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Lincoln Nautilus
MotorTrend says after clinching its 2025 SUV of the Year award, the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus arrives with cosmetic updates and a new version of Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving technology, offering a hybrid version with the same 2.0-liter engine joined to an electric motor for a total output of 310 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the gas-only 2026 Nautilus is expected to have a similar fuel economy rating to the EPA-tested 2025 model's 21/29 mpg city/highway. Car and Driver says the 2026 Nautilus Hybrid is a showcase for Lincoln's luxury-car ethos.
Fresh off an SUV of the Year win
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says after clinching its 2025 SUV of the Year award, the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus arrives with cosmetic updates and a new version of Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving technology.
310-hp hybrid, gas mpg carryover
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says as an upgrade, Lincoln offers a hybrid 2026 Nautilus with the same 2.0-liter engine joined to an electric motor for a total output of 310 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the gas-only 2026 Nautilus is expected to have a similar fuel economy rating to the 2025 model tested by the EPA, which returned 21/29 mpg city/highway.
A showcase for Lincoln's luxury ethos
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says the 2026 Nautilus Hybrid is a showcase for Lincoln's luxury-car ethos.
Luxury, performance and efficiency
TopSpeed (opens in a new tab) reviewed the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid under the theme of luxury, performance, and efficiency.
Questions buyers ask
Did the Lincoln Nautilus win an award?
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says yes, MotorTrend's 2025 SUV of the Year.
How much horsepower does the Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid have?
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says 310 hp and 295 lb-ft.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder or 2.0L turbo hybrid, rated at 250 / 310 horsepower across its midsize luxury SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2025 U.S. lineup has 3 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe 2025 Nautilus seats 5 and is a Midsize luxury SUV.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 21 owner complaints for the 2025 Nautilus.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2025 Lincoln Nautilus
Premiere keeps the base 250-horsepower turbo engine; Reserve and Black Label both step up to a 310-horsepower hybrid version of the same engine. All trims have standard all-wheel drive.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
2 indexed Lincoln Nautilus model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lincoln Nautilus | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Lincoln Nautilus | 2025 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the 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
- 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); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Lincoln Nautilus at a glance
- Production
- 2018–present
- Model years
- 2019–present
- Class
- Mid-size luxury crossover SUV
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
- Predecessor
- Lincoln MKX
- Related models
- Ford Edge
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).
Year by year
The Lincoln Nautilus across 8 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lincoln Nautilus | 24–30 | $2,150–$2,700 | 2 | 5 stars | ||
| 2025 Lincoln Nautilus | 24–30 | $2,100–$2,600 | 2 | 6 | 21 | 5 stars |
| 2024 Lincoln Nautilus | 24–30 | $2,100–$2,600 | 2 | 7 | 21 | |
| 2023 Lincoln Nautilus | 21–23 | $2,700–$2,950 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 5 stars |
| 2022 Lincoln Nautilus | 21–23 | $2,700–$2,950 | 5 | 2 | 13 | 5 stars |
| 2021 Lincoln Nautilus | 21–23 | $2,700–$2,950 | 5 | 2 | 21 | 5 stars |
| 2020 Lincoln Nautilus | 21–23 | $2,700–$2,950 | 3 | 5 | 33 | 5 stars |
| 2019 Lincoln Nautilus | 21–23 | $2,700–$2,950 | 4 | 8 | 100 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Lincoln Nautilus, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 to 2025 | Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI | Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI | ||
| 2023 to 2024 | 5 to 2 | 22.0 to 27.0 | Labels: Nautilus HEV AWD; Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; Hybrid; Transmissions: Automatic (variable gear ratios); Drives: Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | Labels: Nautilus FWD; Engines: 2.7L 6-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic (S8); Drives: Front-Wheel Drive; Size classes: Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
| 2020 to 2021 | 3 to 5 | Transmissions: Automatic 8-spd | ||
| 2019 to 2020 | 4 to 3 |
Buying used
What the Lincoln Nautilus recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | visibility (power window devices and controls); electrical system; exterior lighting (lighting control module); 2 more | None |
| 2024 | 7 | visibility (power window devices and controls); electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); electrical system; 1 more | None |
| 2023 | 3 | child seat (vehicle tether anchor); suspension (rear); back over prevention (software) | None |
| 2022 | 2 | engine and engine cooling; back over prevention (software) | None |
