2026 Lincoln Nautilus: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is a light update, not a redesign. The main change is that leather upholstery on the Premiere trim moved from standard to optional; otherwise, the lineup largely carries over from 2025.
About the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus
2nd generation (2024-present), third model year; no mid-cycle refresh
The Nautilus is Lincoln’s two-row midsize luxury SUV, centered on a quiet, spacious cabin and an unusually wide digital display rather than sporty handling. Lincoln presents it as a calming personal space with easy-to-reach technology, strong rear-seat room, standard AWD, and gas or hybrid propulsion. Its main distinctions are the 48-inch panoramic dashboard display, comfort-focused ride, and generous standard driver-assist equipment in a five-passenger package.
Premiere anchors the 2026 lineup with AWD, a 48-inch panoramic dashboard display, an 11.1-inch center touchscreen, and a broad driver-assist suite. Reserve adds comfort-focused hardware such as leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic roof, and adaptive suspension. Black Label tops the range with 24-way massaging front seats, a 28-speaker Revel audio system, and distinctive cabin themes.
What changed, by category
2026 Lincoln Nautilus specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT / Automatic, 8-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, CVT / Automatic, 8-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, CVT / Automatic, 8-Spd w/SelectShift |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid / Gas | Hybrid / Gas | Hybrid / Gas |
| MPG City | 21–29 mpg | 21–29 mpg | 21–29 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29–31 mpg | 29–31 mpg | 29–31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 250 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 275–300 lb-ft | 275–300 lb-ft | 275–300 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1750 lb | 1750 lb | 1750 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 71.3 cu-ft | ||
| Rear Legroom | 43.1 in | 43.1 in | 43.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||
| Leather Interior Trim | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus compared with the 2025 model?
The main change is on the Premiere trim: leather upholstery moved from standard to optional. The overall trim structure, AWD layout, powertrain families, display hardware, and core safety hardware otherwise carry over.
Was the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus redesigned?
No. The 2026 Nautilus remains part of the second generation introduced for 2024, with no mid-cycle refresh or major body redesign for this year.
Does every 2026 Lincoln Nautilus Premiere have leather seats?
No. Leather upholstery is optional rather than standard on the 2026 Premiere, so the seating material should be checked on each used vehicle.
Did the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus powertrains change?
No. Every trim retains AWD and was built with either the 2.0-liter turbo gas system or the 2.0-liter turbo hybrid system, depending on the vehicle.
Did the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus get a new infotainment system?
No. Its permanent display hardware is unchanged, including the 48-inch panoramic dashboard display and 11.1-inch center touchscreen.