The Lincoln Nautilus is a mid-sized luxury crossover SUV marketed over two generations by Ford Motor Company's Lincoln luxury brand. The Nautilus was initially renamed from the MKX as part of a midcycle update in 2018 for the 2019 model year, as Lincoln phased out its use of "MK" model names. The name Nautilus is derived from the ancient Greek word nautes, meaning "sailor", as in nautical or astronaut.
The first generation is based on the CD4 platform and was manufactured at Oakville Assembly in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, alongside the Ford Edge, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT and manufactured in Hangzhou Assembly in Zhejiang, China, by joint venture Changan Ford from 2021 to 2023.
The second generation is solely produced by Changan Ford in China, as Ford was retooling the Oakville Assembly plant to produce electric vehicles. The Nautilus has been Lincoln's best-selling model since 2024.
On August 13, 2026, Ford announced it will discontinue importing the Chinese-made Lincoln Nautilus for the U.S. market by 2030, shifting production to the United States.
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First generation (U540; 2019)
The Lincoln Nautilus was released as the midcycle revision of the second-generation MKX in November 2017 for the 2019 model year. Adopting the styling of the newly introduced Continental and Navigator, the Nautilus transitioned from the previous split-wing grille to a large, rectangular grille with a large Lincoln star emblem.
The counterpart of the updated Ford Edge, the Nautilus is slotted between the Aviator and the MKC (which was replaced by the Corsair for the 2020 model year) in Lincoln's lineup. A 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-four is the standard engine, with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 carried over from the MKX as an option; both engines are fitted with start-stop capability. An eight-speed automatic transmission is paired to both engines (replacing the previous six-speed).
For the 2021 model year, the Nautilus was once again refreshed with a new interior similar to the new Navigator, Aviator, and Corsair, featuring a larger, 13.2-inch touchscreen and Ford's latest SYNC 4 system. Minor changes were also made to the front bumper.
Safety +IIHS scoresSmall overlap front (driver)GoodSmall overlap front (passenger)GoodModerate overlap front (original test)GoodSide (original test)GoodRoof strengthGoodHead restraints and seatsGoodHeadlightsPoorFront crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicleSuperiorOptional systemFront crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicleSuperiorStandard systemFront crash prevention: vehicle-to-pedestrian (Day)AdvancedOptional systemFront crash prevention: vehicle-to-pedestrian (Day)AdvancedStandard systemChild seat anchors (LATCH) ease of useAcceptableMarginal
Second generation (CDX707; 2024)
The second-generation Nautilus () was released in 2023 for the Chinese market. It is a mid-sized SUV with five seats, available with either a gasoline or a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain. The North American market Nautilus was presented on April 17, 2023, and went on sale in early 2024, imported from China. The GCC market Nautilus was launched on February 12, 2024.
The interior features a high-mounted, 48-inch display, which integrates both the instrument cluster and forms part of the infotainment system along with a 11.1-inch touchscreen display. The upper display consists of two 24-inch displays mounted directly next to each other and is controlled by the lower touchscreen display, where the user can drag and drop "widgets" to configure the display contents. The second-generation Nautilus is the first model to feature the new Ford/Lincoln Digital Experience, which replaces Ford SYNC 4/4a and is based on Android Automotive OS.
The Nautilus has two powertrain options, a gasoline engine and a hybrid version. The standard engine is a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder making and of torque, which is mounted to an eight-speed automatic transmission (8F35). The hybrid version combines the same engine making 207kW, which is more than the output of gasoline version, with a electric motor through a planetary gearset eCVT (HF55) to achieve a total system output of . All Nautilus models are all-wheel drive and have transverse-mounted engines.
The standard Nautilus achieves on the EPA's city, highway, and combined cycles, respectively, while with hybrid power it gets on the same rating system.
The suspension consists of a MacPherson strut setup for the front wheels and an independent multilink suspension for the rear, with optional adaptive dampers.
2027 refresh The facelifted Nautilus debuted on August 13, 2026 for the 2027 model year. Changes made to the exterior include a redesigned front fascia that forgoes the continuous light bar used previously, new wheel options, and a revamped rear light signature consisting of two continuous light bars. New exterior colors and interior themes are also available.
Safety The 2024 Nautilus was awarded "Top Safety Pick+" by IIHS. +IIHS scoresSmall overlap front GoodModerate overlap front (original test)GoodModerate overlap front (updated test)GoodSide (updated test)GoodHeadlightsGoodFront crash prevention: vehicle-to-pedestrianGoodSeatbelt remindersGoodChild seat anchors (LATCH) ease of useGood
Sales Calendar year U.S.Canada China201828,57312,396 2019 31,7113,238 14,013 2020 22,7421,753 8,009 2021 24,4431,625 27,918 2022 20,635 17,169 2023 23,960 27,409 2024 36,5443,351 24,496 2025 33,74414,881
References
External links
Official website