Item: 2019 Lincoln Nautilus
Author: William Kinton

Overview

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus is a mid-size, two-row SUV. The former MKX is now the Nautilus, a five-passenger model with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. Shoppers will find a comfortable interior and a decent tow rating, along with two engine choices.

What's New for 2019

The previous Lincoln MKX is now called the Nautilus. Although the name has changed, essentially the Lincoln Nautilus is a refresh of the second-generation MKX introduced in 2016. The change in naming convention comes as the marque moves away from the previous three-letter naming convention. Among the changes include a bold grille, which matches the design of other Lincoln models, including the Continental and Navigator. A new base turbocharged four-cylinder engine replaces the previous V6. New technologies and safety features, including evasive steering, round out the changes for 2019.

Choosing Your Lincoln Nautilus

The Lincoln Nautilus occupies the mid-size SUV segment. It comes in Standard, Select, Reserve, and Black Label trims. Lincoln offers a pair of engine choices paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Most models offer standard front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive.

The standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. Also available is a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine with 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. This model pulls up to 3,500 pounds.

Standard features include LED headlights and taillights, 18-inch aluminum wheels, Lincoln’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, and Lincoln Co-Pilot 360. The latter represents a safety suite of technologies, which bundles automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, a forward collision system with automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. In effect, the package brings elements of semi-autonomous driving to the Nautilus.

Package options vary, depending on trim. The Nautilus Select offers a Class II Trailer Tow Package ($995, requiring an upgrade to the Cargo Utility Package; a 110-volt outlet, cargo compartment with reversible mat, mold plastic storage bins, rear cargo management system, interior cargo cover, and upgraded cargo area tonneau cover), and you can also choose a Climate Package ($785; heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, and a windshield wiper de-icer).

Choose the Reserve or Black Label trims and you’ll find a Driver Assistance Package ($1,590; adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane centering, adaptive steering, and a collision mitigation system with evasive steering assist), a Technology Package ($1,720; enhanced active park assist, front park aid sensors, and a surround-view camera), and the Ultimate Package ($5,160; full LED multi-projector headlights with dynamic bending and cornering lights, 21-inch aluminum wheels, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system).

CarsDirect Tip

The base engine offers sufficient power, but it represents a 53-horsepower drop from the V6 it replaced. The available twin-turbo V6 is a better choice and is available on all trims in the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus lineup except the Standard model.

Get your price on a Lincoln Nautilus »

Matthew Keegan

Contributing Editor - December 10, 2018

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Expert Review

Expert Rating

Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

William Kinton

Automotive Editor - February 25, 2019

New name, new face. The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus may be sporting a better name and a much better looking exterior, but it's largely the same as the MKX that it replaced and the Ford Edge that it's based off of underneath. While it may look like a big change, the Nautilus isn't a radical departure in any way.

That's not to say these changes are insignificant. Many found the Lincoln system of naming all of their vehicles MK-something to be confusing and hard to remember, and it's way cooler to say that you drive a Nautilus like you're Captain Nemo or something.

Likewise, the new face is a huge improvement over the last one. It gives the Nautilus a look more in line with an SUV instead of that of a bloated crossover. The new front and rear fascia that match up with the Continental and the Navigator are much nicer as well, ditching the polarizing grill that looked like a robotic Cheshire Cat.

New engine, too. Another significant change for the Nautilus is the new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that replaces the base V6. While offering less horsepower than the V6 of the MKX, the turbo-four still puts out just as much torque while also offering a much improved fuel economy rating.

Those looking for real power should be satiated by the 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 335 horsepower that's available on the Select trim and above, but don't expect a sports-car experience in this luxury SUV. The Nautilus offers a different kind of luxury that falls more on the side of Rolls-Royce rather than Porsche. Instead of angry exhaust notes and jarring acceleration, Lincoln wants you to be quickly whisked in comfort and serenity.

Interior could improve. While Lincoln has improved its exterior look greatly, the interior still needs some work. They've updated the Nautilus with much nicer materials for the dashboard, doors, and seats, but the center infotainment stack still uses very cheap-looking hard plastics. They may have upgraded 80 percent of the vehicle's interior, but the 20 percent they didn't touch is the part your eyes and hands engage with most.

That's not to say you're sitting in the bargain bin though. The Nautilus still gets standard 10-way adjustable heated seats, while 22-way adjustable seats with heating and ventilation are available, and every trim but the base gets real leather. Other features include a driver assistance package, standard automatic climate control, additional wood or aluminum trims, and an upgraded audio system.

Lincoln Nautilus

Black Label treatment. The interior woes of the Nautilus can be easily fixed as long as you're willing to dish out the cash. The Nautilus is the latest recipient of the Black Label trim that Lincoln hopes will define the brand. Instead of choosing colors for your interior, the Black Label offers three interior themes: the red carpet-inspired Gala, European-style Chalet, and the chestnut and black Thoroughbred.

These themes offer high-end Venetian leather or Alcantara, as well as real wood and aluminum trim. Additionally, Black Label Nautilus models get standard LED headlights and an upgraded 19-speaker audio system, although the 22-way adjustable seats remain optional.

The biggest draw to the Black Label is the luxury experience offered alongside the car. When you want to buy a Nautilus Black Label, someone from the dealership will come to you, and when it's time for service, someone will pick your car up for you and leave you a loaner so that you're not inconvenienced. Maintenance is complementary for the life of the warranty, and you'll be designated a personal concierge that can help you with all sorts of things.

Final thoughts. The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus is a big step forward for Lincoln, offering the latest in their ongoing brand renovation. It's largely successful, providing a much more upscale look and feel than the previous MKX. The name "Nautilus" is much more evoking than three letters, and it's a direction we wish more automakers would go with in their naming conventions.

While there's room for improvement in the interior, the Nautilus is still a solid luxury SUV. It offers a luxury experience that seeks to insulate you from the world, compared to many rivals who strive for sportiness and performance. This makes it perfect for those who aren't interested by cornering or acceleration who just want a comfortable and elegant looking vehicle.

If you're looking for a sporty experience, the Audi Q5 or Alfa Romeo Stelvio are much better options, with direct steering and performance focused suspensions. Additionally, while the Nautilus does offer a roomy second row, a third row isn't available; families with more than two children will probably want to look for an SUV with a third row like the Buick Enclave.

Check prices for the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus »

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Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

2.0L I-4 / 245 HP / 275 ft.lbs.

Transmission

8-spd SelectShift w/OD

Drive Type

Front-wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

21 / 26 / 24 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

48 Months / 50,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	2.0L I-4 / 245 HP / 275 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	21 / 26 / 24 Mpg
Brakes	4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension	Strut
Rear Suspension	Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel	Compact Aluminum
Fuel Tank	18.4 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$70

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume	68.8 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume	108 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length	190.0 "
Exterior Width	76.1 "
Exterior Height	66.2 "
Front Headroom	39.9 "
Rear Headroom	39.2 "
Front Legroom	42.8 "
Rear Legroom	39.6 "
Front Shoulder Room	58.9 "
Rear Shoulder Room	59.0 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	4,168 Lbs.
Wheel Base	112 "
Turning Radius	19.3 '

Exterior Features

Door Count	4 Doors
Wheels	18.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint	Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone / Tri-coat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers	Front Body-colored With Chrome Insert
Grille Moldings	Metal-look W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler	Lip
Exhaust	Dual Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	5
Seat Trim	Leatherette
Front Seat Type	Bucket
Heated Front Seats	Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	(8-way Power)
Front Armrests	(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests	Center
Rear Seats	60-40 Bench

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers	11
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control	Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control	With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror	Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window	Front And Rear
Tinted Windows	Deep
Vanity Mirrors	Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	4

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag	Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning	Lincoln Co-pilot360 - Automatic Emergency Braking Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor	Lincoln Co-pilot360 - Blind Spot Information System (blis) Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning	Lincoln Co-pilot360 - Lane Keeping Aid Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection	Lincoln Co-pilot360 - Pre-collision Assist With Pedestrian Detection Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert	Driver Alert Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams	Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems	Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Securilock

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months	72 Months / 70,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months	Unlimited Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation	60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months	48 Months / 50,000 Miles

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