Lincoln lost its footing as the best-selling luxury brand more than 20 years ago. These days, it ranks around eighth or ninth in a highly competitive environment. You can blame Lincoln’s inability to keep up with the changing market for one reason. Ford’s luxury marque has also failed to deliver the models customers want, but that’s changing.
Like most other brands, Lincoln is emphasizing utility vehicles over sedans, and that’s helping sales. But it isn’t just having SUVs in the company’s portfolio that has helped: Lincoln has carefully overhauled its offerings to deliver more modern and elegant vehicles or what customers are demanding. As a result, Lincoln’s demand is on the way up as customers consider their choices.
For 2020, Lincoln offers four utility vehicles: the full-size Navigator, the three-row midsize Aviator, the two-row midsize Nautilus, and the compact Corsair.
Gone is the brand’s confusing naming convention in exchange for nautical/aviation terminology. Also excised from the lineup is the company’s wagon-like crossover, the MKT, which offered a point of differentiation, but never sold in big numbers.
We’re not presenting reviews of Lincoln’s quartet of utility vehicles here. Instead, we’re charting the changes and looking at the highlights of each. We’ll also mention each model’s competitive set, to make it easier to compare like models.
2020 Lincoln Navigator
Lincoln’s large Navigator is the granddaddy of this brand’s SUVs. It’s been credited with launching the segment of big American luxury SUVs, although its archrival, the Cadillac Escalade, easily outsells it.
The current-generation Navigator rolled out in 2018 and has seen light updates since. For 2020 you’ll find new color choices and combinations, additional standard equipment, and now standard Lincoln360 driver-assist technology.
Every 2020 Navigator comes with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s available in rear-and four-wheel-drive configurations, and comes in standard and stretched wheelbase layouts.
Besides the Cadillac Escalade, the Lincoln Navigator competes with the BMW X7, Infiniti QX80, Lexus LX, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, the Audi Q7, and others.
2020 Lincoln Navigator Specifications
| Lincoln | 2020 Navigator |
|---|---|
| Segment | Full-size luxury SUV |
| Price Range | $75,825 to $96,770 |
| Destination Charge | $1,295 |
| Standard Engine | 3.5-liter, turbo V6 |
| Horsepower | 450 @ 5,500 |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 510 @ 3,000 |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Seating | 8 |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 5,685 to 6,056 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 122.5, 131.6 |
| Length (inches) | 210.0, 221.9 |
| Width (inches) | 93.8 |
| Height (inches) | 76.4, 76.3; 76.2, 76.1(L) |
| Headroom (f,r…inches) | 41.8, 40.0, 37.3; 39.5, 37.9, 37.4 (L) |
| Legroom (f,r…inches) | 43.9, 41.1, 42.3 |
| Shoulder room (f,r…inches) | 65.2, 65.1, 64.2 |
| Hip room (f,r…inches) | 61.9, 61.6, 51.4 |
| Storage (cubic feet) | 19.3, 57.5, 103.3 ; 34.3, 73.3, 120.2 (L) |
| Gross vehicle weight (pounds) | NR |
| Towing (pounds) | 8,100 to 8,700 |
| Payload (pounds) | NR |
| Fuel | Regular |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 23 |
| EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) | 16/23/19 (4×2); 16/21/18 (4×4) |
| Manufacturing Plant | Louisville, Kentucky |
Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.
2020 Lincoln Aviator
New for 2020, the Lincoln Aviator replaces the previous MKT. Like the Ford Explorer, the Aviator offers standard rear-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. The previous model featured a front-wheel-drive platform. This move brings the Aviator in line with many of its competitors.
Since it is all-new from the ground up, the 2020 Aviator offers little connection to the previous model. Indeed, the departure is so strong that the Aviator seems like a scaled-down Navigator and that’s a good thing.
All models come with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine. The two top trims are plug-in hybrids, therefore they get an extra boost of power and all-electric range. It makes for an unusual combination and there is also a price premium to pay.
Among the Aviator’s chief competitors are the Cadillac XT6, Volvo XC90, Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60, and the upcoming Genesis GV80.
