2025 Audi Q7 vs 2026 Lincoln Nautilus

$60,500 · Crossover

$53,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi Q7 and the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus lies in their base MSRP, with the Audi commanding a $6,505 premium at $60,500 compared to the Nautilus's $53,995. Performance metrics show the Q7 possessing a slight horsepower advantage (261 hp vs. 250 hp), though the Nautilus counters with superior torque delivery (280 lb-ft vs. 273 lb-ft). Fuel efficiency favors the Lincoln, achieving 24 MPG combined against the Audi's 22 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Nautilus offers substantially greater utility, boasting 36.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Q7's restrictive 14.2 cubic feet. The Q7 is physically larger, measuring 199.3 inches long compared to the Nautilus's 193.2 inches, but this size does not translate into better core utility or efficiency metrics against its less expensive competitor.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus offers better fuel economy at 24 MPG combined, reducing ongoing running costs for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus provides significantly more usable space with 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Q7's 14.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi Q7

The 2025 Audi Q7 produces slightly more horsepower at 261 hp, appealing to drivers prioritizing peak power figures.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Lincoln Nautilus undercuts the Audi Q7's base MSRP by $6,505 while offering better MPG and greater cargo volume.

Choose the Audi Q7 if...

Maximum engine horsepower is a priority, as the Audi Q7 delivers 261 hp.
You require the slightly longer wheelbase, as the Q7 measures 199.3 inches in length.
The required use of premium fuel for its standard engine is acceptable to obtain Audi's engineering.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

Optimizing cargo space is essential, given the Nautilus's 36.4 cu ft capacity.
You seek better fuel economy, as the Nautilus achieves 29 MPG on the highway versus the Q7's 26 MPG.
A lower acquisition cost is necessary, evidenced by the $53,995 starting MSRP against the Q7's $60,500.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q7	Lincoln Nautilus
Length	199.3"	193.2"
Width	77.6"	76.9"
Height	68.5"	68.2"
Wheelbase	117.9"	114.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	261 hp	250 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	273 lb-ft	280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	21/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	450.0/585.0 mi.	420.0/580.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	22.5 gal.	20.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	—
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	10
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	43.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	58.9 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	56.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Rear Head Room	38.8 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.8 in.	43.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	58.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Power Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	56.3 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	19 in	19 in
Tire Size	255/55R H	P255/60R19
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Tire Type	—	All Season

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	unlimited yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q7 and 2026 Lincoln Nautilus.

What is the primary cost difference between the 2025 Audi Q7 and the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus?

The primary financial distinction is the starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP); the 2025 Audi Q7 begins at $60,500, which is $6,505 more expensive than the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus starting at $53,995.

Which crossover provides superior storage space for families?

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is significantly better equipped for cargo hauling, offering 36.4 cubic feet of storage space. The 2025 Audi Q7 only provides 14.2 cubic feet behind its rear seats.

How do the base engines compare in terms of power output?

The Audi Q7’s standard engine produces 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The Nautilus base engine is slightly less powerful in horsepower (250 hp) but generates more low-end pull with 280 lb-ft of torque.

Are there differences in required fuel types for the standard powertrains?

Yes, the 2025 Audi Q7 mandates the use of premium unleaded fuel for its engine operation. Conversely, the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus only recommends premium unleaded fuel for its standard powertrain.

How do the combined fuel economy figures stack up?

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus achieves a better overall efficiency rating, reporting 24 MPG combined (21 City/29 Highway). The 2025 Audi Q7 lags slightly with a combined rating of 22 MPG (20 City/26 Highway).

Since both use an 8-speed automatic transmission, is there a difference in driving dynamics?

While both utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and All-Wheel Drive, differences in weight distribution, suspension tuning, and overall vehicle tuning mean their driving dynamics will vary despite the similar drivetrain hardware.