Lincoln Corsair vs Nautilus: How These Luxury SUVs Are Different, Similar and Which is Better
There’s a lot to love about Lincoln these days. And the difference between these models isn’t just about price .
The modern and thoughtful design of Lincoln’s luxury SUVs make them among the most shopped, but it’s the tech features and ownership perks that really get your attention. However, a quick glance at the Lincoln Corsair and the Lincoln Nautilus might make you think one is slightly larger than the other. Look more closely, though; these two models differ more than you’d think even though they offer many of the same features and luxuries. So, we thought we’d look at Lincoln Corsair vs Nautilus and break it down to what you get for the money and where the real values are in the luxury siblings.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
Lincoln Corsair and Lincoln Nautilus: A Stellar Lincoln Experience
Either way you go, you get the premium experience of Lincoln ownership perks. These include a roadside assistance concierge, which I can attest, after relying on it, is pretty great. I experienced a flat tire and from the time I called until the time I drove away with my tire changed, I had someone on the line or on text assuring me, checking in and confirming all the steps in the roadside assistance process. It was really good.
Then, you get a Calm app membership, which again, I can attest: it’s a great way to get your day off to a good start or to wind down before bedtime. And, Lincoln will pick up and deliver your car when it needs service.
Watch: Redesigned Lincoln Nautilus First Drive
How The Lincoln Corsair and Lincoln Nautilus are Similar
Both are 5-passenger SUVs with great technology, luxe interiors and deliver plenty of power.
Both models are powered by a 4-cylinder turbo that generates 250 HP and allow buyers can opt fora a plug-in hybrid powertrain with about 30 miles of electric driving. The Corsair offers the PHEV in the top of the line Grand Touring model only; the other two trims are powered by the 4-cylinder turbo. The Nautilus, however offers the PHEV in all three trims as a $3,000 option. Both models can be had with all wheel drive, which is standard in the Nautilus and an option in the lower trims of the Corsair but standard in the Grand Touring.
And both models include a smart key, the Lincoln Embrace exterior and interior welcome lighting sequence and cabins quieted by active noise control and acoustic glass.
Read: Considering a Used Lincoln Nautilus Versus Corsair? How to Pick
Hands Free Driving and Driver Assist Features Are Part of the Package, Too
Both the Lincoln Corsair and Lincoln Nautilus offer Blue Cruise hands-free driving either as an option in the Corsair Grand Touring only or as a standard feature in the Nautilus. Blue Cruise allows you to drive hands-free on most limited-access highways mapped in Lincoln’s system. It’s activated by pushing a button the on the steering wheel and will illuminate a notification on the driver display to show it’s active; the signal is clear and easy to see so there’s no confusion in understanding if it’s active or not. The system also has lane change assist; just tap the turn signal and the system will change lanes when it’s safe.
Both the Nautilus and Corsair also include Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 suite of driver assist and safety features such as crash mitigation, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. Option packages or trim level upgrades include a 360-degree camera system, too.
Read: My Kids Told Me To Replace My Car with a 2025 Lincoln Navigator Black Label. Here’s Why
How Lincoln Corsair and Nautilus Trims Line Up
Surprisingly, the trim lines for these models are identical—nor are how each trim is equipped (keep reading for more on that). Both models start with the Premium trim and call the mid-grade Reserve. Premium models include leatherette seating and the Reserve models feature leather upholstery.
At the top of the Corsiar lineup is the Grand Touring model; it offers more finishes and interior options and comes with more standard luxuries. At the top of the Nautilus line is the Black Label, a fully loaded, fully luxury version.
Watch: Tour the Redesigned Lincoln Corsair With Us
Lincoln Corsair Vs. Nautilus: Corsair’s Screens and Tech
Probably the biggest difference between the two is in the tech displays in the two models. The Corsair features a 13” touch screen display and a 12” driver display. Below the main screen is a fixed panel with the gear selector keys and below that, a cubby with a retractable top that holds a wireless charge pad; I liked that the cubby, top open or closed, is the perfect place to put a small handbag.
Corsair does have Google built-in for “Hey Google” voice activation and navigation, which I really appreciate; I love having functions accessible just for the asking. The system also accommodates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can connect your phone and get your own apps and messages on the touch screen.
Read: 2023 Lincoln Corsair Luxury SUV: Minimum Makeover for Maximum Impact
How Lincoln Nautilus’ Screens and Tech Compare
The Nautilus takes a completely different approach from the Corsair. It features Lincoln’s panoramic display which is a bit of a revolution in the tech world and something we’re seeing more and more of from other automakers.
