Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus
With an overall Carivo score of 7.4/10, the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.3/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.8/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 8.3/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 8.2/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $41,179–$55,509, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Lincoln Nautilus sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value lands at 7.2/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability and performance scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus ranks #1166 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 53% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $41,179 starting price is about 14% above the segment's median of $36,079.
$0 — 5 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Nautilus Year Should You Buy?
Across the Nautilus model years we've scored, the 2020 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
NHTSA Recalls — 2020 Lincoln Nautilus (5 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 23/09/2020 · 20V575000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview…
Power train / Driveline / Driveshaft 15/01/2021 · 21V011000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Edge, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair and Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. An inadequate amount of lubricant in the rear drive unit may cause seizure of the rear drive axle.
Seats / Front assembly / Power adjust 17/07/2020 · 20V414000
Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats. The seat cushion frame edge may contact the wire harness when the seat occupant uses the tilt function of…
Back over prevention / Software 27/06/2025 · 25V442000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023…
Power train / Automatic transmission 10/09/2020 · 20V550000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Edge, Transit Connect and Lincoln MKX and 2020 Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing or loose bolts.
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2020 Lincoln Nautilus
Is the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus reliable?
We rate the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus's reliability 6.8/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus have?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus worth buying?
It scores 7.4/10 overall, ranking #1166 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 53% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus cost?
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus starts at $41,179 and ranges up to $55,509 across trims (MSRP when new). At 22 MPG, expect roughly $2,386/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Nautilus years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 8 Nautilus model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.7/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus have?
The documented issues for the 2020 Lincoln Nautilus are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Back over prevention, Power train, Seats (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Lincoln Nautilus
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More Lincoln Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Lincoln models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year