The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus
is a luxury SUV that won’t break the bank. But with three issues under its belt—including an asymmetrical driving position, a compromised outward visibility, and a tricky gear selector—is the massive auto really worth your time? Jerry
, the car ownership super app
, gives the low down on the Lincoln
that doesn’t feel like a Ford. The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus is a boat-like luxury vehicle
The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus starts at just over $44,000. Previously known as the MKX, the SUV is based on the Ford Edge
. It’s available in three trim levels which include the Standard, Reserve, and Black Label. According to Consumer Reports
, “With responsive handling, comfortable ride, effortless acceleration, a plush interior, and a suite of standard advanced technology, it's a formidable competitor that tends to fly under the radar.” Buyers can choose between a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine or the effortless 2.7-liter 335 hp V6 turbo. The Nautilus can accelerate to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds.
Consumer Reports found the Nautilus lively and composed around corners, with a taut and connected feel. Overall ride comfort is firm, planted, composed, and steady. The cabin remains tranquil even when taking bumps and ruts.
Though it’s no off-roader, the Nautilus is capable of towing up to $3,500 pounds. It’s also earned a Good rating in all IIHS crash-test results and a Superior rating for front crash prevention. When equipped with specific headlights, it’s even a Top Safety Pick.
Standard crash-avoidance systems include blind-spot warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic warning, and forward-collision warning.
Three issues with the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus
Despite lacking the luxurious finishes we’d expect from a German automaker at this level, the Nautilus does offer lots of soft-touch materials.
“Lincoln has been spiffing up its interiors, and most Nautilus trims have a swanky, high-society, hunt-club atmosphere with leather seats and rich wood and chrome trim pieces,” according to the organization. There’s also a big sunroof lighting up the interior.
Unfortunately, the driving position is compromised due to the driver’s cramped left footwell. Drivers have easy access from the large doors, and backseat riders will enjoy plenty of space in the rear seats. There’s also ample cargo room, a power liftgate, and convenient power-folding seats in the rear.
As far as infotainment, the Nautilus offers a user-friendly touch-screen infotainment system with on-screen logic. “As for other controls, we're not crazy about the what-is-old-is-new-again push-button gear selector which makes parking maneuvers a nuisance,” Consumer Reports tells us.
While it’s hard to have clear rearward visibility with the Nautilus’ thick roof pillars, the surround-view camera system will help you out.
Lincoln Nautilus: Reliability and environmental impact
The four-door Lincoln Nautilus has an overall rating of 65 from Consumer Reports. While the SUV received a 5 out of 5 for transmission and braking, the Nautilus didn’t fare so well in other categories. The auto scored above average for owner satisfaction, usability, and trunk/cargo area.
For overall predicted reliability, it scored a measly 2 out of 5. For fuel economy and emissions, the Nautilus also received a 2 out of 5 rating, with a combined EPA of 22 mpg with all-wheel drive and a four-cylinder engine. The V6 version delivers an EPA of 21 mpg.
Lastly, the gas-guzzler’s greenhouse gas emissions were nothing to be proud of. Contributing more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than we’d expect, the Lincoln Nautilus received a 4 out of 10 rating from Consumer Reports.
4.7
