2020 Nautilus New Car Test Drive

The following review is for a 2019 Model Year. There may be minor changes to current model you are looking at.

Introduction

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus is a mid-size crossover SUV that once wore the MKX badge. It's derived from the Ford Edge, sharing that mainstream model's running gear but adding plenty of style, contemporary technology, and luxury trim. 

New for 2019, Nautilus adopts a more handsome front end and more lush cabin than its MKX predecessor.

Four trim levels are offered: Standard, Select, Reserve, and Black Label. The latter can have one of three designer themes: Gala, Chalet, or Thoroughbred.

Nautilus buyers can select either a turbo-4 or a twin-turbo V-6 engine, with front- or all-wheel drive. Standard on all models, the 2.0-liter turbo-4 generates 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, driving a new 8-speed automatic transmission with pushbutton gear selection.

Power-seekers can gravitate toward the optional 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6, producing 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet. Taking the V-6 reduces 0-60 mph acceleration by a couple of seconds.

Crash-test results have been impressive. The NHTSA gave the Nautilus a trio of five-star ratings: overall and for both frontal and side impacts. The IIHS gave Nautilus top “Good” ratings in all crash tests that were conducted.

All versions get standard forward-collision warnings and automatic emergency braking, along with blind-spot monitors and active lane control. Additional technical features are grouped into a Co-Pilot 360 package, including steering assist and adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality.. 

Lineup

Prices do not include $995 destination charge.

Standard ($40,340 with front-drive, $42,835 with all-wheel drive) comes with the 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine, 10-way heated power front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, 11-speaker audio, dual-zone automatic climate control, active noise control, pushbutton shift, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, forward-collision warnings with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, active lane control, hands-free power liftgate, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Sync3 infotainment includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.

Select ($44,545 with FWD, $47,040 with AWD) adds navigation, leather upholstery, a power tilt/telescopic steering column, ambient lighting, machined 18-inch wheels, and wireless charging pad.

Reserve ($48,875 with FWD, $51,370 with AWD) adds an adaptive suspension, 20-inch wheels, Revel 13-speaker audio, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, remote start, and heated/ventilated front seats.

Black Label ($56,895 with FWD, $59,390 with AWD) gets 21-inch wheels, premium leather, 19-speaker Revel audio, full LED headlights with dynamic bending, Alcantara headliner, and choice of three color-coordinated designer themes..