2021 Lincoln Nautilus: This Luxury SUV Brings Serenity With You Wherever You Go

Erica Terry |

Updated: Feb 20, 2023

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus is changing midsize luxury SUVs in the best way possible.

Work, video calls, pets, kids, 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. Many of us venture to spas for relaxing music, massages and a peaceful atmosphere. What if I told you Lincoln set out to recreate those elements in the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus? The goal is to give drivers a sanctuary from the noise of the road and everyday life. This luxury SUV is a haven.

Related: The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus Gets a Makeover Where it Matters Most: On the Interior

A Luxury SUV Interior Makes You Feel at Home

Picture the sun beaming down on you through the sunroof. Imagine getting a massage from luxurious 22-way multi-contour leather seats. All of that, and the open road awaits. The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus is changing the definition of midsize SUVs.

Lincoln carefully crafts each of its vehicles with purpose and precision. Keeping with the theme of sanctuary, according to Lincoln, the interior of the 2021 Nautilus was inspired by the peaceful view of the horizon.

Related: 7 Favorite Vehicles From Detroit’s Big 3 Car Makers for Families

Inside, 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). Additionally, you’ll see the brand’s signature piano key shifter. Plus, there’s plenty of room in the back seat for children and adults. Or, if you’re like me, a variety of Mexican food from Calexico in Detroit.

Even better, the Nautilus comes with a whole host of upgrades. These make it all the more desirable when compared to the older models:

Your cell phone 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

Related: 2019 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label Review: This Luxury SUV is One Fine Choice

Safety First 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?

First, I had 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. Surprisingly, it was an incredibly smooth ride.

Also, 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

Conveniently, both engines have an automatic start-stop feature and an 8-speed transmission to provide smooth acceleration.

Get Lost in Sound with Revel Audio Systems in the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus

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. Beautifully, Revel’s home theater speaker design heritage and trademark sonic signature are all integrated into the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus.

Somehow, it gets even better! Every Lincoln owner gets a year membership to the leading meditation app, Calm. Lincoln wants to bring balance and rejuvenation to drivers every day. Lincoln owners can open their Lincoln Way app to find an invitation. Or, 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. While I loved the meditations, the soothing sounds like rain falling truly put me in my own little oasis.

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus starts at $49,410

Full Disclosure: Lincoln provided me with the Nautilus. All opinions are my own.

By Erica Terry

A foodie, adventurer, Michigander and marketing manager, Erica Terry blogs at Fashion Meets Food when not traveling, hiking, backpacking ... More about Erica Terry