What is a Lincoln Nautilus based on?
The Lincoln Nautilus is a midsize luxury crossover SUV produced by the Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company. It is based on the same platform as the Ford Edge, a popular midsize crossover, but with a more premium design and features tailored to the Lincoln brand.
Shared Platform with the Ford Edge
The Lincoln Nautilus is built on Ford's CD4 platform, which also underpins the Ford Edge. This shared platform allows the Nautilus to benefit from the Edge's proven engineering and capabilities, while Lincoln can focus on refining the design and adding more luxury-oriented features.
The Nautilus and Edge share many of the same core components, including the chassis, suspension, and powertrain options. However, the Nautilus features a more upscale interior, additional sound-deadening materials, and a distinct exterior styling that sets it apart from its Ford counterpart.
Powertrain and Performance
The Lincoln Nautilus is available with a choice of two turbocharged EcoBoost engines, both of which are also used in the Ford Edge:
- 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, producing 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque
- 2.7-liter V6 EcoBoost engine, producing 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque
Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is available as an option. The Nautilus' suspension and chassis tuning are tailored to provide a more refined and comfortable driving experience compared to the sportier Ford Edge.
Luxury and Technology Features
As a Lincoln model, the Nautilus is equipped with a range of premium features and technologies to differentiate it from the Ford Edge. These include a more luxurious interior with higher-quality materials, a larger infotainment display, and advanced driver assistance systems.
The Nautilus also offers Lincoln-exclusive features, such as the brand's signature "Embrace" lighting system, which illuminates the door handles and other exterior elements to welcome the driver. Additionally, the Nautilus can be equipped with a 19-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, further enhancing the premium in-cabin experience.
Conclusion
The Lincoln Nautilus is a midsize luxury crossover that shares its underlying platform with the Ford Edge but is designed and equipped to provide a more premium driving and ownership experience. By leveraging Ford's proven engineering and adding Lincoln-specific refinements, the Nautilus offers buyers a compelling alternative in the competitive midsize luxury SUV segment.
What Ford is the Lincoln Nautilus based on?
The Lincoln Nautilus was previously based on the Ford Edge, sharing a platform and engines. However, the redesigned 2024 Nautilus is on a new platform, is built in China, and is no longer directly tied to the Ford Edge's platform.
- Previous models (up to 2023): The Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Edge shared a platform and many components, including powertrains.
- New models (2024 and newer): The completely redesigned 2024 Nautilus is built on a new platform and is produced in China, meaning it is no longer a direct counterpart to the Edge.
What Ford platform is the Lincoln Nautilus built on?
The Lincoln Nautilus is built on the Ford C2 platform, which it shares with vehicles like the Ford Escape, Bronco Sport, and Maverick. For the 2024 model year and beyond, it uses a revised version of this platform, also shared with the Lincoln Corsair.
- Shared platform: The C2 platform is the foundation for several Ford and Lincoln vehicles, allowing for shared components and manufacturing efficiencies.
- Ford C2 platform vehicles: Other models built on this platform include the Ford Escape, Ford Bronco Sport, and Ford Maverick.
- Differentiation: Lincoln modifies the platform and body to create a distinct luxury experience from its Ford counterparts.
- Model history: Older models of the Nautilus were based on the Ford Edge platform, but the redesigned 2024 and newer versions moved to the C2 architecture.
Is the Lincoln Nautilus the same size as a Ford Explorer?
No, the Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Explorer are not the same size; the Explorer is generally a bit longer and larger, and is a three-row SUV while the Nautilus is a two-row, five-seater SUV. The Explorer is built on a different platform and is classified as a "standard SUV," while the Nautilus is classified as a "small SUV".
Key differences
- Passenger capacity: The Explorer seats up to seven passengers in three rows, while the Nautilus has a maximum of five seats in two rows.
- Cargo space: The Explorer has more maximum cargo space with the seats stowed, though the Nautilus has more cargo space behind the first row.
- Exterior dimensions: The Explorer is slightly longer than the Nautilus, and the Nautilus is slightly narrower, making the Explorer easier to navigate in tight parking spots.
- Classification: The Explorer is considered a standard SUV, whereas the Nautilus is classified as a small SUV.
What is the Lincoln Nautilus comparable to?
The Lincoln Nautilus is comparable to luxury midsize SUVs like the Cadillac XT5, Lexus RX 350, and Genesis GV80, though it often leads in areas like interior space, available technology, and horsepower. It can also be compared to the BMW X5, but often with a lower starting price. Its closest rival in terms of overall size and luxury is the Lexus RX 350, but the redesigned Nautilus offers a more spacious interior and advanced tech, like a panoramic digital display.
Comparison to key competitors
- Cadillac XT5: The Nautilus offers more front and rear legroom, more cargo space, more available horsepower, and more available speakers. The Nautilus also has a standard panoramic display, while the XT5 requires an upgrade to its much smaller driver information center.
- Lexus RX 350: The Nautilus provides more front and rear legroom, more cargo room, and more available speaker options. The RX 350 does not have the large panoramic display and its hands-free driving feature is limited to low speeds.
- Genesis GV80: The Nautilus generally offers more front and rear legroom and a larger panoramic display. The GV80 does not offer a highway-speed hands-free driving system and has a smaller available sound system.
- BMW X5: While the X5 is a strong competitor, it generally has a much higher starting price and can be more expensive once similarly equipped. The Nautilus typically offers more front and rear legroom, more cargo space, and more available speaker options.
Other points of comparison
- Interior Space: The Nautilus often leads its class in legroom and cargo space, making it a very practical choice for families or those who frequently carry passengers or luggage.
- Technology: The Nautilus is notable for its expansive panoramic digital display that stretches across the dashboard, which is a significant advantage over many rivals.
- Powertrain: The Nautilus offers both a standard turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a plug-in hybrid option, allowing for flexibility in fuel economy and performance.
