2020 Lincoln Nautilus Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus made a splash when it replaced the Lincoln MKX in 2019. Now this midsize luxury SUV is back with more of today's sought-after driver assistance features, advanced dash tech, and luxurious design elements.

Standing tall, the Nautilus displays dynamic elegance. The signature grille and headlamps are shaped to avoid the normal bluntness of the average SUV. High quality sheet metal wears your choice of lush color options.

This well-rounded, spacious two-row SUV comes in Standard, Reserve and Black Label varieties. Beyond that, there are ways to upgrade each trim with more luxuries, amenities, and technologies. Shopping for the right Nautilus is easier with this flexibility.

The Nautilus is a front-wheel drive SUV with a turbocharged I-4 engine. This is mated to an eight-speed Select Shift automatic. The transmission provides paddle activation for some driving fun. Lincoln has seen fit to offer a dynamic V6 on the Black Label that can also be added to the Reserve. Of course, all-wheel drive is available across the line-up.

Every Nautilus cabin is kept quiet by extensive noise insulation. The front door and windshield glass has been laminated. This acoustic glass keeps road noise out of the cabin. Active Noise Control works to balance exterior noise by countering it with special white noise frequencies. Passengers will appreciate the hushed atmosphere. They can easily talk to one another. If the ride is loud, it will be because they crank up the tunes on their Bluetooth audio streaming system.

Lincoln puts an emphasis on protection with Safety Canopy airbags and an SOS post-crash alert system. The driver has a special kneebag while the front passenger has an extra airbag tucked into the glove box door.

Helping prevent trouble, the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 system is standard. To assist with possible collisions, the driver will be warned about stopping traffic. In the event that the driver cannot stop, automatic emergency braking will try to reduce impact.

Additionally, blind spot detection is working to prevent side traffic crashes by warning you about close neighbors. Rear traffic alert watches for vehicles within 15 yards that may be heading into the SUV's path.

Watching the SUV's trajectory, the lane keeper regulates steering if it detects drift. The instrument cluster also alerts the driver if the SUV wheels are driving outside of marked lane lines.

Since details matter, Lincoln has added a camera lens cleaner to its list of standards. Rear parking sensors help reduce the chances of a fender bender. A tire pressure monitoring system lets you know if a tire has lost a significant amount of air.

The cargo hold is a substantial 37.2 cubic feet. You can compare that to a BMW X5 which has 34 cubic feet. In another comparison, the Lexus RX has only 18.4 cubic feet in the hold.

 

Compare the 2020 Nautilus Standard vs Reserve Trims. What is the difference?

The Standard model has a handsome interior with brushed aluminum trim and Lincoln Soft Touch seating surfaces. The fabric's great beauty is matched with premium softness. Passengers will appreciate how comfortable and welcoming these seats are. There's almost 40 inches of second-row legroom. It is best in class.

A ten-way power chair greets the driver. It has power lumbar to help the driver reduce stress on his or her back. A memory feature allows you to get the seat into your favorite position. The front passenger also has a 10-way power adjustable chair. Both positions have a four-way adjustable head restraint.

Sync 3 provides excellent voice-activated Bluetooth streaming audio. The large touchscreen is easy to use and understand. For the first time, Lincoln has added the Waze app, a convenience for busy commuters and others on the go. Another aspect is Alexa capability, which lets you do more with both systems.

Behind the steering wheel, there's a vivid 12.3-inch screen. This driver information center keeps you informed about safety warnings, navigation directions, and more. Push button start and dual-zone automatic climate controls add to the modern features list.

The turbocharged I-4 engine is standard on both models. It generates plenty of horsepower without penalizing you at the pump. Torque is rated at 280 pound-feet. Hill Start Assist is a helpful feature which prevents the Nautilus from rolling backwards when the SUV is shifting from stop to go on a hill.

Both models offer Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. This system automatically balances torque between the two axles. This ensures more grip wherever it is needed most. It helps the driver tackle challenges such as snow and sand.

Only the Reserve has the option of a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6. The engine generates 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. More power always means more fun behind the wheel. Auto Hold recognizes a long braking situation. You can take your foot off the brake, and the SUV won't move until you touch the accelerator.

The Reserve really piles on the amenities. For the driver's comfort, there is a power-tilt/telescopic steering column and a heated steering wheel. A wireless charging pad takes care of your phone. Navigation is added to the Sync3 system. This comes with SiriusXM Travel and Travel Link connectivity.

Upgrading the standard power liftgate, a hands-free power liftgate provides quick entry on the Reserve. Best of all, there's a Panoramic Vista Roof that brings the outside into the cabin.

The Reserve elevates the interior design. Shoppers can choose from high gloss brown swirl walnut wood trim, gray ash swirl open pore wood trim, and espresso ash swirl open pore wood trim. There's also an available Sonata Spin trim made from real aluminum.

Seats are covered in a beautiful Bridge of Weir Deepsoft leather. This patented upholstery is unique to the Lincoln line-up. Shoppers will be glad to know that the automaker has included this rich leather on the options list for the Nautilus Standard as well. However, only the Reserve has power-heated, power-ventilated front seats.

