2019 Lincoln Nautilus Review

Name: 2019 Lincoln Nautilus Review
Brand: Lincoln
Price: 17000 USD

Lincoln Nautilus Black Label 4dr SUV Exterior

Lincoln Nautilus Reserve 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byKurt Niebuhr^{Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.}

Pros

Quiet interior with plenty of legroom all around
Comfortable seats with lots of adjustments
Strong and smooth acceleration from the optional turbocharged V6

Cons

Cabin has more hard plastics than rivals
Rear headroom is compromised if you select the panoramic sunroof
Push-button gear selector can be annoying to use

What's new

The nameplate is all-new, but it's really an updated Lincoln MKX
Revised styling compared to MKX
Base engine is now a turbocharged four-cylinder

For 2019, the Lincoln has renamed the MKX, its midsize crossover SUV, the Nautilus. The name change alone is welcome — we always found it hard to remember what vehicle each of Lincoln's series of MK names referred to. Yet there's more going on than a simple badge replacement with the new 2019 Nautilus.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$232/mo

$196/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

The Nautilus adopts a bolder look up front. Most prominent is a new grille, which is similar to those found on the brand's latest vehicles such as the Continental and the Navigator. Behind the grille is a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 250 horsepower that replaces last year's 303-hp V6. The horsepower drop is disappointing, but this engine should be more fuel-efficient. A 335-hp 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 is still available should you think the Nautilus needs more thrust.

Lincoln has also added a few new technology and safety features to the Nautilus, such as a digital gauge cluster and automatic emergency evasive steering. The rest of the vehicle is pretty much unchanged, which is fine. Just like the MKX, it's quiet on the highway, the seats are comfortable and the suspension ably soaks up bumps and ruts. With seating for five, this new-ish Lincoln Nautilus should provide ample comfort and style for all of its occupants and serve as a viable alternative to other midsize luxury crossovers.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.4 / 10

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus is a statement of style in the luxury crossover segment. More than just a rebadged MKX, the new Nautilus has new safety features, a new base engine and more attractive styling. It should woo shoppers away from the stalwart German competition.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Lincoln Nautilus Reserve (turbo 2.7L V6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.4 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	7.5
Interior	7.0
Utility	8.0
Technology	7.5

Driving

7.5

The optional turbocharged engine gives the Nautilus impressive acceleration. While it isn't the quickest in its class, you'll appreciate the power going up an on-ramp. Optional performance-oriented tires likewise improve braking and handling results.

Acceleration

7.5

Though the optional turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 has a potent midrange that's useful in the daily grind, its ultimate 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds isn't as quick as other performance-minded competitors. But it's still plenty fast for an SUV of its size.

Braking

7.0

Stopping power is easy to modulate through the brake pedal in daily use. In Edmunds' 60-0 mph panic-stop test, the Nautilus posted a stop of 119 feet, which is OK but perhaps a little underwhelming considering the vehicle was shod with performance tires.

Steering

7.0

The grip from the optional performance-oriented all-season tires imparts agility and accuracy back through the steering wheel. The steering builds effort naturally right off center. Road feedback is nonexistent, however.

Handling

7.5

Our test car's optional performance tires allow the Nautilus to turn harder and faster than you'd expect. Stability control intervenes smoothly, making this SUV feel composed and confident on curvy roads. But drive it hard, and the body starts leaning over and the stability control system can't keep up with the demand.

Drivability

8.0

This SUV feels powerful and smooth. Controlling the gas pedal is rewarding, and low-speed gear changes are nearly imperceptible. The adaptive cruise control smartly slows the Nautilus down and can be easily changed to non-adaptive mode, too.

Off-road

6.5

Though the Nautilus is available with all-wheel drive, a low ground clearance limits its off-road ability. You can't lock the power split between the front and rear axles (otherwise useful in low-traction situations), and hill start and downhill assist features are not available.

Comfort

7.5

The Nautilus delivers what you'd expect from a small luxury SUV, provided you option it. The front seats offer massage, heating, ventilation, and multiple adjustments. The ride is well-controlled despite the large-diameter wheels, and the cabin stays quiet in town and on the freeway.

Seat comfort

8.5

The soft and supportive front seats limit long-distance fatigue, and their heating and cooling functions work quickly. They are also highly adjustable and should accommodate just about everybody. The massage function is nice to have, too.

Ride comfort

7.0

The Nautilus' ride quality is balanced between firm and soft. You'll feel bumps but not much aftershock. In our testing, we occasionally heard the thunk of a large wheel bottoming out when driving quickly over speed bumps.

