DecodedCarsBMW X3 vs Lincoln Nautilus
2026 BMW X3 vs 2026 Lincoln Nautilus — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Lincoln Nautilus is more fuel-efficient: 30 vs 29 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $600 a year less in fuel for the Lincoln Nautilus (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Lincoln Nautilus is the bigger car, about 6 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Lincoln Nautilus has had fewer recall campaigns (26 vs 62).
The two cars
The 2026 BMW X3 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 187 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,176 lb (30 Xdrive 4dr SUV).
The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and part-time 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 193 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,350 lb (4dr SUV).
Buying used? The 2023 X3 and the 2022 Nautilus have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2020 X3 and the 2019 Nautilus.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the BMW X3 if…
- You want something easier to park (6 in shorter)
Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if…
- You want more room (6 in longer)
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
- You put reliability history first (26 vs 62 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 BMW X3
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
2026 Lincoln Nautilus
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 16% better than the average 2026 small SUV (25.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 BMW X3 specs →Full 2026 Lincoln Nautilus specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →