Caraganza Review 2021 Lincoln Nautilus: Still floating

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I can remember when Lincoln made cars. That will be a phrase added to the list titled: “When I was your age” someday.

I’ve brought up before the fact that my first car was a Lincoln Continental Mark IV. I was 16 and the car was only a couple of years old. Sadly, now that I’m fast approaching old age, I wouldn’t be able to buy a Lincoln Continental should I want to try and relive the days of my youth; not a new one at least. That’s because Lincoln stopped making actual cars and now has a lineup of only SUVs. That’s due of course to the fact that everyone Is buying only SUVs; or maybe it’s because that’s the only thing auto manufacturers produce. Either way.

I still like Lincolns. They survived the automotive apocalypse in the 2010s and retain their luxurious pedigree and getting to spend a week behind the wheel is always a nice one. As was the recent week with the 2021 Nautilus.

I had spent a week with a 2020 Nautilus last year, and really liked it. Earlier this year it was a week with the Corsair, the smaller cousin.

The 2021 Nautilus, like the 2020 model is still available in three different trim levels: Standard, Reserve and Black Label. Each comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (250 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque) and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Stepping up through the variants gives access to more option packages and more standard equipment.

Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. You can option in a 2.7-liter V6 engine (335 hp, 380 lb-ft) on the Reserve and it’s standard on the Black Label. All-wheel drive is standard with that engine.

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Like my last week with the Nautilus for this more recent stint I had the 2021 top of the line Black Label AWD. Lincoln said the 2021 model had undergone a “refresh” but from the outside at least other than perhaps a front bumper that could be a little lower, I didn’t really notice a difference. That was until I climbed in. Turns out, the refresh was focused mainly on the interior.

And what a refresh that interior got.

Many times I might not remember why I came in the kitchen, but I do remember that the 2020 Nautilus had a somewhat dated interior, nice, but a bit dated. That problem has been solved quite nicely. The new interior of the 2021 Nautilus really impressed me with a redesigned dashboard featuring a 13.2-inch touch screen with a new SYNC 4 infotainment system. There’s also now wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Overall, Lincoln upped its game and that includes the general fit and finish.

Like my tester had in 2020, the 2021 also had the 2.7-liter V6 engine and again performed as well as ever. Of course, the fact that the tester included a front seat massager might have swayed me a bit, but still. Added to that was the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Plus package (a surround-view camera system plus more driver aids), a navigation system, 21-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, premium leather upholstery, and simulated suede headliner and the 19-speaker high-end Revel Ultima audio system

When comparing this latest Nautilus to the Corsair I had a few months ago, having a bit more room to me, makes all the difference. The Corsair did have a similar layout, but I don’t remember it being as luxurious as the Nautilus. And that little extra room in the slightly larger Lincoln SUV makes the Nautilus the head-to-head winner.

Overall, as expected it was a very pleasant week. Now, if I could only find a decent used Continental Mark IV all would be right in my world.

 

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label AWD
MSRP (as tested): $66,185
Engine (as tested): 2.7 Liter V6 335 horsepower @ 5500 rpm, 380 ft.-lb. torque @ 3250 rpm
Transmission: 8 speed shiftable automatic
Fuel Mileage (EPA): 19 city, 25 highway, 21 combined
Fuel Mileage (as tested mixed conditions): 23 mpg
Base Curb Weight (pounds) 4305

Exterior Dimensions (inches)
Wheelbase: 112.2
Length: 190
Width, without mirrors: 86.1
Height: 66.2
Front Track Width: 64.8
Rear Track Width: 64.7
Minimum Ground Clearance: 7.9

Interior Dimensions
Passenger / Seating Capacity: 5
Total Passenger Volume (cubic feet): 108.3
Front Head Room (inches): 37.8
Front Leg Room (inches): 42.8
Front Shoulder Room (inches): 58.9
Front Hip Room (inches): 56.4
Second Row Head Room (inches): 38.6
Second Row Leg Room (inches): 39.6
Second Row Shoulder Room (inches): 59
Second Row Hip Room (inches): 55.6
Cargo Space/Area Behind Front Row (cubic feet): 68.8
Cargo Space/Area Behind Second Row (cubic feet): 37.2
Cargo Space/Area Behind Third Row (cubic feet): 37.2

Warranty
4 Basic Years / 50,000 Basic Miles
6 Drivetrain Years / 70,000 Drivetrain Miles
5 Corrosion Years / Unlimited Corrosion Miles
Unlimited Roadside Assistance Years / Unlimited Roadside Assistance Miles
4 Maintenance Years / 50,000 Maintenance Miles

Greg Engle

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