2026 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label SUV

The Lincoln Nautilus is a well-put-together midsized Luxo cruiser that is loaded with luxury, technology and performance in a handsome going-to-meeting kind of way. Here at Napleton News, we’re all about looking Spanky and whatnot in our daily pursuits, but is the Nautilus the one for you? Read on to find out!

What’s the Nautilus Black Label all about?

Regardless of trim level, the Nautilus is well-equipped. It’s just that some trim levels are better than others! A 250 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder delivers 280 lb-ft of torque to our Black Label Nautilus. It’s matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission. An optional hybrid powertrain is available pumping out 310 hp. Here, the transmission duties are handled by a continuously variable automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard on both models.

We are always of the belief that too much is never enough with power. Still, we found the 2.0-liter adequate for most highway driving situations. But we sure would have appreciated the extra oomph the hybrid powertrain delivers.

Looking around the Black Label exterior

Conservatively elegant, the Lincoln Nautilus Black Label still manages to turn heads. That was clear in the West Coast Florida town of Dunedin. A mix of an artist community and resort town, those in the know kept an eye on the black-over-pearl white Lincoln as it cruised the town.

Twenty two-inch painted alloy wheels, help to set off the Black Label’s look.

A smart Lincoln interior.

The first thing you notice when stepping in is the sweeping display screen stretching from side to side across the dashboard. Directly in front of the driver are the traditional gauges, while to the right of these are climate, audio, weather and other infotainment details. A fully-lit screen is really quite impressive. The dashboard is configurable so you can adapt it to your preferences. Below this is an 11-inch screen that operates other functions as well. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on board, too, along with other apps including Spotify, YouTube, Google and Amazon.

The Steering wheel is an unusual oval shaped affair that may take a second (but no longer) to get used to. Front row seating is excellent and includes heating, ventilation and massage functions. The rear seats can move and recline as well.

Speaking of rear seating, legroom is very generous considering the current state of SUV design. At 43 inches in the second row, if it’s not class-leading, it’s sure close.

Behind the wheel of the Lincoln Nautilus Black Label 

Power from the 2.0-liter turbo is plentiful and manages to get out of its way as needed. Handling is good, as is the ride quality. The ride is surprisingly quiet, which is a welcome change from the experience we get from many vehicles riding on all-season radials.

BlueCruise is on-board as well and performed impressively especially on parts of the Florida Turnpike that were chopped up due to construction. The system did not seem to mind the lane changes and other distractions that cropped under the temporary road conditions.

If we had a bone to pick with the Nautilus, it would be with the pedals. To our feel (and feet) they were softer than we would have liked. We could have chalked it up to age but the reality is the car was only 5,000 miles in from zero.

Lincoln Nautilus SUV Specifications