2021 Lincoln Nautilus

History/Overview

The Lincoln Nautilus arrived in 2019 as a restyled and renamed version of the brand’s mid-size, five-seat crossover model, which was previously known by the generic-sounding MKX label. That update also brought more modern powertrain options.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

For 2021, the Nautilus’s interior gets modernized, with a larger touchscreen and an all-new dash design. Lincoln has also given the Nautilus’s exterior and very subtle refresh.

Available Trims

Lincoln offers the 2021 Nautilus in a single Reserve trim level. The only top-level decision you have to make is whether to stick with the standard 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine or move up to a 2.7L turbocharged V6. An eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD are standard.

Standard Features

Outside, the Nautilus wears 18-inch aluminum wheels, all-LED lighting, heated/power-folding side mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming, a hands-free tailgate, passive keyless entry, and remote engine start.

Inside, you get lighted door scuff plates, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic A/C, a frameless/auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, a digital gauge cluster, a power-adjustable steering wheel, rosewood and ash wood dash trim, a garage door remote, heated/ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, and leather upholstery.

Among the Nautilus’s high-tech items are wireless smartphone charging, a Sync 4 infotainment with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, a 13-speaker stereo, satellite radio, and navigation.

Safety and driver assist-wise, the Nautilus comes with automatic high beams, backup sensors, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision detection with automatic braking, rain-sensing wipers, and tire pressure monitoring.

Key Options

Nautilus options include adaptive headlights; LED fog lights; adaptive cruise control with following distance alert; 360-degree camera views; active parking assist; front parking sensors; a 19-speaker sound system; rear-seat entertainment; 22-way adjustable front seats; phone-as-a-key technology; adaptive suspension; evasive steering assist; the Co-Pilot360 driver assist suite; and 20- and 21-inch wheels and tires.

Fuel Economy

Lincoln’s fuel consumption estimates for the Nautilus are 12.0/9.6 L/100 km (city/highway) with the four-cylinder engine, and 12.6/9.3 L/100 km for V6-powered models.

Competition

Mid-size crossover shoppers have a lot of choice these days. The Nautilus’s domestic competitors are the Buick Envision, the Cadillac XT6, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Germany’s competition includes the BMW X5, the Audi Q5, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. From elsewhere in Europe come the Volvo XC60, and the Jaguar F-Pace.

Japan sends a number of vehicles aimed squarely at this class, too, like the Acura MDX, the Lexus RX, and Infiniti QX60.

Finally, there are a few in-between models to consider, like the Mazda CX-9 Signature, and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.