Lincoln Nautilus: hybrid vs 2.0L turbo, the 2027 update and the MKX it replaced

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Lincoln Nautilus is a two-row, five-seat midsize luxury SUV. The second generation (2024–present) offers a 250-hp 2.0L turbo four with an eight-speed automatic or a 2.0L turbo hybrid rated at 285 combined hp, and both come with all-wheel drive. EPA rates the 2026 hybrid at 30 mpg combined and the gas model at 24.

Type
Two-row midsize luxury crossover SUV, seats 5
Price (MSRP)
from $50,415 (2024 MY) · Lincoln's March 2024 launch release quoted a starting MSRP of $50,415 for the base 2024 Nautilus and did not say whether destination was included. We could not retrieve Lincoln-published 2026 or 2027 Nautilus pricing.[1]
Powertrains
Nautilus 2.0L turbo, Nautilus Hybrid · 250–285 hp
Towing
up to 1,750 lb (With the dealer-installed Class I Trailer Tow Package; 175-lb max tongue weight and a 20 sq ft trailer frontal-area limit (2026 figures).)[5]
Current generation
Second generation (CDX707), 2024–present

2027 Lincoln Nautilus price and trims

The 2027 update adds a new grille and lighting, the Jet Appearance Package on all trims, new colors and Black Label themes, and a Renew Package for Reserve 200A. Orders opened in August 2026, with showroom arrivals expected in early 2027.[3]

Lincoln Nautilus trims with 2027 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2027)Powertrain
Premiere—Lincoln-published 2027 pricing could not be retrieved.2.0L turbo four (250 hp, 280 lb-ft), 8-speed automatic, AWD; 2.0L turbo hybrid (285 hp, 295 lb-ft), CVT, AWD[3]
Reserve—Lincoln-published 2027 pricing could not be retrieved.2.0L turbo four (250 hp, 280 lb-ft), 8-speed automatic, AWD; 2.0L turbo hybrid (285 hp, 295 lb-ft), CVT, AWD[3]
Black Label—Lincoln-published 2027 pricing could not be retrieved.2.0L turbo four (250 hp, 280 lb-ft), 8-speed automatic, AWD; 2.0L turbo hybrid (285 hp, 295 lb-ft), CVT, AWD[3]

Every Nautilus trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Lincoln Nautilus engines, horsepower and mpg

The hybrid is a conventional (not plug-in) hybrid that recharges through regenerative braking and the engine, and its hybrid parts carry 8-year/100,000-mile coverage. Lincoln's March 2024 launch release quoted 310 hp of total system output for the hybrid, but its current Nautilus pages and the 2027 release say 285 hp. EPA rated the 2024–2025 hybrid at 30/31/30 mpg and the 2026 at 29/31/30. The 2.0L turbo is rated 21/29/24 for 2024–2026.

Lincoln Nautilus powertrains with Lincoln-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Nautilus 2.0L turboPremiere, Reserve, Black Label2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (2.0L EcoBoost)[2][1][3][4]2502808-speed automaticAll-wheel drive21/29/242026 MY[4]
Nautilus HybridPremiere, Reserve, Black Label2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid with 100 kW electric motor[2][5][3][1][6]285295Continuously variable automaticAll-wheel drive29/31/302026 MY[6]

Output is as rated by Lincoln; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

Engine guides (shared with Ford): 2.7 EcoBoost

Nautilus 2.0L turbo vs Nautilus Hybrid (2026)

Both powertrains are offered on every trim with all-wheel drive.[5][2][4][6]

Nautilus 2.0L turbo vs Nautilus Hybrid (2026)
2.0L turboHybrid
Horsepower250 hp285 hp (combined)
Torque280 lb-ft295 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed automaticContinuously variable
EPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)21/29/2429/31/30
DriveAWDAWD
Hybrid warranty—8 years / 100,000 miles on hybrid components
  • The hybrid gets 6 mpg more combined and 8 mpg more in the city.
  • It also makes 35 hp more.
  • Towing is 1,750 lbs with the dealer-installed Class I package.

