Used 2021 Lincoln Nautilus for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

How much does the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus cost?

Prices have softened 13.76% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,020 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of used examples 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 the luxurious feel, quiet cabin, and comfortable ride, and they also like the spacious interior and useful tech features. The overview also frames it as a comfortable, upscale SUV with elegant styling and approachable technology.

The main trade-offs are poor handling and sluggish touchscreen response, along with a note that it does not chase a sporty personality. That makes it a better fit if you want a relaxed luxury crossover rather than sharp responses.

With 36.2% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have 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 dependable-feeling ownership experience through its quiet cabin, comfortable ride, and great daily vehicle character. The expert write-up also emphasizes that the Nautilus is pleasant in nearly all driving scenarios and built around a long list of standard features.

The cost-effectiveness notes also point to a solid value proposition, with a broad standard equipment list that helps the Nautilus feel well equipped from the start.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about whether the vehicle’s comfort-focused hardware and electronics have aged cleanly.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any candidate, even if the listing looks clean. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that checks the electronics, infotainment response, and the condition of comfort features like seats and climate controls. Focus on overall wear, because this model’s appeal depends heavily on how well its luxury features still work.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Standard trim 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, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The Standard I sub-trim adds genuine leather upholstery and onboard navigation. The Reserve adds a hands-free power liftgate, genuine leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, wireless device charging, a premium stereo, and ambient cabin lighting. The Black Label adds standard AWD, a standard twin-turbo V6, 21-inch wheels, adaptive suspension, a 19-speaker premium stereo, smartphone-activated vehicle access, adaptive headlights, and the most comprehensive driver-assistance list.
• Powertrain: The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 makes 355 hp and 380 lb-ft, and it is optional on the Reserve and standard on the Black Label. The four-cylinder can be paired with FWD or AWD, while the V6 comes standard with AWD. The V6 is described as smooth and strong, while the four-cylinder is the efficiency play.
• 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 available features include adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, surround-view parking monitor, and adaptive headlights. The Black Label gets the most comprehensive driver-assistance list as part of CoPilot360 Plus.
• Infotainment: The standard 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen is large and easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is described as having high-definition graphics and a sensible menu layout, and available wireless charging adds convenience.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.0-liter engine with FWD returns 21 mpg city, 26 highway, and 23 combined. With AWD, it returns 20 mpg city, 25 highway, and 22 combined. The 2.7-liter V6 with AWD returns 19 mpg city, 25 highway, and 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 trim because it already brings a strong luxury feature set, including the large 13.2-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, heated front seats, and a digital instrument panel. If you want the Nautilus experience without stretching the budget, this is the trim to start with.
• Reserve: This is the step-up choice if you want a more upscale cabin, with genuine leather, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. It suits you if comfort and convenience matter more than keeping the price as low as possible.
• Black Label: This is the top choice if you want the most complete Nautilus, with standard AWD, the twin-turbo V6, adaptive suspension, larger wheels, and the most comprehensive driver-assistance package. It is the right pick if you want maximum equipment and are willing to pay for it.

The Black Label gets the most comprehensive driver-assistance feature set, while the Standard trim already includes the core safety package.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 36.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,020 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.76% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $25,366, 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 $25,386 sits slightly below last year's $29,436.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point. 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.

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.

The 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. Available upgrades include adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, surround-view parking monitor, and adaptive headlights that bend with the road.

One caveat is the low-quality standard backup camera, which can make low-light visibility harder than you would expect from the rest of the tech package.

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:

• 36.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.76% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It blends traditional luxury, easy-to-use tech, and a comfortable ride.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $30,102, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $25,386 average.
• It adds a more polished, aging-gracefully feel with the same core powertrain family.

The bottom line: You should lean toward the 2021 if you want the better value and a broad pool of listings to choose from. If you are willing to spend more for a newer model-year example, the 2022 is the secondary path, but the 2021 is the smarter buy for price-sensitive shoppers.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.