Noise & vibration

7.5

The cabin mutes wind, tire and road noise to a minimum. The V6 is quiet around town but lets itself be heard when you're accelerating up to freeway speeds. The sound isn't enthusiastic, but it's appropriate for the power and acceleration.

Climate control

7.5

The system is strong and quiet and has well-placed controls. You should stick with Auto mode, however, since the manual-adjust buttons are small and require more than a glance to differentiate between functions. Though seat heaters warm up quickly, we didn't find the seat ventilation to be as consistently effective.

Interior

7.0

The Nautilus' plus-sizing makes it easy to get in and see out of, while the front seats feature a wide range of adjustability. The interior is roomy, but headroom may be limiting for the ultra-tall. The push-button transmission selector needs to go.

Ease of use

6.5

Minor annoyances add up and hurt the luxury experience. Your elbows sit at slightly different distances and heights, and the button shifter layout can make three-point turns difficult. The parking sensors make too many false positives in our testing.

Getting in/getting out

8.5

A tall roof, large door openings and narrow doorsills mean there are few obstructions while getting in or out. The seats are set at the proper height and don't require a dramatic step up to get in.

Driving position

8.0

The optional Ultra Comfort seats offer nearly too much adjustability; you can spend a lot of time getting it just right. The steering wheel has an adequate range of adjustability, and most drivers should be able to find at least one position that works for them.

Roominess

7.0

Headroom is segment competitive until you order the panoramic sunroof. It cuts rear headroom to the point where adults will brush their hair against the roof. Front and rear legroom is ample.

Visibility

7.0

A tall seating position and large windows make it easy to see out of the Nautilus. The rearview camera alerts you of oncoming cars when backing out of a parking space, and the optional 360-degree camera aids parking. Unfortunately, their displays are small.

Quality

6.0

The design is polarizing, but it is well-executed. Panel gaps are tight, and the seat materials are worthy of a luxury car. But there are still hard plastics in prominent locations, and our car was beset with minor creaks and groans on bumpy roads. At this price point, we expect more.

Utility

8.0

Though not best in the segment, the Nautilus' cargo capacity is better than most. The interior contains numerous cubbies and storage options, including a well-size center console and shelves under the center console. The cubby that houses the USB port has a cover to secure items when parked.

Small-item storage

7.5

The center console compartment is average in size and depth, and it can swallow a standard DSLR camera. There are two shelves for even more of your stuff. The door pockets are just big enough to hold items such as small water bottles, wallets or sunglasses.

Cargo space

7.0

With 37.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, the Nautilus has better-than-average cargo space for the class. The cargo area features tie-down points at each corner, a flip-down grocery bag hook, a 12-volt outlet, and switches to release the seatbacks. Maximum cargo capacity is a decent 68.8 cubic feet.

Child safety seat accommodation

8.0

Rear lower LATCH anchors and top anchors are well-labeled and easy to access. There's ample space for all but the largest and bulkiest rear-facing child seats.

Towing

8.0

The Nautilus' optional Class II hitch includes trailer sway control and provides a 3,500-pound tow rating that matches most competitors. A Neutral Tow setting allows the Nautilus to be towed behind an RV with all four wheels on the ground but only when it's equipped with the 2.7-liter engine.

Technology

7.5

The Sync 3 infotainment system is easy to use. The Nautilus doesn't have some of the web-based connectivity features of its rivals, but it still has excellent smartphone integration. Voice commands lack the depth that luxury competitors have, but the system is adequate for routine functions.

Audio & navigation

7.5

The Sync 3 system was a game changer when it launched, but now it's showing its age. The screen is small, there are no fixed shortcut buttons, and it lacks the modern vibe of other systems. The optional Revel Ultima audio system reproduces sounds crisply and accurately without sounding overprocessed.

Smartphone integration

9.0

The Nautilus is excellent when it comes to connecting and controlling your phone. Bluetooth, USB, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity are all included. One highlight of the Sync system is the ability to connect two phones and use either of them for smartphone mirroring and audio at the same time.

Driver aids

7.0

Adaptive cruise control operation is smooth and can bring the Nautilus to a stop. City dwellers may find the default forward collision mitigation setting too sensitive, but this function is easy to adjust. The lane keeping system is aggressive and not ideal in dense stop-and-go highway traffic.

Voice control

8.0

Though Sync's built-in voice control system doesn't require strict adherence to syntax, it's not an entirely free system for you to say what you want. Most drivers will be able to figure it out but may need some initial guidance. Voice commands through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work well.

