2023 Lincoln Nautilus Performance

A quick look at the specs of the Lincoln Nautilus highlight that this is not a true performance SUV. The starter turbocharged four-pot develops 250 horsepower and can move the vehicle with a modicum of haste. Independent testing shows that this powertrain can accelerate the Lincoln Nautilus from 0-60 mph in just under seven seconds. However, it's the twin-turbo V6 that makes the car feel genuinely quick, shaving a full second off the sprint time. Easy access to all-wheel drive helps the Nautilus feel planted, but it isn't enough to make it nimble. Therefore, the power on tap is best used for straight-line acceleration and towing, but the Lincoln Nautilus still only has a max capacity of 3,500 lbs. This does require opting in the Trailer Tow and Reserve II packages, which add a lot to an already expensive car.

The base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the Lincoln Nautilus produces 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive as standard, although all-wheel drive is an option. This setup is more than adequate for getting around town. For a good deal more grunt, there is a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 gas engine. This unit sends 335 hp and 380 lb-ft to all four wheels via the same 8-speed auto 'box. This is part of its downfall, though, since the transmission never seems comfortable cruising and shifts erratically in search of the perfect gear. It also tends to have a jerky throttle response when pulling away. Luckily, there are paddle shifters on the steering wheel so you can force a shift. Given a choice, we'd take the V6 simply because it makes the Nautilus feel more like the premium cruiser it is marketed as.

Premium vehicles seldom go out of their way to deliver groundbreaking gas mileage, so don't expect too much from the Lincoln Nautilus' mpg figures. In standard FWD guise with the base four-pot, it achieves 21/26/23 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles, while switching to AWD sees these numbers drop to 20/25/22 mpg. The V6 is naturally a little thirstier, and it is saddled with AWD only. Thus 19/25/21 mpg is the best it can manage.

The size of the gas tank is a respectable 18 gallons, meaning that the most efficient Nautilus configuration can travel for up to 414 before needing to fill up.