Introduced in 2006 as a replacement for the Aviator, the Lincoln MKX soldiered on for almost a decade until it was redesigned in 2015. After only two years on the market, the second-generation MKX received its mid-cycle facelift. Launched at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, the midsize crossover was renamed the Nautilus, as part of the company's new strategy that involves dropping alphanumeric badges. Alongside the new name, the crossover also gained an updated front fascia, now inline with most Lincoln vehicles, new technology, and a new engine under the hood.

Lincoln's decision to rename the MKX isn't surprising. The midsize is the firm's best-selling SUV and a vehicle that attracts most new customers from other brands, with nearly 40 percent reportedly crossing over from Cadillac and Lexus. The Nautilus is supposed to build on the momentum of the MKX, which is on track to deliver its best sales year since 2007. But does it have what it takes to give the Cadillac XT5 a run for its money? Find out in the review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Lincoln Nautilus.

2019 Lincoln Nautilus

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Lincoln Nautilus
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 245
  • Transmission: eight-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

- New front grille - New headlamps - Revised front bumper - More chrome - New wheels - Updated taillights

The Lincoln Nautilus looks like a new vehicle up front, having ditched the MKX's split grille for the new one-piece element we've already seen on the Continental, Navigator, and MKX. Unlike the old grille, which had horizontal slats, the new one boasts a honeycomb-like mesh and includes the Lincoln badge in the middle. It also has significantly more chrome, which gives the SUV a more upscale look. The headlamps are also new and seem to be based on the Continental's. They now have a more conventional, almost rectangular shape, a new LED bar at the bottom, and five individual lights above. A pair of thin daytime running lights were added just above the bumper.

The bumper is also new, now sporting more chrome, revised fog lamps, and a revised grille. The shape of the engine hood was modified as well in order to fit the new grille and headlamp layout. The lid no longer runs into the grille, but opens up a couple of inches above, creating the illusion of thick body-colored frame, like on the Bentley Mulsanne.

The profile carries over with just a handful of changes. The front fenders and doors now sport a chrome element with "Nautilus" lettering and Lincoln now offers a new wheel selection. It's not much, but automakers rarely add more features on a mid-cycle update. The rear end is pretty much the same too. The taillights appear to have a slightly different LED cluster, while the thin red lights just above the bumper are now part of a stripe that stretches the entire width of the apron.

Needless to say, Lincoln uses the term "new" a bit too much for a facelift that doesn't really go beyond a new grille and new headlamps.

Interior

- Mildly revised dashboard - Updated steering wheel - Digital instrument cluster - Acoustic side glass - Wireless charging pad - New Black Label theme - Optional Ultra Comfort seats - New driver assistance systems

Updates are of the same variety inside the cabin, with nothing major to report in terms of layout and design. The center stack has the same configuration, with just a few buttons added to the right side. The steering wheel appears to have changed a bit too, now sporting a flatter lower spoke and revised controls. The leather-wrapped, hand-stitched steering wheel and the digital, 12.3-inch instrument cluster are among the premium highlights inside the cabin.

Lincoln added acoustic side glass to reduce wind noise for rear passengers, as well as a concealed wireless charging pad as standard. The SYNC 3 infotainment system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Options include Ultra Comfort seats with 22-way adjustability, which have been developed with input from orthopedic surgeons for the utmost comfort during long trips. Customers can also choose between 13- and 19-speaker Revel audio systems. The heated and cooled seats are available on the Reserve model.

The Black Label trim carries over from the MKX, but Lincoln added a new Gala theme (joining the existing Chalet and Thoroughbred options). If you're not familiar with the Black Label trim, it's designed for customers looking for a more unique interior. It's also the most expensive trim, sitting above the Reserve model.

The first theme, Chalet, adds Espresso and Alpine Venetian leather, and deep Silverwood trim, celebrating the "contrasting pleasures of pulse-pounding mountain slopes and the inherent comfort of an après-ski lodge." Thoroughbred evokes the "distinguished and elite lifestyle of horse racing" with rich Venetian leather, Chilean Maple wood, Alcantara accents, and Jet Black trim. Finally, the new Gala theme is inspired by "haute couture at New York’s Met Gala" and features Carmine leather complemented by Onyx leather, an Alcantara headliner, and Nouveax Armor aluminum accents.