Nautilus Hybrid vs 2.0L turbo: which to pick

The hybrid is offered on all three trims. It combines a 2.0L turbo engine with a 100 kW electric motor and a continuously variable transmission to make 285 hp and 295 lb-ft, 35 hp and 15 lb-ft more than the gas model. EPA rates it at 29/31/30 mpg (2026), against 21/29/24 for the 2.0L turbo with its eight-speed automatic.

Lincoln says hybrids made up more than half of Nautilus sales by 2026. The hybrid does not plug in: it recharges through regenerative braking and the engine, and its hybrid parts are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles.

  • Hybrid: 285 hp, 295 lb-ft, 29/31/30 mpg, CVT
  • 2.0L turbo: 250 hp, 280 lb-ft, 21/29/24 mpg, 8-speed
  • AWD standard on both
  • [5][2][4][6][3]

What changes for the 2027 Nautilus

The 2027 Nautilus gets a wider, more detailed grille, a new hood and fenders, new signature lighting and slimmer taillamps. Wheels run from 19 to 22 inches depending on trim, and the Jet Appearance Package adds gloss-black trim on all three trims. New paints are Nocturnal Blue and the Black Label-only Frosted Fig, and Black Label adds the Eminent Hour and Elysian Light themes.

The Renew Package, with Lincoln Rejuvenate and 24-way Perfect Position front seats with massage, is now available on Reserve 200A. Every 2027 Nautilus includes four years of connectivity, the Lincoln Security Package and BlueCruise 1.5 with automatic lane changes. Lincoln began taking orders in August 2026 and expects showroom arrivals in early 2027.[3]

Interior, cargo and screens

A 48-inch panoramic display runs the width of the dashboard, with an 11.1-inch touchscreen below it. Lincoln quotes 43.1 inches of second-row legroom.

Cargo space is 36.4 cu ft behind the second row in the Premiere (35.2 in Reserve and Black Label). With the second row folded, Lincoln quotes up to 71.2 cu ft for Premiere and 68.8 cu ft for Reserve and Black Label, though its spec table lists 71.3 cu ft.[1][3][5]

Where the Nautilus is built

The 2019–2023 Nautilus was built at Oakville Assembly in Ontario. The current generation is imported from China. In August 2026 Ford said it would grow Lincoln production in the US starting in 2030 and phase out imports of Chinese-built vehicles for the US market.[9][18]

Buying a used Nautilus or MKX

The 2024 Nautilus brought the 48-inch screen and the first hybrid version. A 2019–2023 Nautilus has either a 2.0L turbo four or a 2.7L twin-turbo V6, and front-wheel drive was offered with the 2.0L. A Lincoln MKX (2007–2018) is the same model line under its earlier name. Recall 24V635 covers intake valves on 2021–2022 Nautilus models with the 2.7L engine, so check the VIN with NHTSA.[1][12][13][9][19][20]

