The Lincoln Nautilus continues to evolve as a compelling option in the midsize luxury SUV segment. With each passing model year, Lincoln refines this flagship crossover to deliver an increasingly sophisticated and technologically advanced driving experience. 

Design Evolution and Exterior Changes

2026 Nautilus: Subtle Refinement

The new Lincoln Nautilus builds upon the dramatic redesign introduced last year with subtle yet meaningful exterior refinements. The front fascia receives minor updates with slightly revised lighting signatures that create an even more distinctive welcome sequence. Lincoln introduces two new exterior colours for this year: Aurora Blue Metallic and Bronze Glaze, expanding the personalization options for discerning buyers.

New for 2026:

• Updated wheel designs, including 22-inch options with complex machined patterns
• Refreshed front lighting elements with enhanced illumination patterns
• Revised rear taillight signature with dynamic turn indicators
• Standard illuminated Lincoln star emblem on all trim levels

2025 Nautilus: Revolutionary Redesign

This model year represented a complete redesign, introducing a dramatically different exterior appearance compared to its predecessor:

• Completely new front fascia with horizontal light bar spanning the width of the vehicle
• Redesigned grille pattern that emphasized width and presence
• Sleeker profile with improved aerodynamics
• New wheel designs ranging from 19 to 22 inches
• Expanded exterior colour options

The redesign last year established a bolder, more distinctive presence that immediately distinguished it from the previous model.

2024 Nautilus: Classic Elegance

This model featured the signature Lincoln grille design, distinctive LED lighting elements, and refined proportions that established its luxury presence. While elegant, this design language represented the final iteration of the first-generation Nautilus before the comprehensive redesign.

Interior Experience and Technology

2026 Nautilus: Digital Refinement

This model continues with the dramatic interior layout introduced in 2025 while adding several refinements:

• Enhanced Lincoln Digital Experience with improved graphics and faster response times
• New interior theme: Alpine Retreat with light wood accents and unique perforated leather pattern
• Expanded driver assistance features with more intuitive controls
• Updated massage functions for front seats with additional programs
• Standard wireless device charging pad with increased power output for faster charging

2025 Nautilus: Revolutionary Interior Experience

This model represented a complete reinvention of the interior:

• Introduction of the expansive 123-centimetre (48-inch) panoramic display spanning the entire dashboard
• Complete redesign of the center console with digital controls
• New open-pore wood trim options and sustainable interior materials
• Revised seating architecture with enhanced comfort
• Dramatically improved interior storage solutions

This revolutionary interior design represented one of the most significant changes in the Lincoln history and established a new benchmark for digital integration in luxury vehicles.

2024 Nautilus: Traditional Luxury

This model featured a more traditional luxury interior:

• 13.2-inch center touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Conventional center console with physical controls
• Premium materials, including leather and wood accents
• Limited digital display area compared to later models
• Traditional gauge cluster arrangement

Performance and Powertrain Options

Engine Lineup Across Model Years

2026 Nautilus:

• Standard 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder: 253 horsepower and 373 Nm of torque (modest increase over previous year)
• Available 2.5L hybrid system: 320 combined system horsepower with improved efficiency
• Both engines paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with refined shift programming

2025 Nautilus:

• Standard 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder: 250 horsepower and 373 Nm of torque
• Available 2.5L hybrid system: 310 combined system horsepower
• 8-speed automatic transmission standard across the lineup

2024 Nautilus:

• Standard 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder: 250 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque
• Available 2.7L twin-turbocharged V6: 335 horsepower and 515 Nm of torque
• 8-speed automatic transmission standard across the lineup

The most significant powertrain change occurred between 2024 and 2025, with the twin-turbo V6 being replaced by a more efficient hybrid system.

Driving Dynamics Refinements

Ride quality continues to evolve across model years:

• The new model features further refinements to the adaptive suspension with improved tuning for enhanced comfort and handling precision
• The previous model introduced a completely revised suspension architecture with improved components
• The oldest model established the benchmark with its balanced handling and smooth ride quality

Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Features

2026 Nautilus: Enhanced Intelligence

The new model represents the most advanced iteration of Lincoln safety technology:

• Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 with enhanced features, including:
  • Intersection Assist 2.0 with expanded detection capabilities
  • Enhanced Active Park Assist
  • BlueCruise 1.2 hands-free highway driving technology with improved lane positioning
• New Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Braking
• 360-degree camera system with enhanced resolution and viewing angles

2025 Nautilus: Advanced Protection

This model year introduced significant safety technology advancements:

• Introduction of BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology
• Lincoln Co-Pilot360 with expanded standard features
• Improved Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go functionality
• Enhanced automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection

2024 Nautilus: Comprehensive Safety

This model offered solid safety features for its time:

• Lincoln Co-Pilot360 with core driver assistance features
• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
• Evasive steering assist
• Reverse brake assist
• No hands-free driving capability

Luxury Features and Comfort

2026 Nautilus: Elevated Experience

The latest model enhances the luxury experience with several refinements:

• Updated 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system with improved sound staging
• Enhanced Perfect Position seats with additional adjustment points
• New fragrance system with three distinct scents unique to Lincoln
• Improved cabin noise cancellation system
• Expanded ambient lighting with additional zones and lighting patterns

2025 Nautilus: Revolutionary Comfort

The redesign introduced entirely new comfort features:

• All-new Perfect Position seats with up to 24-way adjustment
• Revised climate control system with improved distribution
• Dramatic increase in interior space due to platform redesign
• New Revel Ultima audio system with 28 speakers
• Enhanced ambient lighting system integrated with the 48-inch display

2024 Nautilus: Traditional Luxury

This model offered traditional luxury amenities:

• Available 22-way adjustable front seats with massage function
• Revel audio system with up to 19 speakers
• Standard heated front seats with available ventilation
• Conventional ambient lighting system
• Traditional climate control interface

Technology and Connectivity

2026 Nautilus: Seamless Digital Integration

The latest model refines the digital experience:

• Updated Lincoln Digital Experience with new applications and interface improvements
• Enhanced voice recognition with expanded command capability
• Improved navigation with more detailed displays and enhanced route guidance
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with expanded functionality
• Over-the-air update capability with enhanced feature deployment

2025 Nautilus: Revolutionary Interface

This model introduced a completely new digital experience:

• Groundbreaking 123-centimetre (48-inch) panoramic display
• Complete digital control interface with minimal physical buttons
• First implementation of the Lincoln Digital Experience interface
• Cloud-connected navigation with real-time updates
• Digital key technology with expanded functionality

2024 Nautilus: Conventional Connectivity

This model featured more conventional technology:

• 13.2-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4 technology
• Physical controls for major functions
• Wireless charging and smartphone integration
• Standard connected navigation
• More limited digital display capabilities

Trim Levels and Packages

2026 Nautilus: Refined Options

The new Lincoln Nautilus continues with its established trim structure while introducing new options:

• Standard (base model) with expanded feature content
• Reserve with luxury appointments and technology upgrades
• Black Label with exclusive materials and ownership benefits
• New Sport Appearance Package with darkened exterior elements

2025 Nautilus: Restructured Lineup

The redesign introduced a revised trim structure:

• Standard with enhanced base features
• Reserve with premium amenities
• Black Label with exclusive themes

2024 Nautilus: Classic Structure

This model offered three core trim levels:

• Standard (base model)
• Reserve
• Black Label

Efficiency Considerations

Fuel efficiency shows significant improvements with the hybrid introduction:

2026 Nautilus:

• 2.0L engine: approximately 10.2 L/100km city, 7.8 L/100km highway, 9.1 L/100km combined
• 2.5L hybrid: approximately 6.9 L/100km city, 6.7 L/100km highway, 6.8 L/100km combined

2025 Nautilus:

• 2.0L engine: approximately 10.4 L/100km city, 8.0 L/100km highway, 9.3 L/100km combined
• 2.5L hybrid: approximately 7.1 L/100km city, 6.9 L/100km highway, 7.0 L/100km combined

2024 Nautilus:

• 2.0L engine: approximately 11.2 L/100km city, 8.3 L/100km highway, 9.9 L/100km combined
• 2.7L V6: approximately 13.7 L/100km city, 9.7 L/100km highway, 11.9 L/100km combined

The introduction of the hybrid powertrain last year represents a significant efficiency improvement over the V6 option in the previous model.

Which Model Year Offers the Best Value?

Each Lincoln Nautilus model year presents distinct advantages based on buyer priorities:

The new model represents the most refined iteration of the redesigned model, with enhanced technology, slightly improved powertrain performance, and subtle design refinements. It’s ideal for buyers who want the absolute latest features and the most refined driving experience.

Last year’s model marked a revolutionary change with its complete redesign, introducing the stunning 48-inch display and hybrid powertrain option. This model year represents the biggest leap forward in the Nautilus lineage and offers most of the advanced features found in the new model.

The previous represents the final evolution of the first-generation design. While lacking the dramatic technological advances of later models, it offers a more traditional luxury experience that some buyers might prefer. The available V6 engine also offers different performance characteristics than the hybrid option in newer models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 48-inch display available on all trim levels of the 2025 and 2026 Nautilus?

• Yes, the 123-centimetre (48-inch) panoramic display comes standard on all trim levels of both models.

Did Lincoln eliminate the V6 engine option?

• Yes, the 2.7L twin-turbocharged V6 available in the oldest model was replaced by a more efficient 2.5L hybrid system starting with last year’s model.

What is BlueCruise, and which Nautilus models have it?

• BlueCruise is a hands-free highway driving technology. It was introduced on last year’s model and refined further in the latest model with version 1.2, which offers improved lane positioning.

Has cargo capacity changed between model years?

• Yes, the redesign increased cargo capacity over the previous model thanks to the new platform architecture. This improved space continues in the latest model.

Are all-wheel drive systems the same across all three model years?

• No, the redesign introduced a new all-wheel-drive system with improved torque vectoring that carries over to the latest model.

Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.