More news comes from the driver assistance department, which now includes an all-new lane-centering feature that pairs with adaptive cruise control and stop-and-go to helps maintain the vehicle's position in its lane. There's also a new evasive steer assist which uses radar and cameras to analyze the gap between slower-moving or stationary vehicles on the road, helping the driver steer around obstacles. Additional driver-assist technologies include Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Information System, active park assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping aid, and an auto-hold feature, which relieves the driver from having to hold the brakes in stop-and-go traffic.

Drivetrain

- New 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine - 3.7-liter V-6 discontinued - 245-horsepower base model - 2.7-liter EcoBoost with 335 horsepower - New eight-speed transmission - Standard Auto Start-Stop function

More significant changes happened under the hood, where the base 3.7-liter V-6 was replaced by a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-banger. The new unit cranks out 245 horsepower, a 58-horsepower decrease compared to the outgoing V-6. However, the new engine is supposed to return significantly better fuel economy.

The 2.7-liter EcoBoost rated at 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque carries over unchanged, so the Nautilus has an all-turbocharged engine lineup.

Lincoln changed the transmission too, replacing the six-speed automatic that was introduced in 2016 with an eight-speed autobox. Both engine options include the Auto Start-Stop function as standard.

Prices

The Lincoln Nautilus retails from $40,340, a minor increase compared to the outgoing MKX, which started from $39,035. Choose the Select over the base trim and the sticker jumps to $44,545. Replace the 2.0-liter four-cylinder with the 2.7-liter V-6 and pricing goes up to $46,615.

Next up is the Reserve model, which costs $48,875 with the four-banger and $50,945 with the V-6. Moving over to the range-topping Black Label trim, it fetches $56,895 with the four-cylinder and $58,965 with the V-6.

All of the above prices are for front-wheel drive configurations. AWD models cost a tad more, starting with a base SUV priced from $42,835. The AWD Select fetches $47,040, the Reserve starts from $51,370, while the Black Label comes in at $59,390 with the four-cylinder engine. The V-6-powered Black Label retails from $61,460.

2019 Lincoln Nautilus 2.0L I-4 FWD

$40,340

2019 Lincoln Nautilus Select 2.0L I-4 FWD

$44,545

2019 Lincoln Nautilus Select 2.7L V6 FWD

$46,615

2019 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve 2.0L I-4 FWD

$48,875

2019 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve 2.7L V6 FWD

$50,945

2019 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label 2.0L I-4 FWD

$56,895

2019 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label 2.7L V6 FWD

$58,965

2019 Lincoln Nautilus 2.0L I-4 AWD

$42,835

2019 Lincoln Nautilus Select 2.0L I-4 AWD

$47,040

2019 Lincoln Nautilus Select 2.7L V6 AWD

$49,110

2019 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve 2.0L I-4 AWD

$51,370

2019 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve 2.7L V6 AWD

$53,440

2019 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label 2.0L I-4 AWD

$59,390

2019 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label 2.7L V6 AWD

$61,460


Competition

Cadillac XT5

Introduced in 2016 as a replacement for the SRX, the XT5 is the first Cadillac crossover to carry the company's new nomenclature for SUVs. The midsize is built on the same C1XX platform as the GMC Acadia and borrows styling cues from the company's CTS and CT6 sedans. The XT5 is arguably one of the most luxurious vehicles in its niche and boasts Cadillac's latest technology, including a streaming video rear-view mirror and the Electronic Precision Shift. Luxury features include leather, Alcantara, and woodgrain inserts. Unlike the Nautilus, the XT5 has analog gauges on each side of the digital instrument cluster. Only one engine is available in the United States, a 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. In China, the XT5 also benefits from a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-banger. The V-6 mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission and is equipped with an automatic stop-start system. All-wheel-drive is optional. Pricing start from $40,390, but the range-topping Platinum trim costs $63,890 before options.

Read our full story of the 2018 Cadillac XT5.

Conclusion

The midsize SUV may have gained a new name, but the Nautilus is nothing more than just a mid-cycle facelift to the MKX. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I think Lincoln should have waited for the next-generation model to introduce the new nameplate. Renaming the facelifted MKX is just another sign that Lincoln is desperate to regain its former glory and become a solid competitor for the Cadillac. Needless to say, the Nautilus brings a few cool features to the MKX, but I'm afraid the midsize SUV is not yet ready to give the Cadillac XT5 a run for its money.

References

Lincoln MKX

Read our full review on the 2016 Lincoln MKX.

Read more 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show news.