Lincoln Nautilus vs. Aviator: Which Lincoln SUV Fits You?
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The Lincoln Nautilus is a two-row, five-seat luxury SUV with an available hybrid, while the Lincoln Aviator is a three-row SUV that seats up to seven with a 400-hp twin-turbo V6. The Aviator tows up to 5,000 lbs. and the Nautilus up to 1,750 lbs. when properly equipped. • Seating: Nautilus seats 5 in two rows; Aviator seats 6 or 7 in three rows. • Power: Nautilus has a 250-hp turbo four or hybrid; Aviator has a 400-hp twin-turbo V6. • Towing: Aviator up to 5,000 lbs.; Nautilus up to 1,750 lbs., when properly equipped. • Model year: the Aviator continues for 2027 with the same V6. |
What Is the Difference Between the Lincoln Nautilus and Aviator?
The main difference is size. The Lincoln Nautilus is a two-row midsize luxury SUV that seats five. The Lincoln Aviator is a larger three-row luxury SUV that seats up to seven, with a standard twin-turbo V6 and more towing capacity.
Both SUVs come in Premiere, Reserve and Black Label trims. The Nautilus focuses on efficiency and a tech-forward cabin, with an available hybrid. The Aviator focuses on space and power. Both are on display at Jenkins Lincoln of Crystal River, and you can browse our new Lincoln Nautilus inventory and new Lincoln Aviator inventory.
Is the Lincoln Aviator Still Available?
Yes. The Aviator continues for the 2027 model year, and both 2026 and 2027 Aviator models are part of our current inventory. Kelley Blue Book's 2027 Aviator specs list the same twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 on every trim. See what is new on our 2027 Lincoln Aviator page.
The specifications below come from Lincoln's 2026 model-year spec sheets, the latest full specs published for both SUVs.
Lincoln Nautilus vs. Aviator: Specs Compared
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2026 spec |
Lincoln Nautilus |
Lincoln Aviator |
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Rows / seating |
2 rows, seats 5 |
3 rows, seats 6 or 7 |
|
Trims |
Premiere, Reserve, Black Label |
Premiere, Reserve, Black Label |
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Standard engine |
2.0L turbo I-4, 250 hp, 280 lb.-ft. |
3.0L twin-turbo V6, 400 hp, 415 lb.-ft. |
|
Available powertrain |
2.0L turbo hybrid |
None (V6 only) |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic; eCVT (hybrid) |
10-speed automatic |
|
Drivetrain |
AWD standard |
RWD or AWD |
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Max towing (properly equipped) |
1,750 lbs. |
5,000 lbs. |
|
Cargo behind 2nd row |
36.4 cu. ft. |
42.7 cu. ft. |
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Max cargo |
71.3 cu. ft. |
78.6 cu. ft. |
|
Fuel economy (combined) |
24 mpg (2.0L); 30 mpg (hybrid) |
21 mpg (RWD); 20 mpg (AWD) |
|
Length |
193.2 in. |
199.7 in. |
Sources: Lincoln 2026 Nautilus and 2026 Aviator specifications. Nautilus Black Label cargo figures are slightly lower. Fuel economy is the manufacturer's published estimate, and actual mileage will vary.
Seating and Cargo Space
The Aviator has more room for people and cargo. Its third row adds seating for six or seven, depending on whether you choose second-row captain's chairs or a bench. With the third row folded, the Aviator offers 42.7 cubic feet of cargo space, and up to 78.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.
The Nautilus seats five in a 2-3 layout. Its 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row is generous for a two-row SUV. Fold the second row and space grows to 71.3 cubic feet. For couples or small families, the Nautilus often has all the room they need in a smaller footprint.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Aviator is the more powerful SUV. Its standard 3.0L twin-turbo V6 makes 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic. Lincoln lists premium fuel as recommended for those ratings.
The Nautilus is the more efficient SUV. Its standard 2.0L turbo four makes 250 horsepower with standard all-wheel drive. The available hybrid raises Lincoln's published combined fuel economy to 30 mpg, compared with 24 mpg for the standard engine. If you drive long distances, that efficiency adds up over time.
What Is the Lincoln Aviator Towing Capacity?
The 2026 Lincoln Aviator tows up to 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped with the Class III Trailer Tow Package. That is enough for many small boats, personal watercraft and compact campers.
The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus tows up to 1,750 lbs. when properly equipped with the Class I Trailer Tow Package. Lincoln notes that maximum towing varies with cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and the number of passengers. Always confirm the rating on the specific vehicle's window sticker or with our team.
Size and Everyday Driving
The Nautilus is the easier SUV to maneuver. It measures 193.2 inches long on a 114.2-inch wheelbase. The Aviator is 199.7 inches long on a 119.1-inch wheelbase, which gives it room for that third row and a longer cargo area.
In daily driving, that difference shows up in parking lots and tight garages. The Nautilus slips into smaller spaces, while the Aviator's longer wheelbase gives it a planted, roomy feel on the highway.
