 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 280–380 lb-ft | 380 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 68.8 cu-ft | 68.8 cu-ft | 68.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.6 in | 39.6 in | 39.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Cruise Control | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Mirrors | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
How different is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus from the 2020 model?
The 2021 Nautilus is meaningfully different inside. It has a redesigned dashboard and center console, a standard 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen, and Lincoln’s piano-key shifter layout, while its platform and engine lineup remain largely unchanged.
Is the 13.2-inch touchscreen standard on every 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?
Yes. Every 2021 Nautilus trim has the 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen, making the updated infotainment system one of this year’s main lineup-wide changes.
Does the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. The 2021 Nautilus supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto through its standard 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen system.
Did the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus get new engines?
No. The engine lineup carried over for 2021. The base model uses a 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while Black Label has a standard 335-hp twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 and AWD.
Is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus worth choosing over the 2020 model?
The 2021 model is the stronger choice if cabin design and infotainment matter to you. Its interior looks more modern, and its much larger standard touchscreen runs the newer SYNC 4 system, but the underlying platform and engines are essentially carryover items.
2021 Lincoln Nautilus Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus.
4.4
2021 Lincoln Nautilus
(213 reviews)
“Good styling, well built quality, comfortable ride and premium interior, good fuel mileage.”
“Beautiful vehicle with amazing interiors and smart technology all rolled into one package!”