The Reserve has the same 10-way power chairs as the Standard model. However, Reserve buyers can add 22-way power adjustable front seats. This allows you to utilize power thigh extenders. The head restraints can be power-adjusted as well. This also includes Active Motion, a massage feature that can relieve the stress of a daily commute or long distance drive.

Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 is standard on both Nautilus trim levels. This means you get automatic braking, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a lane keeper. A pedestrian detection system watches for people who step into the roadway.

You will need the Reserve model if you want to add Adaptive Cruise Control. This advanced system includes Stop-and-Go capability and Lane Centering. It's really a big step toward automation, and it will definitely make driving easier for those who are often in busy, stressful driving situations. To achieve Lane Centering, Lincoln utilizes forward-looking cameras and radar that inform continuous steering support during Adaptive Cruise Control.

The Trailer Tow Package is another reason to step up to the Reserve. This optional package includes trailer sway control and a Class II hitch.

On the body, there are several touches of chrome, including the lower door inserts and the dual exhaust tips. Standard models wear 18-inch warm alloy painted aluminum wheels while Reserve models wear 18-inch premium painted bright-machined alloys. Reserve buyers can also opt for 20-inch bright-machined or 21-inch ultra-bright machined wheels. One item on both options list is roof-rack side rails. Offered in a sleek satin, these add more utility to the Nautilus.

Luxury buyers should expect that LED headlamps are standard, and they definitely are with the Nautilus. These include autolamps that know when they are needed. Automatic high beams raise or lower to match conditions. LED dynamic signature lighting adds another distinctive aspect to this unique SUV. The tail lights and reverse lamps are also formed with energy-saving, bright LEDs. Adding even more light, Reserve models have LED foglamps.

The side mirrors are power-adjustable and power-folding. These sideview mirrors can be power-heated to erase ice or frost. Furthermore, they can be programmed to match the driver's needs. On the driver's side, there is auto-dimming glass.

Reserve models add rain-sensing wipers. These recognize when moisture is hitting the windshield and respond with the proper wiper speed for conditions. In addition, the wipers have a de-icer. These work with the push of a button.

Last but not least, Lincoln has not neglected security on these SUVs. A SecuriCode keyless pad lets you in when you don't have your key. A SecuriLock system watches over the vehicle. With a Reserve purchase, Lincoln adds an enhanced security package.

Compare the 2020 Nautilus Reserve vs Black Label. What is the Difference?

While the Reserve offers a V6 engine, the 335-horsepower powertrain is standard on the Black Label edition. Controlled by Lincoln's 8-speed SelectShift automatic, this engine is sure to please any driving enthusiast. The high level of torque lets you harness more push at lower rpms. Yet it manages to earn 26 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Nautilus Black Label exterior has 21-inch painted ultra-bright machined aluminum alloys. It also adds full LED multi-projector headlamps. These have dynamic bending capability that moves the light to match the wheel's trajectory. These useful headlights are an option on the Reserve model.

Black Label models exchange the Bridge of Weir leather for Venetian leather seats, an Alcantara headliner, and unique Alcantara floor mats. Furthermore, the top trim is offered with three unique themes. This includes the Gala Theme, the Chalet Theme, and the Thoroughbred Theme. Both the Reserve and Black Label models offer Lincoln's 22-way power chairs. This Ultra-Comfort seating has power-adjusting head restraints, power thigh extenders, and Active Motion massage.

For the best parking experience, it is hard to beat Enhanced Active Park Assist. Standard with Black Label and optional on the Nautilus Reserve, this system uses sensors to detect the best spot. Then it moves the vehicle into a perpendicular spot while you control the brake and accelerator.

Another valuable parking aid, the 360-degree camera system is ready to show you what's all around the Nautilus Black Label. The system provides front, side and back views. Even better, it has a 180-degree split-view camera in the grille. This shows you parked cars, cross traffic, and intersections even when the vehicle is in forward motion at slow speeds.

Yet another safety feature on Black Label trims is the distance alert with follow distance indicator. You'll always know if you are far enough behind leader traffic for a safe stop.

The top trim expands your listening experience by adding a Revel Ultima Audio. This surrounds you with 19 speakers of high-tech sound. Audiophiles will love the concert quality of this system.

Black Label models also enjoy concierge-style extras. For instance, the trim comes with a complimentary maintenance plan. This spans four years and/or 50,000 miles.

 

Which Trim to Choose?

The Nautilus Standard will save you some money, but it won't let you down. The long list of amenities and technologies are definitely a cut above any regular SUV, even one touted as premium. Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 is a big value that technophiles and safety-conscious parents can agree on.

However, the Reserve will tempt many buyers. As the middle trim, it has more luxuries, the very reason you are shopping for a Lincoln. Furthermore, you can upgrade to Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 Plus. All of that active driving assistance is really ahead of its time.

When it comes to pampering, only the Black Label will do. It's the one with more design choices, making fashionistas happy. Lincoln really makes you feel special by enhancing the buying and ownership process.

If you are a driving enthusiast, you will definitely want the V6. This means stepping up to the Nautilus Reserve or going for the Black Label. At any rate, shoppers should test drive both engines to discover which one really suits their driving style.