Used 2021 Lincoln Nautilus for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus cost?

Prices have softened 14.25% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,073 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8.17/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Technology.

Owners consistently praise its luxurious feel, quiet cabin, and comfortable ride, and they also like the spacious interior and useful tech features. The overview and test-drive notes reinforce that this is a comfort-first luxury SUV with elegant styling and an approachable, premium feel.

The trade-offs are clear too: the expert notes point to poor handling and sluggish touchscreen response, and value for money is also called out as a weak spot. If you want a traditional luxury crossover that prioritizes comfort and cabin ambiance over sharp dynamics, this year fits that brief well.

With 35.2% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner summary points to a reliable, comfortable daily driver with a quiet cabin and a trouble-free feel that many shoppers can count on. The expert notes also describe the driving experience as smooth and pleasant, which supports the impression of easy day-to-day ownership.

Lincoln’s standard driver-assistance package adds to that confidence with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The overall ownership picture is favorable, though you should still expect normal used-car wear and verify how well the vehicle has been maintained.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper history review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on cabin electronics, seat functions, and the condition of the touchscreen and camera system. Since this SUV is built around comfort and technology, you’ll want to make sure the features you care about work as intended.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Standard trim already brings 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, a power rear liftgate, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, remote start, remote keyless entry, four USB ports, satellite radio, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and the 13.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Standard I sub-trim adds genuine leather upholstery and onboard navigation, while Reserve and Black Label add progressively richer comfort and convenience features.
• Powertrain: The standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive standard and AWD available. The twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 makes 355 hp and 380 lb-ft, and it comes standard with AWD on Black Label.
• Safety package: The standard CoPilot360 package includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional driver-assistance features are available on higher trims.
• Infotainment: The standard 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen is paired with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the system is described as easy to use. Wireless charging is available, and the available premium audio system upgrades the cabin experience.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.0-liter engine with front-wheel drive returns 21 mpg city, 26 highway, 23 combined. With AWD, it returns 20 mpg city, 25 highway, 22 combined. The 2.7-liter AWD setup returns 19 mpg city, 25 highway, 21 combined.

Which 2021 Lincoln Nautilus trim should I buy?

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus is offered in 3 trim levels: Standard, Reserve, and Black Label.

Here's the short version:

• Standard: This is the best-value choice if you want the Nautilus experience without stretching the budget. It already includes a long list of comfort, convenience, and tech features, plus the standard safety package and the large 13.2-inch touchscreen.
• Reserve: This is the step-up trim if you want a more luxurious daily driver. It adds genuine leather, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and a premium stereo, making it the sweet spot for many shoppers.
• Black Label: This is the one to choose if you want the most upscale version and don’t mind paying for it. It adds the twin-turbo V6, AWD, 21-inch wheels, adaptive suspension, a 19-speaker stereo, smartphone-activated vehicle access, adaptive headlights, and the most comprehensive driver-assistance package.

The safety package is standard on the lower trims, while the Black Label gets the most comprehensive driver-assistance content.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 35.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,073 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 14.25% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $25,489, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus's resale value?

The current average of $25,489 sits slightly below last year's $29,725.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle. For a future seller, it also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment level rather than on broad market momentum alone.

Because the Nautilus has softened in price, a well-kept example with desirable features may stand out more than a higher-mileage or poorly maintained one. Strong presentation and a clean history matter even more when the market is already leaning in the buyer’s favor.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus safe?

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Its standard CoPilot360 suite includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims can add adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, a surround-view parking monitor, and adaptive headlights that bend with the road.

One caveat is that the standard backup camera is described as low-quality, which can make low-light visibility harder than you’d expect from the rest of the tech package. That’s worth checking during a test drive, especially if parking visibility matters to you.

Should I buy a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 35.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 14.25% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 brings a roomy, comfort-focused cabin with easy-to-use standard tech and a traditional luxury feel.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $30,326, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $25,489 average.
• It adds a more polished, aging-gracefully luxury crossover feel.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2021 is the smarter buy because it combines a lower average price with strong owner satisfaction and a well-equipped standard feature set. If you’re willing to spend more for a newer model-year alternative, the 2022 is the secondary path to consider.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.