← Lincoln Nautilus · 2019-present · Two Generations (2019-present)

Lincoln Nautilus Two Generations (2019-present)

MKX renamed for 2019. 2nd gen (2024+) is China-built with a 48-inch dashboard display.

Verdict
B
BHP
250-335 bhp
0–60
5.7 s
Top speed
130 mph
MPG
23.0 mpg
New
$22,000-$72,000

Two generations. 1st gen (2019-2023): created when Lincoln renamed the MKX (2016-2018) to Nautilus for the 2019 model year as part of Lincoln's broader naming reset away from the 'MK-' nomenclature. Built at Ford Oakville Assembly, Ontario, Canada (also where the MKX was built — same plant, same line). Underlying CD4 platform shared with Ford Edge and the Edge's global market siblings. Two engines: 2.0L EcoBoost turbo I4 (250 hp / 275 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic) and 2.7L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 (335 hp / 380 lb-ft, 8-speed). FWD or AWD. The 1st gen got a 2021 facelift with refreshed front fascia, larger 13.2-inch portrait touchscreen running SYNC 4, and Lincoln's then-new corporate grille design. Trims: Standard, Reserve, Black Label. 2nd gen (2024-present): complete redesign. Built at Changan-Ford in Hangzhou, China — Lincoln has imported some China-built models to the US for years (e.g., Lincoln Nautilus replacement was always going to be China-built per Ford's announced strategy), but the Nautilus is the first volume Chinese-built Lincoln for the US market. CD6 platform underpinnings (the global Ford Edge sister, sold in China). Powertrains: 2.0L EcoBoost turbo I4 (250 hp / 280 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic, AWD-only), and 2.0L EcoBoost I4 hybrid (250 hp combined system, eCVT, AWD-only) — the hybrid is the segment's value choice if you want efficiency. The defining feature of the 2nd gen interior is the 48-inch full-width panoramic display spanning the entire dashboard — driver information at left, navigation/media at center, optional video / browsing for passenger at right. This single panel is unique in the segment and far larger than BMW iDrive 8.5 / Mercedes Hyperscreen / Cadillac Lyriq's display. Below the panoramic display is an 11.1-inch portrait touchscreen for primary controls. Trims: Premiere (base ~$50k), Reserve (mid), Black Label (top — three theme packages: Pinnacle, Smoked Truffle, Reserve Theme). Lincoln BlueCruise hands-free highway driving available. Revel Ultima 28-speaker audio option. Cabin design has been positively reviewed despite the China-build controversy — cabin materials, ambient lighting (28-color), and the screen integration are distinctive. The China build raises long-term questions about US tariff policy on Chinese-built vehicles.

Strengths

  • 48-inch panoramic dashboard display (unique)
  • BlueCruise hands-free highway
  • Revel Ultima 28-speaker audio (Black Label)
  • Cabin design genuinely distinctive (2nd gen)
  • 2.0 hybrid efficient (eCVT)

Weaknesses

  • 2nd gen China-built — tariff exposure
  • 2.0 EcoBoost timing chain concerns (Edge lineage)
  • Driving dynamics behind GV70 / MDX
  • Resale below MDX / RX
  • Cabin learning curve (large display polarizing)

Notable tech

  • 48-inch panoramic dashboard display (2nd gen)
  • 11.1-inch portrait touchscreen (2nd gen)
  • BlueCruise hands-free highway (2nd gen)
  • Revel Ultima 28-speaker audio
  • 2.0L EcoBoost hybrid (2nd gen)
  • 2.7L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 (1st gen)
  • 8-speed SelectShift automatic

Common issues

  • 2.0 / 2.7 EcoBoost timing chain wear
  • 8-speed automatic shift solenoid wear
  • Power liftgate motor failures
  • AC compressor failures
  • SYNC 3 freezes (1st gen pre-2021)
  • Air suspension compressor wear (top trims)
  • Front lower control arm bushings

Used-market budget

$38,000

1st gen 2.0T $22-32k. 1st gen 2.7T V6 / Black Label $30-48k. 1st gen post-facelift $32-48k. 2nd gen 2024+ Premiere $48-58k, Reserve $54-64k, Black Label $64-78k.