
2027 Lincoln Nautilus: A Blend of Luxury, Technology, and Value

By Larry Chen


By Larry Chen
The mid-size luxury two-row SUV category has traditionally been dominated by established European brands. However, the Lincoln Nautilus emerges as a strong contender, offering a luxurious, comfortable, and technologically advanced alternative. Its interior exudes opulence, the ride quality is exceptionally smooth and quiet, and the 250-horsepower turbocharged inline-four engine provides ample power. While it may not match the dynamic performance of its more expensive German competitors, it excels in delivering a premium experience.
Beyond its luxurious cabin, the Nautilus incorporates modern interior technology. A prominent digital display, spanning an impressive 48.0 inches across the dashboard, is fully customizable. This expansive screen can present navigation, time, audio settings, and even weather forecasts. With a starting price that undercuts many of its segment rivals, the Nautilus offers a taste of European luxury without the associated high cost.
The 2027 model year introduces a subtle yet impactful refresh for the Nautilus, both externally and internally. The front fascia now features a more pronounced grille, complemented by updated sheetmetal that creates a sleeker profile. Two new exterior paint options, Nocturnal Blue and Frosted Fig, have been added to diversify choices. Inside, Premiere and Reserve trims gain an 'Afterglow' cabin theme, combining black accents with cream upholstery. The top-tier Black Label model offers two exclusive themes: 'Eminent Hour,' with dark tranquil leather and open-pore wood, and 'Elysian Light,' showcasing soft white leather with blue accents and Ash wood trim.
Powering the Nautilus is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, generating 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. On the road, the Nautilus delivers a relaxed, serene, and comfortable ride. In 'Normal' drive mode, the suspension effectively absorbs most road imperfections. Activating the 'Excite' mode stiffens the setup, reducing body roll during cornering, although this can lead to a slightly harsher ride, particularly with the optional 22-inch wheels.
The turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides brisk acceleration for everyday driving. During track testing, the Nautilus achieved 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds. The Nautilus Hybrid variant demonstrated even quicker performance, reaching 60 mph in 6.6 seconds.
The Lincoln Nautilus offers a maximum towing capacity of 1750 pounds. This figure is considerably lower than some of its competitors; for instance, the Genesis GV80 boasts a towing capacity of up to 6000 pounds.
The EPA estimates fuel economy for the Nautilus at 21 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and a combined 24 mpg. In a 75-mph highway fuel economy test, the Nautilus surpassed its EPA rating, achieving 30 mpg. The hybrid model also delivered 30 mpg on the same highway test route. Further details on the Nautilus's fuel economy can be found on the EPA's official website.
The Nautilus aims to pamper its occupants with lavish amounts of leather, large digital displays, and customizable ambient lighting, creating an opulent atmosphere. For an enhanced luxury experience, the Nautilus can be equipped with Lincoln Rejuvenate, a "spa-in-a-car" feature that adjusts interior lighting, seat position, screen visuals, and massage settings to promote relaxation. While some may find it a bit extravagant, others might appreciate this spa-like amenity during their daily commute.
The second-row seating in the Nautilus mirrors the luxuriousness of the front cabin, featuring well-appointed seats and ample legroom. For cargo, the Nautilus accommodates six carry-on suitcases in its trunk, expanding to 19 with the rear seats folded down.
Lincoln proudly highlights the Nautilus's expansive 48.0-inch display area, stretching across the dashboard at the base of the windshield, claiming it to be segment-leading. Despite its impressive width, the system integrates seamlessly and proves less distracting than traditional infotainment setups. Complementing this, an 11.1-inch infotainment touchscreen in the center console provides access to radio controls, navigation input, and phone functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with Amazon Alexa voice assistant for hands-free operations.
All Nautilus models come standard with Lincoln's Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance features. This includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with a hands-free driving mode. Additionally, the Nautilus features the latest version of Lincoln's BlueCruise hands-free highway driver-assist technology, accompanied by a 48-month trial subscription. For crash test information, consumers can consult the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
While Lincoln's powertrain warranty surpasses that of rivals like the Volvo XC90 and Audi Q8, its bumper-to-bumper coverage aligns with segment standards. Opting for the premium Black Label trim unlocks exclusive dealership benefits, including four years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, an annual detailing service for the first four years of ownership, and access to a culinary concierge for restaurant reservations.
About the author

Renowned automotive photographer and journalist specializing in drift and car culture.

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