Why is Lincoln Nautilus being discontinued?
The Nautilus is slated to be discontinued after the 2024 model year as part of Lincoln’s broader lineup simplification and its shift toward electrified vehicles. This marks a strategic pivot rather than a temporary pause.
Why is Lincoln ending the Nautilus?
Several factors are driving the decision, reflecting market conditions and Lincoln’s long-term plan to redefine its product portfolio.
- Sales and positioning: The Nautilus has faced slower sales relative to its siblings in the lineup, and buyers have increasingly gravitated toward the Corsair (compact) and Aviator (mid-size) within a shrinking segment of luxury SUVs.
- Lineup rationalization: Lincoln is narrowing its crossovers to focus on core nameplates that better align with current demand and dealer resources.
- Electrification strategy: The brand is accelerating its shift toward electrified models, which requires new platforms and resources better allocated to fewer, more modern offerings.
- Cost and development priorities: Maintaining multiple near-identical or overlapping products increases complexity and cost at a time when the company is prioritizing efficiency and investment in next-generation products.
Taken together, these factors explain why Lincoln decided to discontinue the Nautilus and reallocate development and marketing efforts toward more strategic models and future electrified platforms.
What replaces the Nautilus in Lincoln's lineup?
There is no direct one-for-one replacement for the Nautilus. Lincoln is instead leaning on its remaining crossovers to cover the same market segments, while shifting attention to electrified future models.
- Corsair: The current compact SUV remains the most direct alternative for customers seeking a smaller, luxury crossover with modern tech and efficiency.
- Aviator: For buyers who want a larger, more premium option with stronger on-road presence, the Aviator serves as a primary alternative in the mid-size segment.
- Navigator: For those seeking the largest, most spacious Lincoln SUV, the Navigator continues to fill the full-size luxury niche.
- Electrified future: Lincoln’s broader strategy includes expanding electrified offerings, with new models and updated platforms that will shape the lineup beyond the Nautilus era.
By focusing on these core models, Lincoln aims to streamline operations while laying groundwork for future electrified crossovers that align with evolving customer preferences and regulatory expectations.
What buyers should know now
If you’re shopping for a vehicle in the Nautilus size class or planning a purchase soon, here’s how to approach the transition.
- Consider alternatives in the current lineup: If you want a similar footprint, test the Corsair for compact luxury or the Aviator for a midsize option, with Navigator available for larger needs.
- Check dealer inventory and order timing: With discontinuation on the horizon, sailors may see dwindling Nautilus stock and longer lead times for preferred configurations on other models.
- Explore certified pre-owned: If a new Nautilus is not available, a certified pre-owned Nautilus or related Lincoln models can offer similar features and assurance.
- Stay informed about future electrified options: Lincoln’s roadmap emphasizes electrified crossovers, so keep an eye on upcoming launches and opportunities to configure a new EV SUV as the lineup evolves.
Ultimately, buyers should weigh current availability against long-term ownership goals, especially if interested in Lincoln’s newer, electrified offerings that will shape the brand’s future.
Electrification and future Lincoln models
Beyond this discontinuation, Lincoln is pursuing a broader electrification strategy aimed at expanding its portfolio with more electrified crossovers. While specifics continue to mature, the shift toward battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models is a central element of the brand’s long-term plan, designed to meet rising demand for cleaner, more efficient luxury transportation.
Summary
Lincoln’s decision to discontinue the Nautilus reflects a deliberate effort to simplify a crowded lineup and accelerate the brand’s electrified future. For buyers, the Corsair, Aviator and Navigator remain the practical choices in the near term, with new electrified models on the horizon that will redefine Lincoln’s luxury SUV landscape.
Is Lincoln getting rid of the Nautilus?
No, the Lincoln Nautilus is not being discontinued, but it has been redesigned for the 2024 model year with a new platform and updated features. While previous reports from 2021 and 2022 suggested the model would be discontinued, these plans changed, and Lincoln released a new generation. The previous models were produced in Canada alongside the Ford Edge, but the new model is manufactured in China.
Key details about the redesign
- The previous generation was scheduled to end production in early 2024, according to reports at the time.
- However, instead of being discontinued, the Nautilus underwent a complete redesign for the 2024 model year.
- The new version features a new platform and a more luxurious and technologically advanced interior.
- Production of the new Nautilus takes place in China, a change from the previous location in Canada.
What SUV is Lincoln discontinuing?
The Lincoln Corsair is being discontinued, with production ending after the 2026 model year. The Ford Escape is also being discontinued, and production of both models will end as the Louisville Assembly Plant is retooled for a new electric pickup truck. Lincoln will continue selling the Corsair through the 2026 model year, and there are enough parts to keep the supply going well into 2026.
- Discontinuation: The Lincoln Corsair will be discontinued after the 2026 model year.
- Reason: Production is ending to retool the Louisville Assembly Plant to build a new electric pickup truck.
- Availability: Ford will produce enough Corsair (and Escape) models to continue sales through 2026.
- Future plans: Lincoln has confirmed this decision as part of its transition towards electric and hybrid luxury vehicles.
- Replacement: While a direct gas-powered replacement is not immediately available, Lincoln is planning a new three-row crossover to fill a gap in its lineup, notes CarBuzz.
Is there going to be a 2025 Lincoln Nautilus?
The new 2025 Lincoln Nautilus® SUV offers a range of standard or available 19-, 20-, 21-, and 22-inch wheels. The available Jet Appearance Package offers its own distinct designs, and the Lincoln Black Label* model receives standard 22-inch wheels.
Which is better, the Cadillac XT5 or the Lincoln Nautilus?
The Lincoln Nautilus is generally more spacious and features a more upscale interior, while the Cadillac XT5 is a strong contender with available performance upgrades and a lower starting price for some trims. The Nautilus offers more passenger and cargo volume, along with a more sophisticated infotainment system and superior hands-free driving technology (Active Glide vs. Super Cruise). In terms of power, the Nautilus' standard engine has a slight edge over the XT5's base engine, and the Nautilus also offers an optional hybrid for better fuel efficiency. The XT5's optional V6 engine provides strong performance, but its cabin may not feel as luxurious as the Nautilus'.
Lincoln Nautilus
- Pros:
- More spacious: Offers greater passenger and cargo volume.
- More upscale interior: Features higher-quality materials and a more luxurious feel.
- Superior technology: Features a more advanced infotainment system and hands-free driving technology with greater highway coverage.
- More powerful standard engine: Produces more horsepower and torque than the XT5's base engine.
- Available hybrid: Offers a hybrid powertrain for improved fuel economy.
Cadillac XT5
- Pros:
- More affordable starting price: Some trims can be purchased for a lower price than the Nautilus.
- Strong optional engine: An available V6 engine provides ample power.
- Cons:
- Less space: Less passenger and cargo volume than the Nautilus.
- Less luxurious cabin: The interior may feel less upscale than the Nautilus'.
- Less advanced technology: Its hands-free driving system covers fewer highways compared to the Nautilus'.
