2027 Lincoln NautilusLincoln - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: MotorTrendPlush, quiet rideBeautiful, spacious interiorExcellent standard technologyUnrefined brake pedal feelIs the new grille an improvement?Unremarkable hybrid efficiencyWith a quiet cabin, cushy ride, and one of the industry's most distinctive interiors, the 2027 Lincoln Nautilus is a midsize luxury SUV designed to make everyday driving feel more relaxed. It remains a compelling alternative to the sharper-driving European competition for buyers who value comfort, space, and atmosphere above all else.This year's light refresh adds revised styling, new cabin color themes, and more upscale equipment to a model that was already one of Lincoln's strongest recent efforts.AdvertisementAdvertisementCompetitors include the BMW X5, Genesis GV80, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.What's New BasicsThe hybrid powertrain is no longer available on the base Premiere I modelA four-year complimentary Security Package with theft alerts, start inhibit, and stolen-vehicle servicesA Renew package is available on the Reserve, combining Lincoln's Rejuvenate multi-sensory relaxation feature with premium leather-trimmed seats and 24-way power front seats featuring memory and massage functionsExteriorRedesigned hood and sculpted fenders, new signature lighting and slimmer taillight, and a more detailed grilleFive wheel designs join the lineup; the Premiere receives 19-inch bright-machined wheels with Ebony-painted pockets, the Reserve gains standard 21-inch wheels, and the Black Label receives standard 22-inch wheels with Radiant Copper accentsFull LED multi-projector headlamps become standard on the ReserveNew exterior colors include Nocturnal Blue Metallic across the lineup and Frosted Fig, a purple that is exclusive to the Black Label; Whisper Blue and Silver Radiance are discontinuedInteriorLincoln adds the Afterglow interior theme for the Premiere and Reserve, along with two new Black Label themes: Eminent Hour and Elysian Light. The 2026 model's Medium Light Space Gray interior, Chalet theme, and Aurora theme are discontinuedA heated steering wheel becomes standard on the Premiere II and higher trimsThe Premiere I trades its 60/40-split EasyFold second-row seats for a manually folding and reclining bench seatWhat We ThinkThe Nautilus is one of the best luxury SUVs on the market. It prioritizes serenity, comfort, and style over outright sportiness, and that singular focus helped it earn MotorTrend's 2025 SUV of the Year award. Our judges were impressed by how convincingly the Nautilus elevates the Lincoln brand, particularly through its thoughtful design and richly appointed cabin.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe interior remains the Nautilus' greatest strength. Its broad 48-inch display is better integrated and less distracting than its size suggests, while the ambientlighting, massaging seats, available fragrances, and excellent Revel audio system create a genuinely relaxing environment. The cabin is also spacious, and the large cargo area makes the two-row Nautilus a capable family hauler.The hybrid powertrain is the better choice for buyers who want extra responsiveness and improved range, although neither version is particularly sporty. The Nautilus rides smoothly and feels most at home on the highway, but its soft suspension can allow some body motion, while the 22-inch wheels bring additional tire noise and a harsher response over large bumps. We'd suggest a hybrid with smaller wheels to make the most of the experience.On the hybrid, brake-pedal feel is another weakness. At low speeds, the grabby brakes can make it tough to come to a smooth stop. We also noted occasional accelerator vibration and some earlysoftware glitches, although our yearlong test found the Lincoln Digital Experience mostly intuitive and reliable.Despite those caveats, the Nautilus' combination of comfort, space, distinctive design, and thoughtful technology remains unusually compelling. The Black Label delivers the fullest expression of the concept, but the Premiere and Reserve trims provide much of the same experience for considerably less money.Top-Ranked Competitors:BMW X5Genesis GV80Mercedes-Benz GLE-ClassMotorTrend TestedThe 2027 Nautilus comes standard with all-wheel drive and a choice of two powertrains. The base gas model uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, while the available hybrid pairs that engine with an electric motor for 285 hp and 295 lb-ft.AdvertisementAdvertisementA gas-only Nautilus Black Label reached 60 mph in 7.5 seconds in our testing. The hybrid is quicker, completing the same run in 6.9 seconds.In contrast, the current Mercedes-Benz GLE350 4Matic uses a similar 2.0-liter turbo-four setup with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. We haven't tested the current model, but Mercedes claims a 6.9-second 0-60-mph time. In the midsize luxury SUV segment, quicker options exist but not all of them share the luxurious feel the Lincoln has, at the Lincoln's price.MPGs and RangeThe gas-powered Nautilus is rated at 21/29 mpg city/highway and offers an estimated 480 miles of driving range. The hybrid is considerably more efficient at 29/31 mpg and can travel approximately 600 miles between fill-ups.For comparison, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 4Matic is rated at 19/26 mpg and offers about 495 miles of range. Its slightly longer range comes courtesy of a larger fuel tank, not better fuel economy.Safety Ratings and FeaturesThis Nautilus performs well in safety testing. This previous model year is a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick, and from NHTSA both gas and hybrid models received a five-star overall safety rating.Standard Driver Assistance FeaturesFront automatic emergency brakingRear cross-traffic monitoringEmergency evasive steering assistBlind-spot monitoring and lane keeping assistAdaptive cruise controlA 360-degree cameraAvailable Driver Assistance FeaturesFord BlueCruise 1.5 hands-free driving with automatic lane changes. BlueCruise can make a long highway trip less tiring, though we especially like GM's Super Cruise and Tesla's Full Self Driving (Supervised). Both are former Best Tech award winners.Cargo Space and Interior RoomThe Nautilus offers more front and rear legroom than rivals like the Genesis GV80 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, with particularly generous rear legroom. Its cargo area is competitive with the GV80's but smaller than the GLE with the rear seatsfolded.Legroom(front/rear)CargoSpace (seats up/down)TechnologyInfotainmentThe Nautilus' signature 48-inch panoramic display (actually two 24.0-inch units) stretches across the dashboard and can be configured to show information such as vehicle status, Google Maps navigation, weather, and audio. A separate 11.1-inch center touchscreen manages wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with various vehicle functions.AdvertisementAdvertisementSome MotorTrend editors found the large display and its customizability especially impressive at night, especially with the handful of visual themes it can show.USB-A and USB-C ports are available in both seating rows, while wireless smartphone charging is standard across the lineup. Every Nautilus also supports over-the-air software updates and phone-as-a-key functionality.Sound SystemThe base model comes with a 10-speaker system. Lincoln also offers 14- and 28-speaker setups on higher trim levels.Available UpgradesThe available hybrid powertrain adds extra power and efficiency to the turbocharged four-cylinder and is offered on the Premiere II, Reserve, and Black Label trims. Moving up the lineup also adds features such as a panoramic Vista Roof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a 14-speaker Revel audio system, and adaptive suspension.ValueStandard FeaturesThe 2027 Nautilus Premiere starts at just under $57,000, a reasonable price for a midsize luxury SUV with a comfortable ride, a long list of standard technology, from large configurable displays to four years of included hands-free BlueCruise driving assistance.Recommended TrimWe'd recommend the Premiere II. It adds access to the hybrid powertrain, panoramic Vista Roof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a 14-speaker Revel audio system without the steep price jump to the Reserve.
