The Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair are two popular luxury SUVs from the Lincoln brand, each offering unique features and capabilities. While both vehicles share Lincoln’s commitment to luxury and performance, they cater to different segments of the market. The Nautilus is a midsize SUV, while the Corsair is a compact SUV. This size difference is the most apparent distinction between the two models, but there are several other key factors that set them apart.
To better understand the main differences between these two Lincoln SUVs, let’s compare their key specifications:
| Feature | Lincoln Nautilus | Lincoln Corsair |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Class | Midsize Luxury SUV | Compact Luxury SUV |
| Starting Price | $53,485 | $40,485 |
| Length | 193.2 inches | 181.4 inches |
| Cargo Space | 36.4 – 71.3 cu.ft. | 27.6 – 57.6 cu.ft. |
| Base Engine | 2.0L Turbo I-4 (250 hp) | 2.0L Turbo I-4 (250 hp) |
Size and Exterior Dimensions
One of the most significant differences between the Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair is their size. The Nautilus, being a midsize SUV, is noticeably larger than the compact Corsair. This size difference affects not only the vehicle’s exterior dimensions but also its interior space and overall presence on the road.
The Lincoln Nautilus measures 193.2 inches in length, 85.4 inches in width (with mirrors), and stands 68.2 inches tall. It has a wheelbase of 114.2 inches, which contributes to its stable ride and spacious interior. In contrast, the Lincoln Corsair is more compact, measuring 181.4 inches in length, 83.0 inches in width (with mirrors), and 64.1 inches in height. The Corsair’s wheelbase is 106.7 inches.
This size difference makes the Nautilus more suitable for those who prioritize interior space and a commanding road presence, while the Corsair is ideal for drivers who prefer a more nimble vehicle that’s easier to maneuver in urban environments. The Corsair’s smaller size also makes it more fuel-efficient in city driving conditions.
Interior Space and Cargo Capacity
The size difference between the Nautilus and Corsair is reflected in their interior dimensions and cargo capacities. The Nautilus offers more spacious seating, especially in the rear, and significantly more cargo space.
In terms of cargo capacity, the Nautilus provides 36.4 cubic feet of space behind the second row, which expands to a generous 71.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Corsair, being smaller, offers 27.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 57.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.
For passenger space, the Nautilus provides slightly more legroom, especially in the rear seats. The Nautilus offers 43.5 inches of front legroom and 43.1 inches of rear legroom, while the Corsair provides 43.2 inches in the front and 38.6 inches in the rear. This extra space in the Nautilus can make a significant difference in comfort, especially for taller passengers or on long trips.
Performance and Powertrain Options
Both the Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair offer powerful and efficient engine options, but there are some key differences in their powertrains:
- Base Engine: Both models come standard with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower. However, the Nautilus’s engine delivers slightly more torque at 280 lb-ft compared to the Corsair’s 275 lb-ft.
- Upgraded Engine Options: The Nautilus offers an optional 2.7L twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. The Corsair, on the other hand, offers a plug-in hybrid option called the Grand Touring, which combines a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with electric motors for a total system output of 266 horsepower.
- Transmission: The Nautilus uses an 8-speed automatic transmission across all its models. The Corsair also uses an 8-speed automatic for its gas engines, but the hybrid version employs a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
- Fuel Economy: The Corsair generally offers better fuel economy, especially with its hybrid option. The base Corsair achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while the Nautilus gets 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
These powertrain differences mean that while both vehicles offer strong performance, the Nautilus is geared more towards those seeking higher power output, while the Corsair offers a more fuel-efficient option with its hybrid powertrain.
Technology and Features
Both the Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair come equipped with a range of advanced technology features, but there are some differences in their offerings:
- Infotainment System: The Nautilus features a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the Corsair has a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Both systems support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: The Nautilus boasts a 48-inch configurable digital instrument panel, which is significantly larger than the Corsair’s 12.3-inch digital cluster.
- Driver Assistance: Both models offer Lincoln’s Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assistance features. However, the Nautilus comes standard with Lincoln BlueCruise, a hands-free highway driving system, which is not available on the Corsair.
- Audio System: The Nautilus offers an optional 19-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, while the Corsair’s top audio option is a 14-speaker Revel system.
These technology differences highlight the Nautilus’s position as a more premium offering in Lincoln’s lineup, with larger displays and more advanced features available.
Price and Value Proposition
The Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair target different price points, reflecting their size and positioning in the luxury SUV market:
- The Nautilus has a starting MSRP of $53,485 for the base Premiere trim.
- The Corsair starts at a lower price point, with an MSRP of $40,485 for the base model.
This price difference of over $13,000 is significant and reflects the Nautilus’s larger size, more powerful engine options, and additional features. The Corsair offers a more accessible entry point into Lincoln’s luxury SUV lineup, while the Nautilus provides a more premium experience with its larger size and advanced features.
FAQs About Lincoln Nautilus And Corsair Differences
- Which is bigger, the Lincoln Nautilus or Corsair?
The Lincoln Nautilus is bigger, classified as a midsize SUV, while the Corsair is a compact SUV. - Does the Corsair offer better fuel economy than the Nautilus?
Yes, the Corsair generally offers better fuel economy, especially with its available hybrid powertrain option. - Which Lincoln SUV has more cargo space?
The Nautilus offers more cargo space, with up to 71.3 cubic feet compared to the Corsair’s 57.6 cubic feet. - Is the Lincoln Nautilus more expensive than the Corsair?
Yes, the Nautilus has a higher starting price, reflecting its larger size and more premium features. - Do both models offer all-wheel drive?
Yes, both the Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair offer all-wheel drive options across their model ranges.