2019 Lincoln Nautilus models

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus is available in four different trim levels: base, Select, Reserve and Black Label. Each comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (250 horsepower, 280 pound-feet) and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Moving up through the trim levels unlocks certain option packages, more standard equipment, and different wheel and tire options. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.

The base Nautilus comes standard with an impressive array of driver safety aids, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Inside the cabin are a digital gauge cluster display, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, driver-seat memory settings, heated front seats and simulated leather upholstery. Also standard is keyless ignition and entry, an 8-inch central touchscreen with the Sync 3 interface, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, 4G onboard Wi-Fi, and a 10-speaker sound system with satellite radio.

Moving up to the Select gets you LED headlights and foglights as well as the Lincoln Embrace II package, which includes, among other things, a special headlight start-up sequence and remote software update capability. There's also leather seating surfaces, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, a standard Enhanced Security package, and auto-dimming exterior rearview mirrors.

The Select also unlocks the optional 2.7-liter V6 engine (335 hp, 380 lb-ft) and available adaptive suspension if you select the all-wheel-drive option. Other options include a panoramic sunroof, a tow package, a Climate package (a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats) and an optional Revel 13-speaker audio system. Twenty-inch wheels are also available.

You get even more standard and optional equipment with the Reserve. Standard are 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof and the 13-speaker Revel audio system. Optional packages with this trim include a Driver Assistance package, with upgraded cruise control and adaptive steering with swerve assist; a Technology package, with a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors and an automated parking system; and the Ultimate package, with 21-inch wheels, upgraded LED headlights and a 19-speaker audio system. You can also get upgraded 22-way power front seats.

The top-of-the-line Black Label is similar to the Reserve, but it offers different paint and interior theme options. The Black Label also comes with what is effectively a personal concierge and vehicle maintenance service.

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Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2019 Lincoln Nautilus.

5 (37%)

4 (20%)

3 (12%)

2 (8%)

1 (23%)

3.4

60 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Nautilus Disaster

Patti Fisher, 02/06/2020

2019 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

I had my new 2019 Nautilus less than a month when the transmission went out. Then it was in the shop for 47 days. Since then there have been constant problems with rough shifting, auto hold, sensor alarms, crazy messages on the dash, and being unable to enter the car. Lincoln rushed this model to the market. After the new transmission was installed in my car, it continued to have …

2019 Nautilus

sickinnc, 01/06/2020

2019 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

previously owned a 2016 MKX and was very pleased. Upgraded to the 2019 Nautilus and have nothing but problems. Electrical issues from mirrors folding in, blower fan not working, screen issues to now a blown motor after 10 months of ownership. Been in the shop continuously since I have owned this car and could not be any sicker than I am now with my purchase. My family has been a …

Major transmission issues

Dissatisfied Customer, 09/09/2019

2019 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Do not buy Lincoln. Purchased in July 2019. The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus has major transmission issues, harsh shifting, clunking. Lincoln claims that they are working on a fix but this has been a known issue since before March 2019. Here it is September 2019 with no progress!! The 1 star rating is for how nice the vehicle looks. How can Lincoln claim to be a 'luxury' car if they …

😪 2019 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve 6 cylinder turbot

Disappointed Customer, 08/27/2019

2019 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

I suggest you steer clear of the Nautilus. Took possession in Dec 2018 of my 2019 Nautilus. Loaded vehicle 6 cyl turbo Reserve all the bells and whistles. I’m afraid to take it out of town. Trouble with the transmission, trouble with the brakes and there is a loud metal scraping, clanging sound from under the middle of the car when I open any of the doors. The dealership can’t seem to …

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2019 Lincoln Nautilus video

2019 Lincoln Nautilis First Drive

The 2019 Nautilus replaces the MKX as Lincoln's midsize SUV offering, and it is more than just a name change. Lincoln has updated the styling and added more options for powertrains and safety suites, as well as bundled various concierge-type services in with Lincoln leasing or…

2019 Nautilus Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$40,340
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$232/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	37.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Nautilus models:

Automatic Emergency Braking: Helps mitigate an accident by applying the brakes when a possible collision is expected.
Blind Spot Detection: Warns the driver with a flashing light or a beep when a vehicle has entered a blind spot.
360-Degree Camera: Aids in visibility when the vehicle is in a tight spot or might need help identifying obstacles.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2019 Lincoln Nautilus Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Off-road

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Towing

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which Nautilus does Edmunds recommend?

2019 Lincoln Nautilus models

Most helpful consumer reviews

Nautilus Disaster

2019 Nautilus

Major transmission issues

😪 2019 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve 6 cylinder turbot

2019 Lincoln Nautilus video

2019 Lincoln Nautilis First Drive

2019 Nautilus Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}