A Comprehensive Comparison of the Engines Offered on the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus

Fresh off of a comprehensive redesign last year, the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus offers buyers in Brampton two distinct powertrain options, each catering to different types of drivers: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an available 2.0-litre turbocharged hybrid engine. Both engines provide a unique mix of performance, efficiency, and driving dynamics, but choosing the right one depends on your priorities—whether you value more raw power, better fuel efficiency, or a balanced combination of both.

Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of these two powertrains, examining how each performs, the type of driving they suit best, and the pros and cons of each.

1- The Standard 2.0-Litre Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine

The base engine on the 2025 Nautilus is a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four-cylinder engine. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this engine is designed to provide a smooth and responsive driving experience for a wide variety of driving conditions.

Performance: The turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers a refined balance between power and fuel economy, making it suitable for everyday driving. With 250 horsepower, it provides plenty of strength for city and highway driving, and its 280 lb.-ft. of torque ensures quick acceleration when needed, such as merging onto highways or overtaking slower vehicles.

This engine allows the Nautilus to offer smooth, controlled power without feeling overly aggressive, which matches Lincoln’s emphasis on refined, sanctuary-like driving experiences. It's responsive enough to provide a confident drive, while still maintaining a relaxed character for those who prioritize comfort.

Fuel Economy: With an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 11.2 l/100 km in the city, 8.1 l/100 km on the highway, and 9.8 l/100 km combined, the base engine strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency for a midsize luxury SUV. It's an excellent choice for drivers who primarily use their vehicle for daily commutes or regular highway driving but don’t want to sacrifice power for better efficiency. 

Best For: This engine is ideal for drivers who value a solid all-around performer. If your daily driving routine consists of a mix of city commuting and weekend getaways, or if you’re not looking to invest in hybrid technology but still want respectable power and efficiency, the standard 2.0-litre turbocharged engine will suit your needs well.

2- The 2.0-Litre Turbocharged Hybrid Engine

Overview: The hybrid powertrain in the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a 100kW electric motor, delivering a combined system output of 310 horsepower. This engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which optimizes fuel efficiency and provides a seamless driving experience.

Performance: With an additional 60 horsepower over the base engine, the hybrid powertrain delivers more robust acceleration and overall power. The electric motor adds an extra boost of torque, making the hybrid option feel more dynamic when pulling away from a stop or overtaking on the highway. Even with its increased power, the hybrid system is engineered for smooth transitions between gasoline and electric power, resulting in a quiet, refined driving experience that complements the Lincoln’s luxury feel.

The CVT helps maximize the efficiency of the hybrid system but may lack the snappy shifts of a traditional automatic transmission. However, for most drivers, this difference will be more than offset by the additional power and seamless acceleration the hybrid engine provides.

Fuel Economy: One of the biggest advantages of the hybrid engine is its 7.8 l/100 km in the city, 7.6 l/100 km on the highway, and a 7.8 l/100 km combined fuel efficiency rating. For a midsize luxury SUV, this is an impressive improvement over the standard engine. The hybrid powertrain is designed to maximize fuel savings, especially in city driving conditions where the electric motor can take over during low-speed cruising or when idling, significantly reducing gasoline consumption.

Best For: The hybrid engine is ideal for drivers who prioritize both performance and fuel economy. If you frequently drive in the city with stop-and-go traffic, the hybrid powertrain’s ability to reduce fuel use during these conditions will be highly beneficial. It’s also a great choice for those who want more power than the standard engine can offer, without compromising on efficiency. Additionally, environmentally conscious drivers who want to lower their carbon footprint without switching to a fully electric vehicle will appreciate this hybrid option.

Which Engine Should You Choose?

Both engine options in the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus are designed to offer a premium driving experience, but they cater to different driving needs. Here’s a breakdown to help determine which engine is the right fit for you:

Choose the 2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine if:

• You prioritize a balance of good power and fuel efficiency for everyday driving.
• Your primary driving consists of highway and city use with an emphasis on comfort and refinement.
• You’re looking for a lower-cost option while still enjoying strong performance.
• You want a traditional automatic transmission for a more familiar driving feel.

Choose the 2.0L Turbocharged Hybrid Engine if:

• You want a more powerful engine for faster acceleration and more dynamic driving.
• Fuel economy is a top priority, especially if you drive often in the city or in stop-and-go traffic.
• You’re interested in a more eco-friendly option without moving to a fully electric vehicle.

The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus offers two compelling powertrains that align with different driver preferences. The standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers reliable, balanced performance for those who need a solid, no-fuss daily driver with decent power and efficiency. Meanwhile, the 2.0-litre hybrid option brings extra horsepower, a smooth ride, and significant improvements in fuel economy, making it an excellent choice for those seeking performance, efficiency, and a lower environmental impact.

Ultimately, your decision will come down to how you plan to use your Nautilus. If you want an engine that can handle a mix of everyday driving with good power and reasonable fuel economy, the standard engine is a great choice. On the other hand, if fuel efficiency, additional power, and a greener footprint are important to you, the hybrid is well worth considering.