What Can the Lincoln Aviator Tow?
With its 5,000-lb. rating, a properly equipped Aviator can handle many small fishing boats, a pair of personal watercraft or a compact travel trailer. Compare against the trailer's loaded weight, including fuel and gear, and leave some margin. The Nautilus's 1,750-lb. rating suits lighter loads such as a small utility trailer.
Technology and Interior
Both SUVs offer Lincoln's latest digital cabin technology. The Nautilus is known for its 48-inch panoramic display, which Lincoln says sits on top of the dash and can be personalized to the driver's needs. A smaller touchscreen lower on the dash handles most controls.
The Aviator, refreshed for the 2025 model year, uses a 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.4-inch digital instrument display, according to Lincoln. When it introduced the refreshed Aviator, Lincoln said BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is standard on all models. BlueCruise is offered on the Nautilus as well. Ask our team which plan and features come with a specific vehicle.
Lincoln Nautilus vs. Aviator: Which Is Right for You?
Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if you want a refined two-row SUV that is easy to park, efficient on the highway and packed with screen technology. The available hybrid makes it a strong fit for drivers who put on a lot of miles. Standard all-wheel drive and a 36.4-cubic-foot cargo area also make it a practical everyday luxury SUV for errands, commutes and weekend trips.
Choose the Lincoln Aviator if you need a third row, more cargo space or stronger towing. Its 400-horsepower V6 and 5,000-lb. towing rating suit families who travel with a boat or camper. Choose RWD or AWD to match how and where you drive. Still comparing? Our Aviator comparison page shows how it stacks up against other luxury three-row SUVs.
Owning Your Lincoln
Whichever SUV you choose, Jenkins Lincoln of Crystal River can support it after the sale. Learn about factory coverage on our Lincoln warranty page, and when it is time for maintenance, schedule service online with our Lincoln service team.
Visit Jenkins Lincoln of Crystal River
Jenkins Lincoln of Crystal River is at 2440 NW Highway 19 in Crystal River, a short drive for drivers from Pine Ridge, Lecanto and beyond. Browse our full new vehicle inventory, see what your current vehicle is worth with our trade-in tool, and get started on our finance application.
Call our sales team at 352-651-7288 or contact us to schedule a back-to-back test drive of the Nautilus and Aviator.
About the Author
This guide was prepared by the sales and service team at Jenkins Lincoln of Crystal River, a Lincoln dealership at 2440 NW Highway 19, Crystal River, FL 34428. Jenkins Lincoln of Crystal River sells new Lincoln SUVs, offers pre-owned vehicles and financing, and runs a service and parts department for drivers in Crystal River, Pine Ridge, Lecanto and beyond.
References & Sources
1. Lincoln Media - 2026 Lincoln Nautilus Technical Specs (PDF) — https://www.fromtheroad.ford.com/content/dam/fordmediasite/us/en/library/2026/specs/2026_Lincoln_Nautilus_Technical_Specs.pdf (Nautilus trims, engines, AWD, seating, towing with Class I package, cargo, fuel economy, dimensions)
2. Lincoln Media - 2026 Lincoln Aviator Specs (PDF) — https://www.fromtheroad.ford.com/content/dam/fordmediasite/us/en/library/2026/specs/2026_Lincoln_Aviator_Specs.pdf (Aviator trims, V6 output, drivetrain, seating, towing with Class III package, cargo, fuel economy, dimensions)
3. Kelley Blue Book: 2027 Lincoln Aviator Specs, Features & Options — https://www.kbb.com/lincoln/aviator/2027/specs/ (2027 Aviator continues with the twin-turbo 3.0L V6 on all trims)
4. Lincoln / Ford From the Road: Elegance Meets Tech in the New Lincoln Aviator — https://www.fromtheroad.ford.com/us/en/articles/2024/elegance-meets-tech-in-the-new-lincoln-aviator.html (Refreshed Aviator 13.2-inch touchscreen, 12.4-inch digital cluster, BlueCruise standard on all models)
5. Lincoln Media: Lincoln Nautilus Earns Praise for Reimagined Interior — https://media.ford.com/content/lincolnmedia/lma/en/news/2024/05/lincoln-nautilus-earns-praise-for-reimagined-interior.html (Nautilus 48-inch panoramic display on top of the dash, personalizable)
6. Jenkins Lincoln of Crystal River - New Inventory — https://www.jenkinslincolnofcrystalriver.com/new-inventory/index.htm (2026 and 2027 Aviator and 2026 Nautilus inventory)
7. Jenkins Lincoln of Crystal River - 2027 Lincoln Aviator — https://www.jenkinslincolnofcrystalriver.com/2027-lincoln-aviator.htm (Dealer 2027 Aviator page)
8. Jenkins Lincoln of Crystal River - Contact — https://www.jenkinslincolnofcrystalriver.com/contact.htm (Address, sales phone and areas served)