2026 BMW X3 vs. 2026 Lincoln Nautilus

Car Chomper says the 2026 BMW X3 ignites the drive with its sharper focus, boasting 255 hp and a superior 29 mpg combined against the smooth sanctuary of the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus, which counters with 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, dwarfing the X3's 31.5, and a more substantial 193.2-inch length, with both using AWD and 8-speed automatics, the X3 nudging ahead in torque at 295 lb-ft versus the Nautilus's 280, naming the X3 best for commuters, enthusiasts, and value, and the Nautilus best for families. TrueCar confirms the X3's $52,650 starting price undercuts the Nautilus's $56,290 by $3,640, a gap that stretches to $4,794 based on real-world average prices, with the X3 also winning on fuel economy at 27 city/33 highway mpg versus the Nautilus's 21 city/29 highway mpg.

Which to choose, and why

More power and mpg for the X3

Car Chomper (opens in a new tab) says the 2026 BMW X3 ignites the drive with its sharper focus, boasting 255 hp and a superior 29 mpg combined against the smooth sanctuary of the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus, with the X3 nudging ahead in torque at 295 lb-ft versus the Nautilus's 280.

More cargo space for the Nautilus

Car Chomper (opens in a new tab) says the Nautilus counters with 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, dwarfing the X3's 31.5, and a more substantial 193.2-inch length, naming the Nautilus best for families and the X3 best for commuters, enthusiasts, and value.

$3,640 to $4,794 cheaper

TrueCar (opens in a new tab) confirms the X3's $52,650 starting price undercuts the Nautilus's $56,290 by $3,640, a gap that stretches to $4,794 based on real-world average prices, with the X3 also winning on fuel economy at 27 city/33 highway mpg versus the Nautilus's 21 city/29 highway mpg.

Questions buyers ask

Which has more cargo space, the BMW X3 or Lincoln Nautilus?

Car Chomper (opens in a new tab) says the Nautilus, at 36.4 cubic feet versus the X3's 31.5.

Which is cheaper, the BMW X3 or Lincoln Nautilus?

TrueCar (opens in a new tab) says the X3, by $3,640 at MSRP.

Side-by-side matrix

The published fields that can change the decision.

BMW X3: 2 records · Lincoln Nautilus: 2 records.

Decision field	BMW X3	Lincoln Nautilus
Exact EPA records	2	2
Model / option labels	2	2
Drive layouts	All-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Engines / propulsion	2L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, 3L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid	2L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI, 2L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; Hybrid
Transmissions	Automatic (S8)	Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic 8-spd
Fuel types	Premium	Regular
EPA classes	Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD	Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Combined efficiency	27–29 MPG/MPGe	24–30 MPG/MPGe
Electric range	Not listed	Not listed
Annual fuel / energy estimate	$2750–2950 per year	$2150–2700 per year

Head to head

BMW X3 vs. Lincoln Nautilus: size, power, capability and price.

Measure	BMW X3	Lincoln Nautilus
Starting price (KBB base)	$52,650	$55,990
Top trim price (KBB base)	$67,850	$79,655
Horsepower	255-393 hp	250 hp
Torque	295-428 lb-ft	275 lb-ft
0 to 60 mph	4.4-6 sec	n/a
Curb weight	4,176-4,535 lb	4,349 lb
Length	187.2 in	193.2 in
Wheelbase	112.8 in	114.2 in
Cargo volume	67.1 cu ft	71.3 cu ft
Towing capacity	n/a	1,750 lb
Seating	5 seats	5 seats
Basic warranty	4 years	4 years

Figures are ranges across each model’s trims from Kelley Blue Book records (2026 model year); prices are KBB base prices.

The BMW X3 starts $3,340 lower: $52,650 against $55,990 before options and fees.
On peak horsepower, the BMW X3 leads: 393 hp against 250 hp.
On peak torque, the BMW X3 leads: 428 lb-ft against 275 lb-ft.
The BMW X3 is lighter, comparing lightest trims: 4,176 lb against 4,349 lb.
On length, the Lincoln Nautilus leads: 193.2 in against 187.2 in.
On wheelbase, the Lincoln Nautilus leads: 114.2 in against 112.8 in.
On cargo volume, the Lincoln Nautilus leads: 71.3 cu ft against 67.1 cu ft.
Both list the same seating capacity: 5 seats.
Both list the same basic warranty: 4 years.

Background on each vehicle

What public sources say about the BMW X3 and the Lincoln Nautilus.

2026 BMW X3

The BMW X3 is a compact luxury crossover SUV manufactured by BMW since 2003, based on the BMW 3 Series platform. BMW markets the car as a Sports Activity Vehicle, the company's proprietary descriptor for its X-line luxury vehicles. The first-generation X3 E83 in 2003 was designed by BMW in conjunction with Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria—who also manufactured all X3s under contract to BMW.

Source: BMW X3 (Wikipedia)

NHTSA rated the 2025 BMW X3 overall 4 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.

Recent recalls (11 campaigns across the latest model years)

August 2026, Steering:Linkages:Knuckle:Spindle:Arm. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024-2026 X3 sDrive30i, X3 30 xDrive, and X3 M50 xDrive vehicles. The steering spindle may have been incorrectly attached to the steering column. Consequence: An incorrectly attached steering spindle can lead to a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
December 2025, Steering:Steering Control Module. BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2025-2026 X3 vehicles. While the vehicle is stationary, unexpected steering wheel movement (rotation) may occur. Consequence: Unintended steering wheel movement while the vehicle is stationary increases the risk of an injury and on the road, a crash.
April 2025, Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 X3 30 xDrive vehicles. The front brake discs may have been damaged during transport before they were installed on the vehicle. Consequence: Damaged front brakes may not function properly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Owners filed 35 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 BMW X3, most often about electrical system (12), steering (8), forward collision avoidance (8).

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Lincoln Nautilus is a mid-sized luxury crossover SUV marketed over two generations by Ford Motor Company's Lincoln luxury brand. The Nautilus was initially renamed from the MKX as part of a midcycle update in 2018 for the 2019 model year, as Lincoln phased out its use of "MK" model names. The name Nautilus is derived from the ancient Greek word nautes, meaning "sailor", as in nautical or astronaut.

Safety: Second generation (CDX707; 2024) The second-generation Nautilus was released in 2023 for the Chinese market. It is a mid-sized SUV with five seats, available with either a gasoline or a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain. The North American market Nautilus was presented on April 17, 2023, and went on sale in early 2024, imported from China.

Source: Lincoln Nautilus (Wikipedia)

NHTSA rated the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.

Recent recalls (9 campaigns across the latest model years)

March 2026, Back Over Prevention:Software. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) may experience multiple unexpected resets, resulting in loss of the rearview camera image and advanced driver assistance… Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.
March 2026, Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve). Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power. Consequence: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
August 2025, Exterior Lighting:Lighting Control Module. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang Mach E, and Mustang vehicles. The LED Driver Modules may contain a burnt diode, which can cause the low-beam and high-beam headlights, daytime running lights, front position lights, and front turn… Consequence: Exterior lighting failure can reduce visibility for the driver and other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.

Owners filed 21 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, most often about lane departure (6), forward collision avoidance (5), unknown or other (4).

Open both dossiers

Resolve the exact engine, drive and EPA ID.

01 · 2026BMW X32 configurations →02 · 2026Lincoln Nautilus2 configurations →

Comparison answer desk

12 answers for this exact pairing.

Q01Which is more efficient: the 2026 BMW X3 or the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus?

Efficiency

The 2026 BMW X3 lists the higher combined-efficiency midpoint in this snapshot (28 vs. the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus's 27 MPG/MPGe).