2021 lincoln nautilus exterior
Enthusiast

2021 Lincoln Nautilus Review

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus is not an in-your-face kind of car. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. When compared to other luxury SUVs that boast speedy lap times and loads of complicated tech features, the Nautilus is quite…for lack of a better word, simple. But simple isn’t always bad. In fact, there’s a beauty and quiet luxury in simplicity, which is what we think Lincoln is going for with their new crossover. 

Ever since it’s debut in 2018 as the MKX, the Nautilus has undergone constant change and evolution. And in the 2021 model, that spirit of change is still evident. 

2021 Lincoln Nautilus design and headlights

We gotta give it to Lincoln. They did a stellar job at redesigning the Nautilus’s interior experience. Like the Navigator, Corsair, and Aviator, the 2021 Nautilus has a horizontal interior design, which elegantly incorporates the gear selector in the form of piano keys under the air vents in the vehicle’s center stack. And with the cabin’s mix of leather, chrome, and wood, drivers will get a cozy, inviting feeling for sure. If you’re always on the phone while driving, you’ll also enjoy the variety of sound-deadening materials that were strategically placed around the vehicle. 

As far as the infotainment system, the newly redesigned, 13.2-inch screen is sure to turn heads. Not only is it the biggest screen yet in a Lincoln, but is the first to be built with Ford’s latest system, Sync 4. Along with a major graphics update, the new infotainment system is much easier to navigate, and allows for over-the-air software updates, so you won’t have to visit your dealership. 

Performance

Let’s talk performance. Mechanically, the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus is virtually the same as the 2019 model, which delivered a zero-to-60-mph time of 5.8 seconds and a quarter-mile run of 14.3 seconds. 

One thing to note is that this car is made for cozy luxury. This means that while it will offer a smooth ride, it’s not an SUV with the sharpest reflexes. If you’re looking to turn tight corners and change direction at the drop of a hat, this isn’t the pick for you. 

Safety 

According to the IIHS, the 2021 Nautilus has received a ‘good’ rating in crashworthiness, but the vehicle’s headlights received a ‘poor’ rating. The model features LED headlamps with auto lamp and LED dynamic signature lighting, along with auto high beam headlights and LED taillights. As the IIHS noted, the low-beams caused excessive glare in tests. 

More specs for the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus

  • Vehicle type: Mid-size SUV
  • Base price: From $41,940
  • Engine: Turbocharged 2.0L I-4
  • Transmission: 8-Speed SelectShift® Automatic transmission with paddle activation
  • EPA fuel economy: 21 city/26 hwy/23 combined

Want more reviews of the latest cars, SUVs, and everything in between? Check out the Headlights blog for more.

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Claire Biggerstaff
Claire Biggerstaff is a freelance writer and photographer from Charlotte, NC. Her curiosity leads her to write about a wide variety of topics. On her off days, she enjoys reading Polygon articles, and curling up to a good YouTube playlist.

    1 Comment

    1. I really like the new Lincolns.

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