What is Lincolns version of the Ford Edge?
The Lincoln Nautilus is Lincoln’s version of the Ford Edge. It sits as the brand’s midsize luxury SUV and represents Lincoln’s premium take on a shared mid-size crossover platform. The Nautilus evolved from the earlier Lincoln MKX and remains the core rival to the Ford Edge in many markets.
Beyond the badge swap, the Nautilus embodies Lincoln’s design language and luxury-focused approach, offering quieter cabins, distinctive styling cues, and a suite of upscale features that differentiate it from its Ford counterpart. This article explains the naming history, how the Nautilus compares to the Edge, and what buyers can expect today.
Identity and naming
Two generations or naming eras have defined Lincoln’s Edge counterpart, reflecting a shift from a traditional model name to a more premium branding approach.
- Lincoln MKX (introduced in the 2010s and renamed to Nautilus for the 2019 model year): the direct predecessor to the Nautilus, sharing a platform with the Ford Edge and aimed at premium buyers.
- Lincoln Nautilus (2019–present): the current name and the upscale continuation, continuing to pair with the Ford Edge in terms of size and function while emphasizing Lincoln’s luxury features and styling.
In practice, the MKX established the market position that the Nautilus would later inherit, with the Nautilus refining styling, technology, and materials to align with Lincoln’s luxury-brand expectations.
How it compares to the Ford Edge
Both vehicles share a mid-size crossover footprint and, historically, common engineering underpinnings. The Nautilus, however, is positioned as Lincoln’s premium alternative, prioritizing interior refinement, noise control, and brand-specific features.
- Platform and engineering: Both sit on shared mid-size crossover architecture, but Lincoln tunes the ride, sound insulation, and chassis feel to emphasize luxury over sporty utility.
- Design and interior: The Nautilus carries Lincoln’s distinctive grille, badges, and cabin materials, with a focus on quiet, comfortable seating and premium trim options. The Edge emphasizes practicality with a more mainstream presentation.
- Trims and features: Lincoln offers trims such as Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label for the Nautilus, highlighting premium leather, wood accents, and exclusive styling, while the Edge is marketed with a more value-oriented ladder of trims.
- Powertrains and capability: Both offer turbocharged engines and all-wheel-drive options; the Nautilus emphasizes refined turbo four- or V6-like performance in various model years with a focus on smoothness and efficiency.
Overall, the Nautilus serves as the luxury counterpart to the Ford Edge, delivering Lincoln’s premium experience while occupying the same general segment and market space.
Current status and buying considerations
As of 2025, the Nautilus remains Lincoln’s flagship midsize luxury SUV in its segment, continuing to appeal to buyers who want comfort, advanced technology, and a refined driving experience in a crossover package. It is commonly equipped with Lincoln’s safety and driver-assistance suites, a premium interior, and a range of features that align with Lincoln’s luxury brand identity.
Engines, trims, and key features
Typical options include turbocharged engines, all-wheel drive availability, and a set of luxury features across trims. Common highlights include a quiet, well-appointed cabin, leather seating, advanced infotainment, and Lincoln’s Co-Pilot360 safety tech. Higher trims often add exclusive materials, upgraded audio systems, and additional comfort features such as heated/ventilated seats and panoramic sunroofs.
- Luxurious interior with high-quality materials and quiet ride
- Lincoln Co-Pilot360 safety and driver-assistance technologies
- Available Black Label trim with premium materials and exclusive styling
- All-wheel drive options and a turbocharged powertrain lineup for balanced performance
Buyers considering the Nautilus should weigh its premium interior and ride quality against the Edge’s value-oriented positioning, while noting that both share a similar size and many practical capabilities. The Nautilus continues to be the brand’s premium choice within the segment.
Summary
The Lincoln Nautilus is the modern embodiment of Lincoln’s answer to the Ford Edge—a premium, mid-size luxury SUV that originated as the MKX and evolved into Lincoln’s flagship crossover in this class. It emphasizes a refined interior, luxury features, and Lincoln’s design language, while sharing a platform with the Edge to offer familiar practicality in a more upscale package. For buyers seeking a luxury alternative to the Edge, the Nautilus remains the primary option in Lincoln’s lineup.
Is the Ford Edge the same as the Lincoln MKX?
The Lincoln MKX is essentially a more luxurious version of the Ford Edge, but that doesn't necessarily mean they come with identical equipment! However, as one might expect, both vehicles have a seating capacity of 5.
Is the Lincoln Nautilus like the Ford Edge?
No, the Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Edge are not the same, though they share the same platform, chassis, and many similar powertrains. The Nautilus is a luxury version with a more upscale interior, higher-end materials, and more refined styling, while the Ford Edge offers a more basic, functional, and sporty design at a lower starting price. The key differences lie in the luxury appointments, available features, and brand positioning.
This video compares the 2023 Ford Edge and Lincoln Nautilus: 1mCars With SteveYouTube · Nov 24, 2022
Similarities
- Platform: Both vehicles are built on the same underlying platform.
- Powertrain: They share the same base engine (a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder) and an 8-speed automatic transmission, with both offering a more powerful twin-turbo V6 option in some configurations.
- Capacity: Both are five-passenger, two-row midsize SUVs.
Differences
This video discusses the differences between the Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Edge, focusing on the interior design: 1mRaiti's RidesYouTube · Dec 19, 2020
| Feature | Lincoln Nautilus | Ford Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Positioning | Luxury SUV with a premium and refined feel | Mainstream SUV that emphasizes practicality and sportiness |
| Exterior Design | Upscale grille, elegant lines, chrome accents, and adaptive LED headlights | Bold and athletic design, sharp lines, and a prominent grille |
| Interior Design | Meticulously crafted cabin with luxury materials and a sophisticated ambiance | Comfortable and functional, but less luxurious than the Nautilus |
| Standard Features | Includes luxury-oriented standard features like a larger touchscreen and remote engine start | Offers many of the same features but generally at a lower starting price |
| Available Features | Offers premium features like a 360-degree camera and an adjustable suspension system | Has a robust selection of tech and safety features, but not all of the Nautilus's luxury-specific ones |
| Price | Higher starting MSRP | Lower starting MSRP |
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You can watch this video to see a review of the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus: 56sACCELER8YouTube · Nov 2, 2021
What Lincoln model is equivalent to the Ford Edge?
The Lincoln model equivalent to the Ford Edge is the Lincoln Nautilus. Both are mid-size SUVs that share a chassis and powertrain options, but the Nautilus is positioned as the more luxurious and premium option. The Nautilus features a more upscale interior, a smoother ride, and premium materials, while the Edge is known for its practicality and affordability.
| Feature | Ford Edge | Lincoln Nautilus |
|---|---|---|
| Market Position | Practical and affordable mid-size SUV | Luxury mid-size SUV |
| Chassis | Shares the same chassis as the Nautilus | Shares the same chassis as the Edge |
| Powertrain | Shares same engine options as the Nautilus | Shares same engine options as the Edge |
| Interior | Practical and modern | More luxurious with premium materials |
| Ride Quality | Tuned for a more connected feel | Tuned for a smoother, more refined ride |
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Is the Corsair the same as the Edge?
The Corsair is More Fuel Efficient
Between long sleek lines, and brilliant LED lighting, the 2022 Corsair is the SUV that you simply can't turn away from. Under the hood of both the Edge and the Corsair is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that generates 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
