2019 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus was essentially an MKX with a refreshed exterior, but that was not a disappointment. The MKX, redesigned in 2016, was already a stylish and well-defined SUV, standing out against its boxy competitors. The Nautilus featured a sleek roofline, an arching rear shoulder line, and a slim tailgate, giving it a toned appearance. The Black Label trim added elegance with 22-inch wheels and a wide, thin taillight. The new grille and bi-LED headlights were significant updates, while the Nautilus badges on the front fenders were subtle indicators of its new name. Inside, the Black Label trim offered a luxurious interior with soft leather from a Scottish tannery, attractive matte wood, and padded materials, making it feel more upscale than many luxury crossovers.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator was distinguished by its chrome and brightwork, setting it apart from mainstream models like the Ford Expedition. The Navigator featured unique front and rear styling elements and the Lincoln Embrace lighting system, which sequentially illuminated the SUV to welcome its owner. The lattice-type grille, illuminated star logo, and full-width taillights were Lincoln-specific design hallmarks. The Reserve Monochromatic Package added a custom look with body-color grille and side mirror enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. Inside, the Navigator offered a spacious and luxurious cabin with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a wide storage console, and high-quality materials. The digital instrumentation, 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, and panoramic glass roof further enhanced its luxurious feel.

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder base engine, replacing the previous 3.7-liter V6. This engine produced 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. However, the recommended option was the twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission, the Nautilus offered smooth acceleration and responsive paddle shifters. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The steering was light yet connected, and the adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride even with 22-inch wheels. The Nautilus achieved an EPA rating of 19-21 mpg city, 25-27 mpg highway, and 21-23 mpg combined.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came with a single engine choice, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional. The Navigator offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, as well as Slow Climb with the towing package. The Navigator's towing capacity was 8,700 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 8,300 pounds with four-wheel drive. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist system made towing easier. The Navigator averaged 16.4 mpg on the testing loop, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg combined. Despite its size, the Navigator's adaptive damping suspension provided excellent body motion control, making it suitable for open roads.

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus featured a simple and user-friendly interior with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and central infotainment screen. The vertical PRNDS gear selector was the only confusing element. The Nautilus offered generous space, with reclining rear seats that could fold forward to provide 68.8 cubic feet of cargo space, or 37.2 cubic feet with the seats up. The power tailgate with foot-operated gesture control was reliable, and visibility was sufficient with a rear backup camera that included a built-in washer. The interior also featured ample storage space and USB ports.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, it offered plenty of room for all passengers. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with power-adjustable pedals and a heated steering wheel. The second row could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs, and the third row provided ample legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with the standard-length model offering 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103.3 cubic feet maximum. The longer Navigator L increased these measurements to 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus shared its Sync 3 infotainment system with Ford, featuring a user-friendly interface, fast response, and built-in Wi-Fi. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa commands were standard, along with remote functions via a companion app. The digital instrument cluster offered customization options, and the 19-speaker Revel Ultima stereo provided excellent sound quality. The optional front seats with 22-way adjustments and massage functions added to the comfort, while the Driver Assistance package included semi-automated driving features.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was less impressive, with slow loading times. However, it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, and wireless device charging. The "Phone As A Key" technology allowed the smartphone to function as the vehicle key. The voice recognition system worked reasonably well, and the 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided a compelling audio experience. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, with an optional rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but the mechanically identical 2018 MKX received 5 stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS. Standard safety features included forward-collision alert, automatic braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came with the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Reserve trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, although the rollover resistance rating for RWD models was three stars. IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.