When looking for a luxury crossover, Lincoln might not be top of mind, but it should be. I have driven the three-row Aviator and the even larger Navigator and came away impressed. This time, it is a smaller offering from Lincoln, the five-seat Nautilus Black Label.
It might not be as large as the other Lincolns, but it still has a full dose of luxury. The Black Label trim level is the top-of-the-line model and it comes with an impressive interior.
With 22-way power seats, there is a comfortable seating position for anyone. Those comfortable seats are heated, ventilated and even have massage. Back seat riders get heated seats too and you will find good space for a mid-size crossover.
The Nautilus has several engines available but the Black Label version comes packing plenty of firepower under the hood. A twin turbo V6 moves this crossover with authority and it rockets this ride quietly, as a luxury vehicle’s engine should.
The ride coddles under most conditions and the adaptive suspension really helps on the bumps.
The Nautilus Black Label adds more of a wow factor when compared to other Nautilus models. A flashy grill, LED lighting and large wheels help this crossover standout. Out back, the dual chrome exhaust tips and lighting span the width of the rear hatch, reminding you of Lincolns of the past.
Cost: $63,800; as tested $66,295
MPG: 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway; I managed 20.7 mpg in 279 miles of mixed driving.
Safety: 360-degree camera; enhanced active park assist; adaptive cruise control with stop and go; lane centering; blind spot detection with CTA; personal safety system; pre-collision assist; Lincoln co-pilot 360; dynamic brake support.
Options: $1,500 22-way power multi-contour driver’s seat
Things to know: The Nautilus Black Label delivers a top-notch luxury crossover with space, technology and a high-quality interior that boasts the goods. Look for a 2020 model to save a few dollars over a ’21.
Pros:
- Big on style, this Nautilus stands out in the crowd
- Interior spoils you with luxury look and feel, especially with the Black Label model
- Twin turbo V6 packs plenty of power
Cons:
- Price tag when choosing the Black Label model
- Fuel economy suffers when choosing the most powerful version
- Voice recognition does not always respond to commands
