Car Review: Lincoln ups the Nautilus crossover with improved interior and fresh face

Luxury crossovers are big business for Lincoln and the Nautilus Black Label now has a fresh, luxurious interior to better match the rest of the lineup. The makeover is topped off by a modern dashboard design with a large, 13.2-inch touch screen in the middle.

It comes with the new Sync4 system that works so much better than before. The optional, 22-way power seats are dream chairs that melt away stress thanks to the massage feature. Space is also a strong suit of the Nautilus with space for five and even a decent cargo area.

The outside of the Lincoln Nautilus sports a new nose that shares a striking resemblance to the larger and pricier Lincoln models. You get LED lighting clusters that add style and a cool, modern look to this pricey crossover.

The top Black Label trim level also comes with stylish, 21-inch wheels and satin aluminum trim. It is a more subdued flashy hue when compared to bright chrome trim colors.

The Lincoln Nautilus Black Label comes packing plenty of power from a 2.7L twin turbo V6. The mid-size crossover will move quickly when you hit the gas.

Although, a quick luxury crossover is not what this ride is all about. The quiet ride and more relaxed demeanor will lead to comfortable commutes.

The handling is not as sporty as the German competition, but the Lincoln will satisfy most drivers in most situations.

Cost:  $65,090; as tested $68,295

MPG: 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway; I managed 20.1 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; $365 cargo utility package; $150 mini space saver; $195 roof rack side rails

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
  • Push button transmission takes some time to get used to
Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up