DecodedCars2023 Lincoln Nautilus
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 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
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- 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
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 23 MPG combined, 16% below the 2023 small SUV average of 27.4 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 47 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 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), 16% worse than the 2023 small SUV average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Nautilus — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Nautilus →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Oakville, Ontario
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2023 Nautilus configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
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 8-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | -16% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Nautilus FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | -16% | $2,900 | 387 |
| Nautilus AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | -12% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Nautilus AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | -12% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Nautilus AWD | 2.7L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -16% | $3,200 | 421 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Lincoln Nautilus SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
| 2023 Lincoln Nautilus SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Lincoln Nautilus (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y | 330 mi | Not rated | 17 |
| 2023 Porsche Cayenne | 19 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2023 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2023 Land Rover Defender | 20 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2023 BMW X3 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (3)
Back Over Prevention › Software · May 9, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V315000 · 1,076,138 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
- Risk
- A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.
Suspension › Rear › Shock Absorber · Jun 23, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V439000 · 366 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The rear shock absorbers may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in damage to the rear brake hose, rear axle half shaft, wheel speed sensor, and/or stabilizer bar end links.
- Risk
- A damaged brake hose can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the rear shocks, rear brake hoses, rear wheel speed sensor, and rear half shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 17, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S32.
Child Seat › Vehicle Tether Anchor · Mar 24, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V198000 · 19 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Edge and Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. The child seat tether wire welds on the second-row left-side seat back frame may be insufficient, which can reduce the seat's ability to properly restrain a child during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
- Risk
- A child that is not properly restrained during a crash can have an increased risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the left-side second-row seat back frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C09.
Not every 2023 Lincoln Nautilus is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Lincoln Nautilus buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 1 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 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 |
| 2022 Nautilus | 23 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 16 |
| 2021 Nautilus | 23 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 27 |
| 2020 Nautilus | 23 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 34 |
| 2019 Nautilus | 23 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 103 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →