2020 Lincoln Nautilus

If the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus looks vaguely familiar, it’s because it was previously called the Lincoln MKX. First introduced back in 2006, the second-generation MKX was new for 2016, around the time Lincoln decided that evocative names were preferable to variations on “MK.” In 2019, the brand gave it more distinctive styling inspired by its Continental and Navigator, more technology and a brand-new moniker: Nautilus.

The Nautilus isn’t as exotic as Captain Nemo’s famous submarine, but it is rapid and luxurious. Both attributes serve it well in the hotly contested premium midsize crossover segment, where the competition includes the Audi Q5, Cadillac XT5 and Lexus RX. All have similar equipment, dimensions and starting prices, so the choice between them comes down to style and driving experience. The Lincoln is by far the softest and most “old-school luxury” of them all, which can be a selling point for a big chunk of the car buying public.

After the big changes in 2019, updates for 2020 are few, but the former base-model Select trim has been dropped. The 2020 Nautilus is offered in three trims: Standard, which starts at $42,095 including destination fees, Reserve ($49,495) and Black Label ($64,795).

The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. For buyers who want more, there’s an available 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 with 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, optional on the Reserve and standard on the Black Label. Four-cylinder models come with front-wheel drive standard, with all-wheel drive optional. V6s come only with all-wheel drive.

The base engine gives the Nautilus more than adequate acceleration, about even with Lexus’ V6-powered RX350, but it’s the upgraded 2.7-liter V6 that adds real spice to the Lincoln. The added power makes for zero to sixty sprints in under six seconds and effortless highway passing.

There’s not much of a fuel mileage tradeoff for the extra power, either. The front-wheel drive 2.0-liter Nautilus returns an EPA-rated 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. All-wheel drive 2.0-liters lose 1 mpg in each measure. The 2.7-liter models come only with all-wheel drive, and it’s still rated at 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 mpg combined. Those numbers are about average for the class.

The extra power, however, is best used in a straight line. The Nautilus wafts along, not at all unlike classic Lincolns from the era when cars were long, low and wide. While its road manners are much more controlled than those old land yachts, it’s a real throwback in many ways. Most luxury vehicles emphasize handling and performance now, to the point that there are very few “soft” vehicles on sale. The Nautilus’ adaptive suspension smooths out all but the very worst road imperfections, such as potholes and broken pavement.

Inside, the Nautilus is cozy but doesn’t feel cramped or small. It’s also beautiful, especially in the Black Label model, where premium leathers and wood meet throughout the cabin. Optional 22-way heated, cooled and massaging seats are truly a revelation, and offer a seating experience that is hard to match at any price point. Black Label models also get special interior colors and style themes like “Chalet” and “Thoroughbred.”

The back seats are not as fancy but are still accommodating to passengers of almost any kind, with leg, head, and hip room near the top of the class. Parents will appreciate the Nautilus’ gently sloping roof and large rear door openings that make loading child seats easy. The Nautilus’ friendly ride height makes it possible for little ones to climb in and out easily and for large, rear-facing car seats fit in back without cramping front passengers.

Cargo space is also generous, with 37.2 cubic-feet behind the rear seats, and 68.8 cubic-feet with them folded. That’s not quite as much as the three-row Acura MDX, but ahead of the Lexus RX350, Cadillac XT5, and Volvo XC60.

As is expected from a premium crossover, the Nautilus is loaded with helpful and entertaining tech. An eight-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard, as is SiriusXM radio, SYNC 3, a premium 11-speaker stereo, and USB ports are standard.

Navigation, a 19-speaker Revel Audio System and a rear-seat entertainment system are available, and many of these options are standard on the Black Label. The optional sound system provides rich, deep audio that is immersive and clear, thanks to the Lincoln’s excellent sound deadening. The Nautilus runs Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, which is just as easy to use and intuitive here as it is in anything from The Blue Oval.

Though it comes with a host of advanced driver aids and safety systems, the Nautilus missed out on a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Even so, the crossover earned Good ratings in all crashworthiness categories, Superior ratings in vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention and Advanced ratings in vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention systems.

Every Nautilus comes with Lincoln Co-Pilot360, which includes blind spot monitors, pre-collision assistance with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, a self-washing rearview camera and automatic high beam headlights. On the Reserve, the Reserve I option package ($3,375) adds Co-Pilot 360 Plus, which incorporates adaptive cruise control with active lane keep assist along with upgraded wheels. 

There are very few vehicles on the market today that can rival the level of cushiness and interior beauty of the Lincoln Nautilus, though it does come at a price. The towering cost of the Black Label includes maintenance and concierge services, but the mid-range Reserve model makes it possible to keep the price tag below $50,000 while including desirable features such as a panoramic moonroof and an upgraded audio system.