2020 Nautilus New Car Test Drive

Introduction

The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus is a sharp-looking crossover that once wore the MKX moniker. The 2020 Nautilus is a comfortable, cosseting mid-size crossover with plenty of room for five passengers. 

For 2020, the Nautilus sees just a few minor changes. The most affordable Select trim has been ditched, and there's expanded availability of Lincoln's suite of active-safety features. 

Most Nautilus models will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-4 making 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. An 8-speed automatic directs power to the front-wheels, though all-wheel drive is optional. 

For those seeking more power, a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6 is available. That engine makes a stout 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is required with this engine. The 8-speed automatic again handles shifting duties. 

Sticking with the base turbo-4 returns EPA-estimated gas mileage of 21 mpg city, 26 highway, 23 combined with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive drops that to 20/25/22 mpg. With standard all-wheel drive, the twin-turbo V-6 returns figures of 19/26/21 mpg. 

Active-safety features remain largely optional on the Nautilus. Base models get automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and active lane control, but anything else requires purchasing a package which adds adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, evasive-steering assist, and active parking assist. 

The NHTSA gave the Nautilus top marks for overall, frontal, and side-impact crash tests. The IIHS awarded the Lincoln its highest rating of 'good'? for all crash test scenarios. 

Lineup

All prices reflect front-drive models and include all applicable destination charges. 

The Nautilus range opens up with the $42,035 Standard. It includes 10-way power seats, a power rear liftgate, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, a digital gauge cluster, and 18-inch wheels. 

Moving into the $49,495 Nautilus Reserve buys 22-way seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic roof, perforated leather seats, navigation, 20-inch wheels, wood trim, and more. The twin-turbo V-6 is available on this trim. 

The $64,795 Nautilus Black Label trim is distinguished by its choice of three interior themes, all of which have a distinct color scheme and abundant leather, wood, and metal trim. It also gets 21-inch wheels, LED headlights, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system as standard.