All new for 2021, the Lincoln Nautilus sports a more refined exterior matched to a plush interior that doesn’t skimp on bells and whistles. Latino Traffic Report recently tested the 2021 Nautilus Reserve with All Wheel Drive (AWD). Part of the Lincoln family, this compact premium SUV lived up to and in some instances surpassed expectations.
Like its siblings, the Nautilus offers a plush cabin, the Ceramic Pearl exterior matched to a slate leather interior, with the requisite heated and cooled seating, a heated and powered tilt/telescopic steering wheel, dual zone climate control, Wifi capability, and a blind spot monitor. But it also added fancier features like heated rear seats, brushed aluminum accents Lincoln Connect with a 4G modem, a panoramic sunroof, and a massage function for the front seats that contributes to what Lincoln describes as a “sanctuary refined.”
The Reserve equipment group added a 360-degree camera, the cargo utility package, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, phone as key, and adaptive pixel LED headlamps, among other features, as well as an additional $9,695 to the price. The as-tested MSRP came to $67,335.
The new SYNC 4 voice activated infotainment system with integrated navigation makes its Lincoln debut on the Nautilus, as well as the 13.2-inch horizontal center stack screen. Programming radio and XM/Sirius presets, 20 total during the test drive, proved simple and intuitive as was folding the rear seats to expose 68.8 cubic feet of cargo room. The adaptive cruise control, however, was less so.
Another less than impressive factor about the Nautilus is its fuel economy. The EPA estimated city/highway miles per gallon (mpg) is 19/25, respectively. Powered by the available 2.7-liter twin turbo V6 with 335 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque and matched to an eight-speed transmission, the as-tested model achieved an average 22 mpg, notwithstanding the sharp stop/start function. The Comfort, Normal and Sport modes improved its performance but perhaps an Eco mode could have helped stretch its fuel economy. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is the standard engine.
For those with the funds to consider an SUV in the premium segment but with fewer passenger and cargo needs, the Nautilus should be included on the shopping list.
Sí: The all-new Nautilus dons a handsome exterior with a plush interior replete with bells and whistles.
No: Its fuel economy could be better.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.