Used 2019 Lincoln Nautilus Base SUV Review

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.

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.

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.