2020 Lincoln Aviator Specifications
| Lincoln | 2020 Aviator |
|---|---|
| Segment | Midsize crossover |
| Price Range | $51,100 to $77,695 |
| Destination Charge | $1,095 |
| Engine No. 1 | 3.0-liter, turbocharged V6 |
| Horsepower | 400 @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 415 @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Engine No.2 | 3.0-liter, V6 |
| Horsepower | 494 @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 630 @ 2,250 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Seating | 6 or 7 |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 4,774 to 5,673 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 119.1 |
| Length (inches) | 199.3 |
| Width (inches) | 79.6 |
| Height (inches) | 69.6 |
| Headroom (f,r…inches) | 41.5, 39.7, 36.9 |
| Legroom (f,r…inches) | 43.0, 40.1, 29.2 |
| Shoulder room (f,r…inches) | 61.5, 61.3, 54.0 |
| Hip room (f,r…inches) | 58.5, 58.3, 40.9 |
| Storage (cubic feet) | 18.3, 41.8, 77.7 |
| Gross vehicle weight (pounds) | NR |
| Towing (pounds) | 5,600 to 6,700 |
| Payload (pounds) | NR |
| Fuel | Regular |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 20.2; 18(Grand Touring) |
| EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) | 18/26/21 (RWD); 17/24/20 (AWD) |
| Manufacturing Plant | Chicago, Illinois |
Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.
2020 Lincoln Nautilus
Previously called the MKX, the Nautilus name took over in 2019 as the line was updated. For 2020, the Select trim has been dropped. The rest of the updates include minor shuffling between trims.
Like the other three Lincoln models, this one has a Ford counterpart, the Edge. There are some important design and engine differences to help set this model apart. For instance, the standard engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder that’s available with front- or all-wheel drive. There is also a twin-turbo V6 that’s paired with all-wheel drive. Like other Lincoln models, a 10-speed automatic transmission routes power to the wheels.
The Nautilus faces stiff competition, including the Cadillac XT5, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, Lexus RX, Audi Q5, BMW X5, Infiniti QX50, and the Acura RDX.
2020 Lincoln Nautilus Specifications
| Lincoln | 2020 Nautilus |
|---|---|
| Segment | Midsize SUV |
| Price Range | From $42,000 |
| Destination Charge | $995 |
| Engine No. 1 | 2.0-liter, turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 250 @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 280 @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Engine No. 2 | 2.7-liter, turbo V6 |
| Horsepower | 335 @ 5,500 |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 380 @ 3,250 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Seating | 5 |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 4,142 to 4,305 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 112.2 |
| Length (inches) | 190.0 |
| Width (inches) | 78.7 |
| Height (inches) | 66.2 |
| Headroom (f,r…inches) | 39.9, 39.2 |
| Legroom (f,r…inches) | 42.8, 39.6 |
| Shoulder room (f,r…inches) | 58.9, 59.0 |
| Hip room (f,r…inches) | 56.4, 55.6 |
| Storage (cubic feet) | 37.2, 68.8 |
| Gross vehicle weight (pounds) | NR |
| Towing (pounds) | 3,500 |
| Payload (pounds) | NR |
| Fuel | Regular |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 18 |
| EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) | 21/26/23 (2.0L) 19/26/21 (2.7L) |
| Manufacturing Plant |
Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.
2020 Lincoln Corsair
The Corsair is one of two all-new models for Lincoln. Notably, all four Lincoln SUVs have been replaced or updated since 2018. That gives Lincoln one of the freshest SUV segments in the market.
As the replacement for the MKC, the Corsair comes with a pair of turbocharged four-cylinder engine choices. The Corsair is related to the Ford Escape, but it has much unique design, technology, and powertrain differences.
Competition in this segment is fierce with each manufacturer offering at least one model.
Compare the Corsair to the Cadillac XT4, Infiniti QX30, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, Lexus NX, BMW X3, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, and a host of other small, luxury models.
2020 Lincoln Corsair Specifications
| Lincoln | 2020 Corsair |
|---|---|
| Segment | Compact SUV |
| Price Range | $35,945 to $42,630 |
| Destination Charge | $995 |
| Engine No. 1 | 2.0-liter, turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 245 @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 275 @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Engine No. 2 | 2.3-liter, turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 285 @ 5,500 |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 305 @ 2,750 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Seating | 5 |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 3,702 to 3,848 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 106.7 |
| Length (inches) | 180.6 |
| Width (inches) | 76.2 |
| Height (inches) | 64.1 |
| Headroom (f,r…inches) | 39.5, 38.7 |
| Legroom (f,r…inches) | 43.2, 38.6 |
| Shoulder room (f,r…inches) | 57.1, 56.3 |
| Hip room (f,r…inches) | 55.6, 50.8 |
| Storage (cubic feet) | 27.6, 57.6 |
| Gross vehicle weight (pounds) | NR |
| Towing (pounds) | 3,000 |
| Payload (pounds) | NR |
| Fuel | Regular |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 16.2 |
| EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) | 22/29/25(FWD); 21/28/24(AWD) |
| Manufacturing Plant | Louisville, Kentucky |
Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.
See Also — Uncovered: Ford Escape, Lincoln Corsair Engine Preview
Photos copyright Lincoln Motor Company.
Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources including NAPA, CarsDirect, CapitalOne, and Driven Autos.
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