Lincoln Corsair vs. Nautilus

The 2023 Lincoln Corsair continues as the brand's bestseller, buoyed by attractive pricing and a load of standard and available luxury features. This year brings fresh front styling and larger screens inside to keep the appeal going.

The Lincoln stable includes another two-row crossover, the 2023 Nautilus. The Nautilus offers more room for people and things, along with available twin-turbo V6 power. It costs more than the smaller Corsair — but not that much more. Which of these versatile Lincolns should you take home?

Lincoln Corsair vs. Nautilus Price

The 2023 Corsair's pricing starts at $40,085, a typical entry point for a compact luxury crossover. The 2023 Nautilus is priced from $48,720 and carries a similar level of standard equipment. The price difference remains relatively stable through the available trim levels and equipment bundles.

Not surprisingly, you pay for the extra pounds and inches that come with the Nautilus. At the top of the model ranges, the Nautilus offers more prestige as well. The Black Label trim, which isn't available on the Corsair, furnishes an opulent Venetian leather interior and concierge services.

As of this writing, Lincoln is offering a $2,250 factory rebate on the 2023 Corsair. There are no cash incentives on the 2023 Corsair.

Lincoln Corsair vs. Nautilus Engine & Performance

Despite the size difference, the Corsair and Nautilus carry the same standard engine. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder makes 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The lighter Corsair naturally offers swifter acceleration with this engine, though the difference isn't dramatic in everyday driving.

The Corsair's optional four-cylinder plug-in hybrid setup provides a modest boost to 266 hp and an EPA-estimated 33 miles per gallon in combined driving. The Nautilus can't match that level of efficiency but does counter with an available 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6. The engine develops 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, enough to give the Nautilus a clear edge in overall performance. The V6 is fully up to the task of motivating the Nautilus through highway merging and passing maneuvers.

When equipped with all-wheel drive, the Corsair is good to tow up to 3,000 pounds, and the Nautilus can manage 3,500 pounds. These capacities apply to both engines.

Lincoln Corsair vs. Nautilus Size

The Corsair is classified as a compact crossover with seating for five and 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the rear seat opens up 57.7 cubic feet, which is what we expect for a luxury crossover this size.

The midsize Nautilus is 9 inches longer and 12 inches wider, which translates into significantly more interior room. Whereas the rear seat of Corsair is comfortable for two adults, the Nautilus can seat three just as comfortably. With only two in the back of Nautilus, there's room to stretch out and enjoy on long trips.

The Nautilus holds a similar advantage in cargo space. Buyers get 37.2 cubic feet of it behind the rear seat and 68.8 cubic feet with it folded. Although the Corsair is sized right for its class, there's no getting around the fact the Nautilus is larger in nearly every dimension.

Lincoln Corsair vs. Nautilus Interior

The Corsair's interior leaves no doubt that it's a proper luxury vehicle from the start. The finishes and controls mirror those deployed in larger, most expensive Lincoln models. The environment is contemporary and as elegant as you can reasonably expect for the price. The central touchscreen measures 13.2 inches and navigation is standard. Buyers can select upgrades like 24-way power front seats and a 14-speaker Revel sound system.

The Nautilus offers a similar batch of standard and available interior features, though the dashboard design feels dated by comparison. The Corsair offers more efficient — and attractive — packaging of climate and audio controls. An all-new Nautilus with displays across the dash is coming for 2024. But for now, the Nautilus looks a bit too ordinary inside, luxurious though it may be.

Which Is Better? Lincoln Corsair vs. Nautilus

The defining difference between these Lincoln crossovers is interior space. Although it does everything else right, the Corsair may not offer enough elbow room and stowage possibilities for families. That's where the Nautilus comes in with its midsize accommodations.

When sheer size isn't the chief concern, the Corsair starts to look better. It's just as plush as you would expect and carries a fresh, confident vibe that shows inside and out. The upcoming Nautilus redesign may change our vote, but right now it goes to the more contemporary Corsair.

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