Lincoln Nautilus generations by year

Every US Lincoln Nautilus generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Second generationCDX7072024–present2.0L turbo four (250 hp, 280 lb-ft), 8-speed automatic; 2.0L turbo hybrid (285 hp, 295 lb-ft), CVT; AWD standardIntroduced a 48-inch panoramic display above an 11.1-inch touchscreen, the Lincoln Digital Experience and BlueCruise. It is imported from China. A 2027 update, announced on August 13, 2026, adds a new grille and lighting, the Jet Appearance Package, new colors and standard BlueCruise 1.5 with four years included; showroom arrivals are expected in early 2027.[1][3][5][7][8][9]
First generation (Nautilus)U5402019–20232.0L turbo four or 2.7L twin-turbo V6 (2.7L EcoBoost V6), 8-speed automatic; FWD or AWDThe MKX was renamed Nautilus for 2019 at a mid-cycle update that brought the larger rectangular grille and swapped the six-speed for an eight-speed. EPA rated the 2019 2.0L AWD at 20/25/22 mpg and the 2.7L AWD at 19/26/21. A 2021 refresh added a 13.2-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4. Built at Oakville Assembly in Ontario.[10][11][12][13][9]
MKX, second generationU5402016–20183.7L V6 or 2.7L twin-turbo V6, 6-speed automatic; FWD or AWDA Ford Edge-based crossover built at Oakville Assembly. EPA rated the 2016 2.7L AWD at 17/24/19 mpg. The MKX used push-button gear selection mounted beside the touchscreen.[14][15]
MKX, first generationU3882007–20153.5L V6 (2007–2010), 3.7L V6 (2011–2015), 6-speed automatic; FWD or AWDLincoln's first crossover. The 2011 refresh brought the 3.7L V6 and introduced MyLincoln Touch. EPA rated the 2007 AWD at 16/22/18 mpg and the 2011 AWD at 17/23/19.[16][17][15]

Lincoln Nautilus problems and recalls

The most serious first-generation Nautilus recall is 24V-635, which covers 2021–2022 models with the 2.7L V6 because intake valves can break and cause engine failure. 2024-and-newer models have recalls for camera module resets, displays that can go blank, power windows that may not reverse and, on hybrids, pedestrian warning sound and unexpected neutral shifts.

Documented Lincoln Nautilus issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Camera module resets can drop the rear camera and driver aids (recall 26V-165)[21][22][23]Second generation (2024–present) – 2024–20252024–2025Recall 26V165
Power windows may not reverse correctly (recall 24V-953)[24][25][22]Second generation (2024–present) – 2024–20252024–2025Recall 24V953
Panoramic and center displays can reboot to a blank screen (recall 25V-337)[26][22]Second generation (2024–present) – 20242024Recall 25V337
Hybrid can fail to make its pedestrian warning sound (recall 26V-415)[27][28][22]Second generation (2024–present) – Hybrid, 2024–20272024–2027Recall 26V415
EGR valve can fail and cut drive power (recall 26V-122)[29][22]Second generation (2024–present) – 20252025Recall 26V122
Hybrid can shift into neutral unexpectedly (recall 26V-688)[30][22]Second generation (2024–present) – Hybrid, 2026–20272026–2027Recall 26V688
Engine intake valves can break on the 2.7L V6 (recall 24V-635)[31][22]First generation (2019–2023) – 2021–2022 2.7L2021–2022Recall 24V635
Rear camera image can freeze or not display (recall 25V-315)[32][22]First generation (2019–2023) – 2021–20232021–2023Recall 25V315

All 11 documented Nautilus issues and 11 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. Compare offers as a discount off MSRP in dollars and percent, before rebates and without dealer add-ons. These CarWhere pages show dealer invoice estimates, current incentives and asking prices for the Lincoln Nautilus.

More Nautilus research

See how a Nautilus was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Lincoln build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Lincoln build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

Is the Lincoln Nautilus a hybrid?

It can be. The 2024-on Nautilus offers a 2.0L turbo hybrid on every trim, rated at 285 combined hp and 30 mpg combined (EPA, 2026). The standard engine is a 250-hp 2.0L turbo four.

How much is a Lincoln Nautilus?

Lincoln's launch release put the 2024 Nautilus at a starting MSRP of $50,415, without saying whether destination was included. We could not retrieve Lincoln-published pricing for 2026 or 2027.

What mpg does the Nautilus get?

EPA rates the 2026 Nautilus Hybrid at 29 city / 31 highway / 30 combined mpg and the 2.0L turbo at 21/29/24.

How much can a Lincoln Nautilus tow?

Lincoln rates the Nautilus at 1,750 lbs with the dealer-installed Class I Trailer Tow Package, with a 175-lb maximum tongue weight.

Where is the Lincoln Nautilus made?

