5 things to know about the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus

When you think about luxury automakers, what comes to mind most immediately? BMW? Mercedes-Benz? Audi? Cadillac?

How about Lincoln?

No? Me either.

At least it didn’t until a recent opportunity came my way to test the 2019 Nautilus. This is one seriously nice vehicle with elegant styling, smooth handling and a plethora of up-level convenience features.

Here are five things to know about his all-new midsize SUV from Lincoln.

Nautilus replaces MKX

I have never been a fan of the “MK” nomenclature employed by Lincoln. In fact, I once wrote (and published!) a review about the MKX calling it the MKZ throughout the entire article. No big deal, except one was an SUV and the other was a sedan.

So, I say this sincerely: The Nautilus name rocks. I like the nautical theme Lincoln has evoked with both Navigator and Nautilus, and I can only hope MKC is in the crosshairs for a name change soon.

It has push-button gearing

Until you get used to it, the lack of a gearshift is a bit weird. You don’t have anywhere to rest your right hand, and you might find yourself reaching into thin air when it comes time to park. At least temporarily.

However, I’ve seen push-button gearing on the likes of Aston Martin and Alfa Romeo, so in my mind, I always associate it with luxury.

On the Nautilus, the gears are neatly stacked vertically next to the navigation screen with large block buttons.

Safety is standard

With Nautilus, Lincoln debuts its safety suite, Co-Pilot360. It’s standard at every trim and includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, auto high beams and lane keep assist. Previously these features were only available as separate options.

Available safety features include evasive steer assist, an around-view monitor and adaptive cruise control with lane centering technology.

There are two turbo engines

Lincoln is moving to a turbocharged engine lineup to balance power with efficiency.

The base engine is a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder that delivers 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The up-level engine is a 2.7-liter V-6 that delivers 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque.

The 2.7-liter engine will cost about $2,400 more than the base engine.

All vehicles come with pickup/delivery service

The Nautilus has a base price of $41,335, and yet it still has some pretty nice standard convenience features – with the emphasis on “convenience.” In addition to offering a 6-month CLEAR membership, all Lincoln vehicles come with standard pickup and delivery service.

Need an oil change or a tire rotation but don’t have time to get to the dealership? Lincoln will come to you and take your car to be serviced for you.

The Bottom Line:

Lincoln tends to be a forgotten luxury automaker, but with the recent push it has been making with its new vehicles, it might just get back on the map.

Case in point: The new Nautilus is sleekly styled and chockfull of luxury amenities.

And while it may not be the first vehicle you’d think of if you’re looking for a luxury SUV, you might want to add it to your list if you’re considering a Lexus RX, Acura RDX or Cadillac XT5.

For more information, be sure to read our full first-look review.