We'll be testing the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus, formerly the MKX
The luxury midsize SUV market is constantly evolving. We're talking about a bunch of strong and modernized options: Audi Q7, BMW X5, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Cadillac XT5. There are several others that trail those aforementioned five, but one in particular has attempted to change its look, driving experience, technology, and even its name to increase market share in an ever-growing segment—and that's the two-row Lincoln Nautilus, formerly known as the MKX.
Only two years into its second-generation cycle with static sales (typically not a bad thing), Lincoln has gone through another refresh in order to get the sales chart pointed upwards for its top-selling utility vehicle. Two trims will be available to Canada: Select and Reserve and only with all-wheel drive. Pricing starts out at $50,450 and tops out at $55,350 before any additional options or destination charges.
- Also: 2019 Lincoln Nautilus Revealed Ahead of Los Angeles Auto Show
- Also: 2016 Lincoln MKX: Gets the Job Done
To see these results, The Car Guide will be heading to Santa Barbara, California for a first drive experience that will have both its turbo engine options available: a brand-new, 250-hp 2.0-litre that will be its volume seller and a premium twin-turbo, 2.7-litre unit with 335 horses. Both work with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
If you take away the desire for status, the key to luxury SUV success comes down to styling and want. The Nautilus takes on design cues from its other rejuvenated models, mainly the Continental and Navigator highlighted on the outside by a large rectangular grille replacing the split grille from the past.
Inside is where Lincoln hopes to take over with its version of a refined space featuring 22-way power seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 19-speaker Revel Ultima premium sound system and a plethora of new driver assist and safety technologies under its Lincoln Co-Pilot360 package. But if the seating is anything like the Navigator, we are in for one of the most comfortable and quiet rides, so stay tuned to find out!