Home Comparisons Trim Comparisons 2023 Lincoln Nautilus: Choosing the Right Trim

2023 Lincoln Nautilus: Choosing the Right Trim

Lincoln has built a distinctive fleet of SUVs unlike anything from Europe or Japan, and the 2023 Nautilus is a shining example.

Slotting between the 7-passenger Aviator and compact Corsair, the midsize 5-passenger Lincoln Nautilus comes packed with luxury, safety, and tech features at a price that undercuts most competitors.

The Nautilus offers a choice between two powerful turbocharged gas engines. However, those hoping for a hybrid or pure EV will need to look elsewhere. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional with the smaller 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and standard when ordering the 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6.

Competing for your luxury dollar against the Nautilus are the Lexus RX, Cadillac XT5, Genesis GV80, and Audi Q5.

2023 Lincoln Nautilus (starting at $44,825)

The first of three trims is the base Nautilus. It includes most features expected of a luxury SUV but a limited number of options.

The Nautilus comes standard with a 250-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is a $2,500 upgrade.

A quick look at the Nautilus exterior reveals 18-inch alloy wheels, power-folding and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, a power liftgate, and LED illumination from the headlights, taillights, daytime running lights, and turn signals.

Lincoln’s Intelligent Access keyless access allows locking and unlocking the doors by simply touching the handle while the key fob is in your purse or pocket.

Additional features worth noting include the SecuriCode keyless entry keypad, illumination for the exterior door handle wells, Lincoln Welcome Lighting and Signature Lighting fade on/off, and a system that unlocks the doors and illuminates the ground when detecting the driver approaching.

The Nautilus windshield includes an anti-fogging system, and the front glass and windshield feature acoustic lamination to help shield the cabin from outside noise. Wiper-activated headlights come on whenever the wipers are engaged.

An 18-gallon fuel tank provides plenty of fuel for long trips, and the capless fuel filler neck eliminates the need for a screw-on gas cap.

A tire inflator and sealant kit come standard, but if you’re not comfortable with this choice, Lincoln offers an 18-inch mini spare wheel and tire as an optional upgrade.

Moving to the cabin, the Nautilus impresses with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control with particulate air filter, heated front seats, and a 10-way power driver’s seat with memory and an 8-way power passenger seat, both with power lumbar support. Soft Touch leatherette upholstery covers the seats and door panels.

The rear seats feature a 60/40 configuration with Lincoln’s EasyFold seats that fold flat at the push of a button. Back seat passengers also enjoy LED reading lights, grab handles, rear air vents, and two USB charge ports (one USB-A and one USB-C).

Some interior features worth noting include one-touch up/down power windows, a push-button starter, a leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel with cruise, Bluetooth, and audio buttons, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Accessing the Nautilus infotainment system is easy, thanks to a substantial 13.2-inch color touchscreen hosting the Sync 4 system with enhanced voice control.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, a 10-speaker audio system with a powered subwoofer, Alexa built-in, and access to Lincoln Connect apps with features like remote start, parked vehicle locator, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

The Nautilus comes standard with Lincoln’s Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite of driver assists. The bundle includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Also included are automatic high-beam headlights, a rear backup camera, rear parking sensors, a driver attention monitor, auto brake hold, and hill start assists.

An available Premium Package adds a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, built-in navigation with pinch-to-zoom capability, plus live traffic and Predictive Destination and Route Guidance.

With the $1,195 destination charge, the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus costs $46,020. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $827. See 2023 Lincoln Nautilus models for sale

2023 Lincoln Nautilus includes:

  • 10-way power driver’s seat – Provides multiple possibilities in finding the ideal driving position, with power lumbar support to help reduce lower back fatigue.
  • Digital instrument cluster – This advanced configurable instrument cluster can look like a traditional analog cluster or be modified to show vehicle information, trip info, and system settings.
  • Automatic high-beam headlights – When encountering oncoming traffic or approaching a car directly ahead, light sensors automatically dim the high beams, then reactivate them when the coast is clear.

2023 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve (starting at $51,040)

2023 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve front

2023 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve front

2023 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve profile

2023 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve profile

2023 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve front seats

2023 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve front seats

2023 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve rear setas

2023 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve rear setas

The Nautilus Reserve brings more luxury features and optional upgrades, including an available 335-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine.

As the middle-child trim, the Reserve offers the best value, allowing customers to pick and choose features they want while still keeping the price competitive with similarly equipped rivals.

Building off the base Nautilus, the Reserve trim adds a hands-free liftgate, auto-folding side mirrors, a panoramic Vista Roof, and the Lincoln Embrace II Package that adds ambient lighting and headlight light-up sequences.

Adaptive headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and an auto-dimming driver’s side mirror round out the exterior upgrades.

Premium leather upholstery with microfiber inserts adorns the front and rear seats, and the front seats feature cooling ventilation and power lumbar support.

