The 2019 Nautilus furthers Lincoln’s mission of reminding luxury buyers it not only exists but is also worth their attention (and money) beyond trips to and from the airport. As a replacement for the five-passenger midsize MKX, the Nautilus looks to sway buyers out of their Lexus RX and BMW X3 crossovers. Don’t miss our full 2019 Nautilus review right here, but if you’re seeking even more info about the new Lincoln, keep reading.
From Navigator to Nautilus, What a Family (Look)
The Navigator’s influence appears in the Nautilus’ completely redone front styling, from its compound headlights to its updated grille. Like the Navigator SUV and Continental sedan, the Nautilus gets nameplate badges behind the front wheels, reserving the back of the car for a large L I N C O L N badge. In person, I found the Nautilus badges on the front doors too big, but the Lincoln badge out back looks great.
Going All Out
Lincoln offers an impressive number of luxury features on the 2019 Nautilus, just like its MKX predecessor. About that crossover, Lincoln says the second-highest Reserve trim accounted for a surprisingly high 60 percent of sales. Early Nautilus sales are also heavily weighted toward Reserve and Black Label (the highest trims), which makes sense considering the former’s extra features and 20-inch wheels. The Black Label’s 21-inch wheels are as enormous as they are attractive.
The Black Label trim is available with the turbo-four or twin-turbo-six engine and with front- or all-wheel drive.
Looking Beyond the Label
There’s more to the Black Label trim than extra features and a much, much higher price. Aside from the Nautilus Black Label’s upgraded leather, Alcantara headliner, dual-panel sunroof, interesting interior color schemes, and 21-inch wheels, you also get four years or 50,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. One free detail a year for the first four years of ownership is also part of the deal, as is an extended 50-mile range for Pickup and Delivery, instead of the 20 miles standard with other models. With the service, a valet picks up your car when it’s time for service, leaves you a loaner car, and returns your car once it’s done, so you never need to visit the dealer.
Downsizing
Although fuel economy from the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus’ 2.0-liter turbo-four isn’t as impressive as you’d think, the new base engine’s EPA-anticipated 20–21/25–26 mpg city/highway figures are improvements over the outgoing base engine, a 3.7-liter naturally aspirated V-6. In fact, Lincoln tells us the 2.0-liter, which provides customers a greater driving range, was a late addition to the package of changes the automaker made to the 2019 Nautilus.
Low Displacement, High Volume
Lincoln expects the new 2.0-liter turbo-four base engine option will be the volume engine. The four-cylinder powerplant produces 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, compared to the $2,070-extra 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6’s 335 hp and 380 lb-ft. Lincoln does a good job of reducing road and engine noise from all Nautilus models, but when you do hear that 2.0-liter engine, it’s not a very luxurious engine note.
Just over 70 percent of MKX sales in the past were for crossovers with the 3.7-liter V-6; Lincoln predicts the 335-hp 2.7-liter engine will pick up a few percentage points on the Nautilus, with most customers sticking with the 2.0-liter turbo-four.
What If I Want Three Rows?
When your vehicle needs call for something larger than the five-passenger 2019 Nautilus but less expensive than the $70,000-plus Navigator, Lincoln currently offers the MKT. Based on the Ford Flex, the MKT is a three-row crossover that’s been around for years. Before long, Lincoln’s next three-row crossover will make its debut. With a rear-drive platform, a plug-in hybrid option, and styling that reflects the hot-selling Navigator, the Aviator should better bridge the gap between the Nautilus and that even larger SUV serving as the brand’s flagship. Learn more about the Aviator here.
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