“I am a satisfied lessee of my Lincoln Nautilus. If you think you deserve a vehicle this nice, go for it.”
Lincoln Nautilus: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Lincoln Nautilus is a two-row midsize luxury SUV for five people, known for a quiet, roomy cabin and a comfort-first driving experience. Since the 2024 redesign, its calling cards have included a 48-inch panoramic dashboard display, standard AWD, and gas or hybrid power.
Introduced for 2019 as the renamed and refreshed MKX, the Nautilus has consistently put quiet comfort and everyday ease ahead of sporty handling. Its cabin technology took a major step forward in 2021, then became the centerpiece of the fully redesigned 2024 model. Across both generations, the theme is the same: generous passenger space, approachable technology, and a relaxed feel.
Strengths
- The cabin is designed to feel quiet and calming rather than sporty or busy.
- The back seat has real space for adults, with 43.1 inches of rear legroom in the 2026 model.
- Since the 2024 redesign, a 48-inch display stretches across the dashboard while a separate touchscreen keeps common controls within easy reach.
- Driver-assistance features have been a consistent priority since 2019, and the 2024 redesign added a broader standard suite.
- The 2026 hybrid was rated at 29 mpg in the city, giving efficiency-minded buyers an alternative to the gas version.
- AWD has been standard across the lineup since the 2024 redesign.
Who it's for
The Nautilus fits couples and small families who want a premium SUV with a comfortable back seat but do not need a third row. It is especially well suited to commuting and road trips, where a quiet cabin and relaxed ride matter more than sharp, sporty handling.
Lincoln Nautilus lineup
In the current lineup, Premiere is the starting point and suits shoppers who want the Nautilus experience without moving into the more upscale versions. Reserve is the middle step and is the better fit when added comfort matters; its standard comfort package became broader in recent years. Black Label sits at the top, with the most distinctive cabin and appearance treatments. Pick it when design details and a more special interior matter more than keeping things simple.
Lincoln Nautilus generations
From 2019 to 2026, the Nautilus spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2024, following the 1st Generation (2019–2023).
2nd Generation (2024–Present)
A full redesign moved the Nautilus to a new platform with different exterior proportions and a cabin centered on a 48-inch panoramic display. Every version has AWD, and the generation pairs a turbocharged gas engine or turbo-hybrid system with a broader set of driver-assistance features.
3 In Stock
2026
The platform, powertrains, displays, driver-assistance hardware, and trim lineup carry over.
2025
No model-wide redesign or hardware update. Reserve gained a larger standard comfort package, while Black Label made its in-cabin Rejuvenate feature standard.
2024New generation
Completely redesigned on a new platform with standard AWD, a 48-inch panoramic display, an 11.1-inch touchscreen, a new turbo-hybrid option, and more standard driver-assistance features.
1st Generation (2019–2023)
The Nautilus name began with a major update of the former MKX rather than a clean-sheet redesign. It brought revised front styling, a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic, and a standard safety suite; a major cabin update followed for 2021.
94 In Stock
2023
The engines, trims, cabin layout, and standard safety equipment carry over for this generation's final year.
2022
The 2021 cabin and technology updates carry over, with only option-package and paint revisions.
2021Mid-cycle update
A redesigned dashboard brought a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen and piano-key gear selector, along with a light front-end update and new cabin materials.
2020Trim changes
The Select trim left the lineup, leaving the base Nautilus, Reserve, and Black Label trims.
2019
The first Nautilus replaced the MKX name with refreshed front styling, a new standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic, and a standard driver-safety suite.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Lincoln Nautilus.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lincoln Nautilus a two-row or three-row SUV?
The Lincoln Nautilus is a two-row midsize luxury SUV with seating for five. Its focus is a roomy, quiet cabin rather than a third row or sporty handling.
What is the Lincoln Nautilus known for?
The Nautilus is known for a comfort-focused ride, generous rear-seat room and an especially wide digital dashboard on newer models. It emphasizes a calm cabin and easy-to-reach technology more than sharp, sporty handling.
Does the Lincoln Nautilus come as a hybrid?
Yes. Starting with the 2024 redesign, every Nautilus trim was sold with either a turbocharged gas engine or a turbo-hybrid powertrain. Earlier Nautilus models were gas-only.
Does every Lincoln Nautilus have all-wheel drive?
No. All-wheel drive became standard across the Nautilus range with the 2024 redesign. Earlier used models do not share that model-wide standard, so check the individual vehicle.
Does every Lincoln Nautilus have the 48-inch dashboard display?
No. The 48-inch panoramic display arrived with the 2024 redesign. The 2021 through 2023 models instead use a redesigned dashboard with a 13.2-inch center touchscreen, while 2019 and 2020 models have the earlier cabin.
How do the Lincoln Nautilus generations differ?
The 2019 Nautilus was a renamed and refreshed MKX. A major 2021 update brought a modern dashboard and 13.2-inch touchscreen. The fully redesigned second generation arrived for 2024 with standard all-wheel drive, a 48-inch display and hybrid power.
Who is the Lincoln Nautilus a good fit for?
The Nautilus suits someone who wants a quiet, spacious five-seat SUV with a soft-riding, technology-focused cabin. It is less suited to a shopper seeking three-row seating or an especially sporty driving feel.
Lincoln Nautilus Reviews
What owners are saying about the Lincoln Nautilus.
4.3
Lincoln Nautilus
(829 reviews)
“The car had numerous safety features to prevent/avoid accidents. It has good mileage for a car of its size. And it is most comfortable with lots of leg room. Good value for the price.”
“Don't buy it. Blue cruise sucks. Constantly yells at you to watch the road or keep hands on wheel when you are literally doing both.”
“Make sure the interior camera works properly, and doesn't accuse you of not looking at the road when you are looking at the road.”
“Driving the Lincoln Nautilus is a pleasure. Well thought out and for a long road trip, very economical with great power for a 6 cylinder SUV. I would recommend.”
“Great Audio System. Seats are very comfortable and highly adjustable. Some fit and finish is subpar”
Sources
- lincoln.com — Luxury Suvs / Nautilus / 2025
- lincoln.com — 2025 / Models / Premiere
- lincoln.com — 2025 / Models / Reserve
- lincoln.com — 2025 / Models / Black Label
- es.lincoln.com — 2024 / Models / Premiere
- media.lincoln.com — 04 / 17 / Sanctuary For The Senses All New Lincoln Nautilus Debuts With R
- media.lincoln.com — 11 / 20 / Sanctuary Refined New Lincoln Nautilus
- media.lincoln.com — 2021 / Nautilus / 2021 Lincoln Nautilus TechSpecs
- media.lincoln.com — 2019 / Nautilus / 19 Nautilus Tech Specs
- media.lincoln.com — 2019 / Nautilus / 19 Nautilus Black Label
- media.lincoln.com — 11 / 20 / Sanctuary Refined New Lcoln Nautilus