2026 Lincoln Aviator vs. Nautilus Specs and Performance

Whether you crave a new SUV with stunning power or exceptional fuel efficiency, the 2026 Lincoln Aviator and 2026 Lincoln Nautilus have something for you. Between the two models, the Aviator offers stronger overall performance with a 400-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0L V6 engine paired with either a rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) system and a ten-speed automatic transmission. By comparison, the Nautilus is available with either a hybrid or gas 2.0L turbocharged inline four-cylinder (I4) engine. Maximum horsepower and fuel economy for the Nautilus are both available with the hybrid engine, which makes 285 net horsepower and achieves up to 29 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The Nautilus gas engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the hybrid with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and both have standard AWD.

Underscoring their premium nature, the Aviator includes a standard adaptive suspension and the Nautilus makes the same feature available. For even greater serenity, the Aviator also offers an air glide suspension that can adjust the ride and entry height of the SUV.

Compare the Lincoln Aviator and Nautilus engine specs in the following chart.

2026 Lincoln Aviator vs. Nautilus Interior Features

Sublime luxury awaits with the 2026 Lincoln Aviator and 2026 Lincoln Nautilus. Comfort-centered design features shared between both models offer premium leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. For top-of-the-line luxury, the Lincoln Black Label trim is available for both models with unique interior themes, specialty leather interior wrapping, and Perfect Position front seats with Active Motion® massage — including 30 directions of power adjustability in the Aviator and 24 directions in the Nautilus. Uniquely, the Nautilus exclusively offers digital scent capability and the Lincoln Rejuvenate multi-sensory experience, which transforms the cabin into a spa-like experience with customized visuals, smells, and seat comfort settings.

One of their notable differences is seating capacity; the Aviator has three rows of seats and can seat up to seven, while the Nautilus has two rows of seating with room for five people. Despite their seating differences, overall cargo space is similar between the two models. The Lincoln Aviator offers up to 75.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear two rows folded down, while the Lincoln Nautilus offers up to 71.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded down.

Shared available interior features:

• Lincoln soft touch or premium leather seating material
• Driver memory settings
• Heated and ventilated front seats with Active Motion massage
• Heated second-row seats
• Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Power tilt/telescoping steering column
• Piano key shifter
• Auto air refresh
• Frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror

2026 Lincoln Aviator vs. Nautilus Exterior Design Features

Visually arresting exterior design makes you the center of attention in the 2026 Lincoln Aviator and 2026 Lincoln Nautilus. From the available adaptive lighting to the panoramic Vista Roof® and optional black painted roof, shared exterior features make either model a sleek, stylish choice to serve as your next luxury SUV. For everyday convenience, the Aviator makes accessing your cargo area easier using a liftgate that opens as you approach it, while the Nautilus offers a hands-free gesture-activated liftgate. Other upscale exterior features on the Aviator include LED fog lamps, soft-closing doors, and heated windshield wipers.

Shared available exterior features:

• Illuminated welcome with Lincoln Embrace
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Panoramic Vista Roof
• Aluminum roof rack side rails
• LED headlamps
• Adaptive dynamic bending lighting
• 21- or 22-in. wheels
• Power-adjustable, Autofold, heated side view mirrors with LED turn signal indicators and memory
• Illuminated Lincoln Star in grille
• Black painted roof

2026 Lincoln Aviator vs. Nautilus Safety & Technology

Similar safety features and distinctive Lincoln Digital Experience systems work together to elevate your driving experience in the 2026 Lincoln Aviator and 2026 Lincoln Nautilus. Both luxury SUVs include standard Lincoln BlueCruise hands-free highway driving as well as the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360® Drive 2.0 safety suite. Shared connectivity and entertainment technologies include wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, an optional Revel® Ultima 3D audio system with 28 speakers, wireless phone charging, and remote start capability.

The notable difference between the infotainment systems is their screen sizes and layouts. The Aviator Lincoln Digital Experience features a 13.2-inch capacitive center stack screen that rises out of the center stack near the top of the dash, with a separate driver information screen behind the steering wheel. By comparison, the Nautilus features an 11.1-inch touchscreen tucked lower in the center stack supplemented by a broad 48-inch display that stretches across the dash. Uniquely, the Aviator also offers a head-up display that projects key information in the windshield.

2026 Lincoln Aviator & Nautilus in Barrington, IL

Wickstrom Lincoln is proud to be your local Lincoln Aviator and Nautilus dealership in Barrington, IL. We offer a carefully curated inventory of new Lincoln models, providing you with a full range of models to choose from. Once you locate the Aviator or Nautilus that you like, set up a test drive appointment and experience the Lincoln luxury difference in person. Request more information about your chosen model online or by calling us at (847) 382-5600.