And it’s really good: the panoramic screen spans the top of the dashboard just under the windshield and holds the driver’s display and key information such as navigation, radio or weather. The screen is somewhat customizable in that you can change the displays on the right side or turn them off.
There’s also an 11” control screen that allows all the functions we’re used to on multimedia systems, from navigation, music, vehicle settings and more. The Nautilus also features Google built-in with “hey Google” voice assistance, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and if you use navigation or maps from your phone, they display on the panoramic display.
Lincoln Corsair Vs. Nautilus: If Size Matters, Here’s How They Measure Up
The Lincoln Nautilus is larger and roomer than the more compact Corsair. Both seat 5 passengers and both feature sliding rear seats for more legroom or more cargo space and both make a great option for families with kids in car seats—a bit of a surprise from a luxury car brand but a welcome one.
The Nautilus measures 193” long with 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, while the Corsair measures 181” long and has 27.6 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats. Both have nice ground clearance about 8”, so its easy to get in and out and easy to load and unload cargo.
What Makes the Lincoln Corsair So Special? How the Trims Shake Out
The Lincoln Corsair is nicely priced starting at just under $40K and offering great tech, upgrade options and comforts. Here’s what each trim offers:
- Premiere priced from $39,985, has a 4-cylinder engine that delivers 250 HP, offers leatherette seating, smart key, heated front seats, 13” center screen, front wheel drive, multiple drive modes, front door scuff plates, 18” wheels, and a choice of 3 interiors (black, light Smoked Truffle gray or dark Smoked Truffle gray);
- Reserve starts at $47,640 and adds leather seating, a wireless charge pad, premium audio and jeweled headlights and adds the option of a red interior; buyers can add Blue Cruise (standard for 4 years, by subscription afterward), a panoramic sunroof, head up display, heated rear seat and Revel premium sound for $6,500;
- Grand touring starts at$54,365 and adds a PHEV powertrain with about 30 miles of all electric driving, a unique grille, panoramic sunroof, standard AWD and buyers can add Revel audio, head up display, a heated rear seat and Blue Cruise for $8,675
- AWD can be added to Premiere for $2,840 and to Reserve for $2,300
- The Jet appearance package is a $2,500 option
What Makes The Lincoln Nautilus So Special? How the Trims Shake Out
Nautilus adds more standard features, such as AWD, the panoramic display and the PHEV option on all models. Here’s how the trims line up:
- Premiere starts at $53,995 and includes Lincoln Co-Pilot 2.0 with a 360 degree camera, the panoramic display, 11” center screen, leatherette seating, Blue Cruise, Lincoln Embrace, Google navigation and operation wireless charge pad, phone as key, smart key with remote start, standard AWD, 18” wheels, black or light gray interior; Premier can add panoramic sunroof, digital scent, Revel sound and heated/vented front and heated rear seats for $5,000
- Reserve starts at $63,595 and adds 21” wheels, leather seats, heated rear seats, digital scent, panoramic sunroof, brown interior option and can add the option for Rejuvenate, revel 3D wound and 24-way power memory front seats for $4,455
- Black Label starts at $77,130 and is fully loaded with 22” wheels, Chalet theme interior with crafted cashmere quilted leather seats and dark piping, digital scent, Rejuvenate mode, heated and vented massaging front seats, heated rear seats and Revel 28 speaker 3D audio
- Add the 310 HP PHEV powertrain with 30 miles of electric driving for $3,000 to any Nautilus model
Which Is the Better Option: Lincoln Corsair Vs Nautilus?
Clearly, it’s about personal preference. I like how Lincoln assured that the basic luxuries are covered in either model, that both offer a lot of rear legroom and flexible seating space—rear seats move and recline.
I also like that the more luxe-appointed Nautilus is available for less than the Corsair Grand Touring; so if budget is a consideration you can still go for the expansive and modern screens and get a nicely appointed interior.
Buyers who want the full Rejuvenate experience, which combines massage seats, digital scent, music and a graphic show that plays out on all the screens, Nautilus is the only way to get it. If those things matter less than a smaller wheelbase that offers more agility, Corsair could be the way to go.
Which Wins For Me? It’s All About the Chateau
The thing that puts one over the top for me is the Chateau interior in the Black Label Nautilus. It features mid-century modern style seating with premium leather and only comes in white. It’s like stepping into a chic salon or Joanna Gaines’ living room and with the click of the door closing, it transforms your mood.
If the color is your style but not the price tag, go for the Corsair with light truffle interior. It’s not quite as chic, but it’s also refreshing and modern and will also help you shut out the stress of the day and enjoy the ride. And isn’t that the goal?
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