The current Nautilus is imported from China. The 2019–2023 model came from Oakville, Ontario. Ford said in August 2026 that it will phase out Chinese imports for the US market as it grows Lincoln's US production from 2030.

What did the Nautilus replace?

The Nautilus is the renamed Lincoln MKX. The name changed with the 2019 mid-cycle update, as Lincoln dropped its MK names.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Lincoln for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. Sanctuary for the Senses: All-New Lincoln Nautilus Arrives with Reimagined Interior (Mar 14, 2024) — Ford From the Road newsroom (fromtheroad.ford.com)
  2. 2026 Lincoln Nautilus models and specifications — Lincoln (lincoln.com)
  3. The Lincoln Nautilus Wants You to Notice the Details (2027 Nautilus, Aug 13, 2026) — Ford From the Road newsroom (fromtheroad.ford.com)
  4. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Lincoln Nautilus AWD — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  5. 2026 Lincoln Nautilus: overview, powertrains, towing — Lincoln (lincoln.com)
  6. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Lincoln Nautilus HEV AWD — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  7. EPA fuel economy: 2024 Lincoln Nautilus AWD — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  8. EPA fuel economy: 2024 Lincoln Nautilus HEV AWD — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  9. Lincoln Nautilus (history corroboration) — Wikipedia (secondary reference)
  10. EPA fuel economy: 2019 Lincoln Nautilus AWD 2.0L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  11. EPA fuel economy: 2019 Lincoln Nautilus AWD 2.7L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  12. EPA fuel economy: 2023 Lincoln Nautilus AWD 2.7L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  13. EPA fuel economy: 2023 Lincoln Nautilus FWD 2.0L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  14. EPA fuel economy: 2016 Lincoln MKX AWD 2.7L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  15. Lincoln MKX (history corroboration) — Wikipedia (secondary reference)
  16. EPA fuel economy: 2007 Lincoln MKX AWD 3.5L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  17. EPA fuel economy: 2011 Lincoln MKX AWD 3.7L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  18. Ford Motor Company to Increase Lincoln Production in the U.S. Beginning in 2030 (Aug 12, 2026) — Ford From the Road newsroom (fromtheroad.ford.com)
  19. NHTSA recall 24V635000: Engine intake valves may break, 2021–2022 models with 2.7L/3.0L Nano EcoBoost incl. Nautilus (Aug 2024) — NHTSA recall (DOT recall dataset 6axg-epim)
  20. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset query: "Lincoln Nautilus" — U.S. DOT open data (data.transportation.gov)
  21. NHTSA recall 26V-165: Loss of Rearview Camera Image and ADAS Features — NHTSA
  22. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset (6axg-epim) full-text query: Nautilus — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA
  23. Sanctuary for the Senses: All-New Lincoln Nautilus Arrives with Reimagined Interior (2024 Nautilus) — Ford From the Road newsroom (fromtheroad.ford.com)
  24. NHTSA recall 24V-953: Power Windows May Pinch/FMVSS 118 — NHTSA
  25. NHTSA recall 24V-597: Power Windows May Pinch/FMVSS 118 — NHTSA
  26. NHTSA recall 25V-337: Panoramic and Center Display Failure/FMVSS 111 — NHTSA
  27. NHTSA recall 26V-415: Missing Pedestrian Warning Sound — NHTSA
  28. NHTSA recall 25V-691: Missing Pedestrian Warning Sound — NHTSA
  29. NHTSA recall 26V-122: Loss of Drive Power from EGR Valve Failure — NHTSA
  30. NHTSA recall 26V-688: Loss of Drive Power from Unexpected Shift to Neutral — NHTSA
  31. NHTSA recall 24V-635: Engine Intake Valves May Break — NHTSA
  32. NHTSA recall 25V-315: Rearview Camera Image May Not Display — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Lincoln or Ford Motor Company. Lincoln, Black Label and the model names are trademarks of their owners.