| 2021 | 2 | engine and engine cooling; back over prevention (software) | None |
| 2020 | 5 | seats (front assembly); power train (automatic transmission); back over prevention (sensing system); 2 more | None |
| 2019 | 8 | air bags (frontal); lane departure (lane keep); electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); 3 more | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| power train | 55 | 25% | 2019 (28) |
| electrical system | 45 | 21% | 2019 (29) |
| unknown or other | 35 | 16% | 2019 (16) |
| engine | 25 | 11% | 2019 (15) |
| structure | 14 | 6% | 2021 (6) |
| service brakes | 11 | 5% | 2020 (3) |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Lincoln Nautilus trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premiere | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 250 | 275 | 4,349 | 1,750 | 24 | $55,990 |
| Reserve | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 250 | 275 | 4,349 | 1,750 | 24 | $65,590 |
| Black Label | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 250 | 275 | 4,349 | 1,750 | 24 | $79,655 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Lincoln Nautilus model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 250 | 4,349 | 1,750 | 20 |
| 2025 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 250 | 4,349 | 1,750 | 20 |
| 2024 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 250 | 4,349 | 1,750 | 20 |
| 2023 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.7-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) | 250–335 | 4,165–4,565 | 1,500 | 18 |
| 2022 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.7-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) | 250–335 | 4,165–4,565 | 1,500 | 18 |
| 2021 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.7-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) | 250–335 | 4,140–4,500 | 1,500 | 18 |
| 2020 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.7-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) | 250–335 | – | 1,500 | 18 |
| 2019 | 4 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.7-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) | 250–335 | – | 3,500 | 18 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Lincoln Nautilus.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2024 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2022 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2021 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2020 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Lincoln Nautilus: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2019 Lincoln Nautilus : 8 recalls on file, most commonly affecting electrical system and Lane Departure.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | not available | ||
| 2025 | 6 | 21 | visibility/wipers, electrical system, exterior lighting, engine cooling |
| 2024 | 7 | 21 | visibility/wipers, electrical system, backup camera |
| 2023 | 3 | 7 | child seat, suspension, backup camera |
| 2022 | 2 | 13 | engine cooling, backup camera |
| 2021 | 2 | 21 | engine cooling, backup camera |
| 2020 | 5 | 33 | backup camera, powertrain, seats |
| 2019 | 8 | 100 | electrical system, Lane Departure, seats, airbags |
| 2018 | not available | ||
| 2017 | not available | ||
| 2016 | not available | ||
| 2015 | not available |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Lincoln Nautilus?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2019 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Lincoln Nautilus model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus has 8 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting electrical system, Lane Departure, seats. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03What are common recall-related problems on the Lincoln Nautilus by model year?
2025: visibility/wipers, electrical system, exterior lighting, engine cooling. 2024: visibility/wipers, electrical system, backup camera. 2023: child seat, suspension, backup camera. 2022: engine cooling, backup camera. 2021: engine cooling, backup camera. 2020: backup camera, powertrain, seats.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Climate and electrical, Buying, records and recalls, Transmission and drivetrain, Engine and cooling, Brakes, tires and steering.
2019 Lincoln Nautilus owners specifically: see Climate and electrical and Buying, records and recalls.
Compared with
Models this Lincoln Nautilus is most often compared with.
Nearest Lincoln models
Other Lincoln models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2025 Nautilus come in?
The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus (midsize luxury SUV) comes in 3 trims: Premiere, Reserve, Black Label.
Q02What are the 2025 Nautilus trims?
The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus trims are Premiere, Reserve, Black Label, listed from the entry Premiere up to the top Black Label.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2025 Nautilus use?
The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder or 2.0L turbo hybrid, rated at 250 / 310 horsepower across its midsize luxury SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2025 Nautilus have?
The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus is rated at 250 / 310 horsepower (2.0L turbo four-cylinder or 2.0L turbo hybrid).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2025 Nautilus?
The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus is offered with Standard AWD.