2020 Lincoln Nautilus
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- I-4 4dr SUV, V6 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.7L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 189.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,306–4,566 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 39 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.7L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 190 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,306 lb (I-4 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 26 highway), 10% worse than the 2020 small SUV average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 Nautilus — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Nautilus →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-4 4dr SUV | 189.8 in | 76 in | 66.1 in | 111.8 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 4,306 lb | 59/41 |
| V6 4dr SUV | 189.8 in | 76 in | 66.1 in | 111.8 in | 64.6 / 64.6 in | 4,566 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nautilus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | -10% | $2,900 | 384 |
| Nautilus AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | -6% | $3,050 | 401 |
| Nautilus AWD | 2.7L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -11% | $3,200 | 417 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Lincoln Nautilus SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
| 2020 Lincoln Nautilus SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
Similar 2020 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Lincoln Nautilus (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Tesla Model Y | 316 mi | ★★★★★ | 24 |
| 2020 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2020 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 11 |
| 2020 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2020 BMW X3 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 16 |
Recalls (5)
Back Over Prevention › Software · Jun 27, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V442000 · 200,237 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
- Risk
- A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Jan 15, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V011000 · 147 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
- Risk
- If the rear drive unit seizes, there may be a loss of drive and/or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level. Axles found to be below the minimum lubricant fill level will be replaced, free of charge. This recall began March 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S02.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 23, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V575000 · 620,246 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Remedy became available on February 1, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Sep 10, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V550000 · 97 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.
- Risk
- Missing or loose bolts on the start stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission fluid leak and may progress to a loss of transmission function. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the start/stop accumulator, free of charge. The recall began September 23, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S49.
Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust · Jul 17, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V414000 · 19,299 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats. The seat cushion frame edge may contact the wire harness when the seat occupant uses the tilt function of the seat, potentially damaging one or more wires within the harness, which can result in either inadvertent deployment of the air bag or nondeployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- An air bag that deploys inadvertently increases the risk of a crash. An air bag that does not deploy in the event of a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective flocking tape onto the exposed edge of the 16-way seat cushion frames, and inspect the wire harness for damage, and repair or replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began August 12, 2020. Owners may contact Ford/Lincoln customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S37.
Not every 2020 Lincoln Nautilus is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Lincoln Nautilus buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 17 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 3 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,009 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Nautilus years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Nautilus | 30 | 193.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 12 |
| 2025 Nautilus | 30 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 31 |
| 2024 Nautilus | 30 | 193.3 in | Not rated | 9 | 35 |
| 2023 Nautilus | 23 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 7 |
| 2022 Nautilus | 23 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 16 |
| 2021 Nautilus | 23 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 27 |
| 2019 Nautilus | 23 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 102 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →