Used 2019 Lincoln Nautilus

Riding on the same architecture as last year’s MKX, the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus is a big improvement over its popular predecessor. Arriving with a dynamic Navigator-inspired front end, more safety features and revised powertrain options, the Nautilus isn’t chasing Audi or Lexus by copying them. Instead, the Nautilus is offering buyers a completely unique American take on luxury, performance and style. The 5-passenger Nautilus isn’t as agile as a BMW X5, nor will it hold its value like a Lexus RX, but it exudes a sense of eye-catching style missing from so many SUVs these days. While the Nautilus’ interior isn’t up to the standard set by the new Navigator and Aviator, there is still a lot to like inside this 21st-century luxury-crossover SUV.

The standard engine in the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder plucked from the smaller Lincoln MKC. This engine develops a healthy 250 horsepower and is aided by a new 8-speed automatic, which is more than adequate to power the Nautilus. With 355 horsepower on tap, the optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 delivers a more satisfying driving experience and is also the engine of choice if you’re going to do any towing (both models are tow-rated at 3,500 pounds). As is common with turbocharged engines, both display a momentary lag before the turbo spools up, after which the power is generous and linear, producing satisfying, but not thrilling, levels of acceleration. On the road, the Nautilus exhibits a calm demeanor expected of a Lincoln, with adaptive dampers that can be adjusted for Comfort, Normal or Sport driving. The steering is nicely weighted, although a bit hyper-sensitive when off-center. As such, minor course corrections are easily managed, but any sudden hard input to the steering wheel results in a kind of turn-in overkill that feels completely unnatural.

The Nautilus’ interior carries over from the previous MKX, and while not as eye-popping as what’s found in the Navigator, it’s still a pleasing combination of forms, textures and technology. The seating is comfortable, with available 22-way-power front seats offering heating, cooling and massage functions. Rear-seat passengers will find ample headroom and legroom, and cargo space behind the second row is generous. Some high-tech features, like the vertical push-button gear selector and digital instrument cluster, seem to favor form over function and take some getting used to. We prefer a cluster like the Audi Virtual Cockpit to what Lincoln has designed.

The biggest change from the old MKX to the new Nautilus can be found up front, where a bold star mesh grille and sweptback headlights make a decisive statement. Bold wheel designs vary in style and size by trim, ranging from 18 inches on the base model to 21 inches on Reserve and Black Label. Clever features abound, such as the exterior puddle lighting that illuminates to greet an approaching driver. The foot-activated power rear liftgate is another nice touch, although we found the liftover height required to reach the wide and deep cargo area taller than usual.

CO-PILOT360
Lincoln’s Co-Pilot360 is a compete suite of driver assists that come standard on every Nautilus. Included in the package are automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot warning system, automatic high beams and lane-departure warning. Also standard is lane-keeping assist and a driver alert system.

BLACK LABEL SERIES
A luxury SUV is supposed to stand out with exceptional interiors and a level of service going well beyond the standard warranty. Black Label models offer a choice of three themes (Gala, Chalet and Thoroughbred), as well as a host of unique personalized member services.

Lincoln’s 2019 Nautilus comes standard with 18-inch wheels, hands-free foot-activated liftgate, the Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assists, the Reverse Sensing system, Sync 3 with 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 12.3-inch LCD digital instrument cluster display, Intelligent Access with push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way-power front seats with 2-way-power lumbar support, rearview camera with wash feature, keyless entry pad, Wi-Fi and remote start. The Select trim adds leather seating, a power tilt/telescopic steering column, wireless-charge pad, navigation and LED fog lights. The Reserve brings heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, 20-inch wheels and the 13-speaker Revel audio system.

Features accumulate as you move up the trim levels, but all trims offer the option of all-wheel drive, while Select and higher trims can be equipped with the twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6. Other options include a panoramic moonroof, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control and adaptive steering, 19-speaker Revel audio and LED headlights. The Black Label Series offers unique interior colors and fabrics, 21-inch wheels, the 19-speaker Revel audio system, and exclusive Black Label member privileges including a personal Lincoln liaison, extended free maintenance, complimentary car washing and detailing plus access to the Culinary Experience feature of acclaimed restaurants and their chefs.

The Lincoln Nautilus offers a choice of two powerful engines. Standard is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with auto stop/start technology good for 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Optional is a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 good for 355 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines share the same 8-speed automatic, are tow-rated up to 3,500 pounds and can be ordered with front-wheel (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Lincoln recommends 93-octane fuel for both engines. Using a lower-octane fuel will result in a slight decrease in horsepower and torque.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
250 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
280 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/26 mpg (FWD), 20/25 mpg (AWD)

2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6
355 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
380 lb-ft of torque @ 3,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg (FWD), 19/26 mpg (AWD)