2023 Lincoln Nautilus

A new Lincoln Nautilus mid-size SUV was introduced four years ago, but it wasn't an all-new car; it was a thoroughly updated, reskinned, and renamed MKX, sitting on the same CD4.2 platform shared with the Ford Edge. It originally went on sale in the USA as a 2016 model, and that continuation will be retired at the end of the 2023 model year to be replaced with a strikingly styled and tech-forward new 2024 Nautilus. As we remarked in last year's review of the Lincoln Nautilus, there is a lot to like, with its excellent ride quality, plenty of space, and comprehensive suite of standard driver assists being its stand-out features. The base 250-horsepower four-cylinder engine is sufficient, but there's more to be had in the upper end of the lineup where the 335-hp V6 becomes available. But the Nautilus is starting to show its age, and it's not quite up to the standards set by newer premium hopefuls such as the Lexus RX, Cadillac XT5, and more off-road-focused contenders such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Can the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus still make a convincing case for itself, or are you better off waiting for the new one?

The price of the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus in Standard trim is $44,825. The Reserve costs $51,040 and there is a substantial jump to the Black Label, which retails for $67,245. These are the Lincoln Nautilus' MSRPs and this pricing doesn't include any extras, dealer markups, or the destination fee - the latter of which adds $1,395 to the total cost of the car.

The Nautilus makes no pretensions to sportiness and its ride quality is plush and absorbent, and with low noise levels, so the car is a stress-free zone and utterly relaxing to steer. The adaptive suspension available higher up offers an even better ride. Body control remains very good, however, and it can be piloted around corners a lot faster than the soft ride might suggest, though there is little fun to be had. Most feel and feedback have been filtered out in the interest of vibration-free progress, although the steering is light and precise. In any event, the seats offer too little bolstering to hold you securely when cornering briskly and the V6's transmission is sometimes reluctant to change down. The two turbocharged engines offer plenty of torque and both are punchy and refined, with the optional V6 offering even more power and a pleasing soundtrack. The FWD base powertrain exhibits some torque steer as the front tires are overwhelmed by the hearty torque delivery.

The Nautilus is no longer a frontrunner in its class by dint of its age and strong competition from newer rivals. The upper trims are getting expensive and the Black Label is priced well into the territory of larger SUVs such as the Genesis GV80 and the Nautilus' own Aviator stablemate. But if you're looking for an overriding sense of refinement, an excellent ride, top safety levels, and a premium cabin full of luxury features, the Nautilus still has a lot going for it. The lower trims offer competitive value and more car than most rivals at the price. If you can haggle for a discount, this might be the SUV for you, but we've seen the totally redesigned and exciting new 2024 Nautilus and we'd rather wait for that.

As is often the case with Lincolns, the mid-range Reserve strikes the best balance between luxury and price. The Standard does come with LED headlights, a power liftgate, leatherette upholstery, front seats, and large dual screens, but the Reserve better conveys the premium feel that goes with the badge by adding genuine leather, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and navigation, along with a few other features that make it a compelling purchase for $51k. It looks a bit awkward on its small wheels, but you can throw on a set of 20s for $1,000. The 2.0-liter engine fits the car's relaxed character and offers enough punch for most tastes, but you can spec the V6 with AWD on this trim for around $5k if you want extra power, which you can't do on the base car. The Black Label offers desirable features not available from rivals, but it's a huge jump of $16k and not worth it in our book.