Additional amenities include a power tilt/telescoping heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, heated rear seats, and memory for the driver’s seat, steering wheel, and mirrors. The built-in navigation upgrade is also part of the Reserve’s standard features.

There’s also an Enhanced Security Package. It has enhanced valet mode, a lockable storage compartment, and a vehicle inclination sensor that sets off the alarm when the Nautilus is lifted or towed.

Upgrades for the Reserve are mostly bundled into the 201A and 202A groups, although some equipment can be ordered separately.

Opting for the 201A group brings 20-inch alloy wheels, an app that turns a phone into a key, and Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus. The upgraded Co-Pilot suite adds adaptive cruise control with stop/go and lane centering, a 360-degree camera, and parking sensors at the front, side, and rear.

Also in the package is Lincoln’s evasive steering assist, which increases steering response in emergency maneuver situations. Enhanced Active Park Assist can steer the vehicle into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces or safely pull the Nautilus from a tight spot without hitting adjacent cars.

A 13-speaker Revel audio system replaces the standard 10-speaker system.

Step up to the 202A Group and you’ll get all the features in the 201A Group plus 21-inch alloy wheels, full LED multi-projector adaptive headlights, LED fog lights, and a 19-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.

A 110-volt outlet and a cargo management system are also standard.

Additional options include a Class II Trailer Tow Package, a Monochromatic Package that removes much of the exterior chrome and replaces it with color-key trim, and Ultra Comfort 16-way massaging front seats with power thigh extensions.

With the $1,195 destination charge, the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve costs $52,235. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $939. See 2023 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve models for sale

2023 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve includes:

  • Panoramic Vista Roof –This lets occupants enjoy vast views of the sky or stars without enduring the wind and noise otherwise associated with the experience.
  • Ventilated front seats – These seats circulate cool air through the perforated upholstery, helping keep your backside cool and dry.
  • Revel audio – This 13-speaker upgrade brings greater volume with enhanced bass via a powered subwoofer.

2023 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label (starting at $67,245)

The Black Label is Lincoln’s most exclusive trim. Beyond its hefty list of standard equipment, the Black Label offers several personal services.

They include pickup and delivery for scheduled maintenance, a 4-year/50,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan, free car washes, annual detailing, and a rewards program that lets you earn points to redeem for premium services, exclusive offers, and dealer accessories.

You also get a personal concierge who can answer questions and provide a personalized buying experience remotely via a mobile showroom.

If you’re comparing trims, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the Black Label’s significant price jump over the Reserve. Justifying this move is a standard 2.7-liter V6 engine and AWD, along with all of the Reserve 202A features, minus the 110-volt outlet and cargo management system (they’re both optional).

The Black Label offers two interior themes: Chalet and Flight. The Chalet theme includes Alpine (light cream) colored Venetian leather seats with Espresso velour luxury floor mats, while the Flight theme brings Luggage Tan (saddle brown) seats with black accents, also in Venetian leather.

The few options for the Black Label include the Cargo Utility Package (110-volt outlet and cargo management features), 16-way massaging front seats with power thigh extensions, and the Class II Trailer Tow Package.

With the $1,195 destination charge, the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label costs $68,440. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,230. See 2023 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label models for sale

2023 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label includes:

  • Twin-turbo V6 – A potent engine delivering the performance expected of an expensive luxury SUV, Lincoln’s twin-turbo V6 can rocket the Nautilus to 60 mph in just under six seconds.
  • 19-speaker Revel audio – Adds even more speakers and power over the standard Revel system, with a 20-channel amp and additional midrange and tweeters at the rear of the cabin.
  • Black Label experience – This program delivers exclusive membership privileges, including an extended free-maintenance schedule, access to premier restaurants, and upgraded travel with Avis President’s Club. It also includes free car washes for as long as the original owner has the Nautilus.

FAQ

  • What is the best 2023 Lincoln Nautilus trim?

    While we love all the perks that come with the Nautilus Black Label, its price tag may deter some.

    Therefore, we’d go with the Reserve Trim, add the 2.7-liter V6, AWD, and 201A Group and drive away quite satisfied.

  • How many miles per gallon does the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus get?

    The front-drive Lincoln Nautilus with the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine earns EPA figures of 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 mpg combined. Adding AWD to the mix lowers that to 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway/22 mpg combined.

    The 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and AWD, optional on the Reserve and standard on the Black Label, gets 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway/21 mpg combined.

  • Which 2023 Lincoln Nautilus trim offers the most safety?

    In U.S. government crash tests, the Lincoln Nautilus scored a perfect 5-Star overall rating, with five stars in the frontal and side-impact test and four stars in the rollover test.

    The independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Lincoln Nautilus a Top Safety Pick accolade.

    As for which trim offers the most safety, we’d say any trim with the upgraded Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus Package offers all the protection and driver assists you’ll need.

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