What is the Ford equivalent to the Lincoln Nautilus?
The Ford Edge is the closest Ford counterpart to the Lincoln Nautilus.
Historically, the Lincoln Nautilus was built on the same underpinnings as the Ford Edge, sharing a platform and many mechanical components while receiving Lincoln’s premium interior, styling, and feature set. This article explains how the two models relate, where they diverge, and what buyers should know today given shifts in Ford’s lineup.
Background and relationship
The Lincoln Nautilus emerged as a two-row luxury crossover in the late 2010s, positioned to compete with upscale rivals in the mid-size segment. It was developed on the same chassis family that underpins the Ford Edge, meaning they share fundamental engineering, dimensions, and drivetrain possibilities. Lincoln then differentiated the Nautilus with premium interior materials, exclusive design cues, and advanced technology aimed at a more luxurious ownership experience.
Shared platform and design language
Both vehicles ride on Ford’s CD4-based platform, which provides similar wheelbase length, overall footprint, and suspension tuning. The core engineering remains aligned across the brands, enabling manufacturers to leverage economies of scale while giving Lincoln a distinct, premium aesthetic.
- Similar size class and body style: two-row, five-seat crossover.
- Common platform architecture that influences chassis, safety tech, and trim alignment.
- Comparable powertrain options across model years, with Lincoln adding luxury-oriented tuning and features.
Understanding this platform-sharing helps explain why the Nautilus and Edge feel alike in many respects, even as each brand positions its model differently.
Distinctive features of the Nautilus
The Nautilus sets itself apart with Lincoln-specific luxury touches, such as higher-end interior materials, refined cabin quietness, and exclusive design elements unique to Lincoln. It also offers trims and option packages that emphasize comfort, quiet ride, and premium audio and tech experiences beyond what the base Edge typically includes.
- Upscale interior materials and color choices not always standard on the Edge.
- Enhanced ride refinement and cabin quietness for a more premium feel.
- Exclusive Lincoln styling cues, badges, and available luxury packages.
These differentiators are what give buyers a distinct Lincoln experience while riding on a shared platform with Ford.
Current market status and availability
From a historical perspective, the Ford Edge has served as the closest mainstream Ford counterpart to the Nautilus. In the United States, Ford ended Edge production after the 2023 model year as part of a broader shift in the lineup toward other crossover offerings. In many other regions, the Edge remains available or continues to be offered alongside Ford’s expanding SUV roster, while Lincoln maintains its own lineup of luxury crossovers and SUVs.
What this means for buyers
For U.S. buyers seeking a Nautilus-like Ford experience, the Edge was the traditional match, though new-vehicle availability has ended in that market. Today, buyers may consider a mix of options, including pre-owned Nautilus or Edge models, or explore Ford’s current lineup (such as the Explorer family) for similar space and capability. Always verify local availability and model-year specifics with dealers.
Summary
The Ford Edge has long been the practical Ford counterpart to the Lincoln Nautilus, sharing a platform and many mechanical traits while Lincoln offers a more luxurious interior and branding. With the Edge’s phased withdrawal from the U.S. market after 2023, the direct, new-vehicle one-to-one match has shifted, but the underlying engineering relationship remains a useful reference for comparing two-row crossovers within Ford and Lincoln’s families. Buyers should consider current regional offerings and potential pre-owned options to find a Nautilus-like experience within Ford’s lineup.
Is the Lincoln Nautilus comparable to 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 vehicle compares to a Lincoln Nautilus?
Competitors to the Lincoln Nautilus include the Lexus RX, Cadillac XT5, Volvo XC60, and Audi Q5. Other rivals are the BMW X5, Genesis GV70, and Lincoln's own Aviator and Corsair. The Nautilus is often compared favorably for its interior space, standard technology, and available features.
You can watch this video to see a comparison between the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus and 2024 Lexus RX: 43sKelley Blue BookYouTube · Apr 19, 2024
Primary competitors
- Lexus RX: A major competitor that is often compared directly to the Nautilus.
- Cadillac XT5: A close rival, with comparisons often highlighting the Nautilus's advantages in cargo space and technology.
- Volvo XC60: Another key competitor, with comparisons often focusing on the Nautilus's larger cargo capacity and legroom.
- Audi Q5: A competitor that is often measured against the Nautilus for features and space.
Other competitors
- BMW X5: A higher-priced competitor, which the Nautilus can compete with when optioned similarly, according to some sources.
- Genesis GV70: Another luxury SUV in the same class that is compared to the Nautilus.
- Lincoln Aviator: A larger, three-row SUV from the same brand.
- Lincoln Corsair: A smaller SUV from the same brand.
This video compares the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus with the 2025 Lexus TX: 59sAutoPediaYouTube · Dec 9, 2024
Is the Lincoln Nautilus built on the Ford Edge platform?
The first generation is based on the CD4 platform, and was manufactured at Oakville Assembly in Oakville, Ontario, Canada alongside the Ford Edge, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT and manufactured in Hangzhou Assembly in Zhejiang, China by joint venture Changan Ford from 2021 to 2023.
Why is Ford discontinuing the Edge?
Ford is discontinuing the Edge after the 2024 model year primarily to shift focus toward its electric vehicle (EV) lineup and retool its production plants. Other reasons include a shrinking market for midsize, two-row SUVs, declining sales in the segment, and the need to streamline its product offerings to align with new market trends. The Oakville Assembly Plant in Canada, where the Edge was built, will be reconfigured to produce new EVs.
Primary reasons for discontinuation
- Shift to electrification: Ford is strategically moving toward a more electrified future and needs to allocate resources to new EV models.
- Plant reconfiguration: The Oakville Assembly Plant is being retooled to build new electric vehicles, which requires phasing out existing models like the Edge.
- Market trends: Consumer demand has shifted from two-row SUVs to larger, three-row SUVs (like the Explorer) or more rugged options (like the Bronco).
- Declining sales: The midsize two-row SUV segment has seen declining sales since around 2015, making it a less attractive segment for Ford to invest in.
- Streamlining the lineup: Ford is narrowing its focus to more popular and profitable models, such as the Explorer, Bronco, and its EV and hybrid offerings.
- Production challenges: Ongoing supply chain issues throughout the Edge's run also factored into the decision.
What this means for consumers
- The 2024 model year will be the last for the Ford Edge.
- Ford's SUV lineup will be reshaped to include a greater focus on electrified and larger or more rugged options.
- For consumers interested in the Edge, the final models may be available at dealerships, and it's possible to find good deals as they look to clear inventory.
