2021 Lincoln Nautilus First Drive: An Impressive Midsize SUV

Lincoln is changing midsize SUVs in the best way possible. Work, video calls, pets, neighbors—let\’s face it the world is filled with noise, stress, and distractions. That\’s why we all need a place to retreat to. For many of us relaxing music, massages, and a peaceful atmosphere provide the quintessential retreat. What if I told you Lincoln has set out to recreate those elements in the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus to give drivers sanctuary away from the noise of the road and everyday life.

I recently had the opportunity to experience the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus and let me tell you it does not disappoint. I headed to downtown Detroit for a city adventure, traffic was crazy, but I was calm inside the Lincoln Nautilus as I used the Calm app to settle myself, and massaging seats to relieve stress. From ice skating at Campus Martius to eating Calexico in the backseat of the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus, i”m sharing the deets on my city experience and this midsize SUVs performance. 

2021 Lincoln Nautilus Interior

Picture it, the sun beaming down on you through the sunroof, 22-way multicontour luxurious leather seats with active motion massage, and the open road. The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus is not only changing the definition of midsize SUVs but what we consider sanctuary. 

Lincoln carefully crafts each of their vehicles with purpose and precision. Keeping with the theme of sanctuary, according to Lincoln, the interior of the 2021 Nautilus was inspired by the horizon—one of the most peaceful views. 

Inside the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus you will find the new SYNC® 4 system on an all-new 13.2-inch center stack screen (the largest available across the Lincoln brand), and the brand\’s signature piano key shifter. Plus plenty of room in the back seat for children and adults alike. Or if you\’re like me a variety of Mexican food from Calexico in Detroit. 

2021 Lincoln Nautilus Interior Upgrades

• Your cellphone becomes the key
• Lincoln Way app to start and drive your Nautilus without a key
• Constellation theme that turns the infotainment system blue and orange to mimic the horizon
• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Voice recognition

  

Safety features in the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus
The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus comes standard with five of the most popular driver assistance technologies: 
Blind-spot monitoring
Predictive collision breaking
Lane keep assist
Rearview camera
Automatic high-beam headlamps

Pro Tip: An upgraded version of the 2021 Nautilus comes with a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, parking assistance, and steering assistance.

How does the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus drive?

To truly test how the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus drives I took it down pothole-filled Michigan roads to go ice skating and grab dinner in Detroit. The result, an incredibly smooth ride. My mum went along with me, and she said that this was the smoothest riding vehicle has ever been in—offering plenty of praise.

There are two different engines available for the 2021 model:

• A 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 335 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque
• A standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque

Both engines have an automatic start-stop feature and an 8-speed transmission to provide for smooth acceleration.

Get lost in sound with Revel® audio systems

Whether you’re rocking out, listening to the latest country music release, or finding zen with meditation get ready to be fully immersed in acoustic clarity. Revel\’s home theater speaker design heritage and trademark sonic signature are all integrated into the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus without a single compromise.

As someone who absolutely loves music, especially rocking out to some classics, the sound system was impeccable. 

Calm app

Every Lincoln owner gets a year of membership to the leading meditation app, Calm—to bring center, balance, and rejuvenation back to their everyday. Lincoln owners can open their Lincoln Way app to find an invitation. If you\’re already a Calm app member, your next year is free. 

I wanted to fully immerse myself in everything the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus has to offer. So, I turned on the heated seats with active motion massage and headed out to my favorite woodland spot. Once parked I laid my yoga mat in the back of the Nautilus, and turned on the Calm app. 

Pro Tip: When the roads got chaotic on my way back from Detroit I turned on the sound of rain, and let me tell you it calmed me right now. 

Right now, the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus starts at $49,410