2025 Audi Q8 vs 2026 Lincoln Nautilus

$74,400 · Crossover

$53,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi Q8 launches with assertive presence and raw muscle, boasting 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque for exhilarating acceleration. Conversely, the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus captivates with serene sophistication and superior frugality, achieving a combined 24 MPG. The Q8 commands a $74,400 MSRP, a significant premium over the Nautilus's $53,995 starting price, reflecting the Audi's performance edge. This gap translates to an $20,405 difference in entry cost, which buyers must weigh against the Q8's 85 hp advantage. While the Audi manages 17/23 MPG, the Lincoln is notably more efficient, offering 21/29 MPG on the highway. Both crossovers utilize standard All-Wheel Drive, but the Nautilus edges out the Q8 slightly in pure utility with 36.4 cu ft versus the Q8's 33.7 cu ft of cargo space.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 24 combined MPG versus the Audi Q8's 19.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus offers more practical space with 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Audi Q8's 33.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi Q8

The 2025 Audi Q8 is the clear choice for driving enthusiasts, offering significantly more power with 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus provides substantial value, saving buyers over $20,000 on the initial MSRP while delivering better efficiency.

Choose the Audi Q8 if...

You demand superior straight-line performance, benefiting from the 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
You appreciate the prestigious feel and robust design that commands a $74,400 entry point.
You require the robust footing provided by standard All-Wheel Drive paired with high output power.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

Budget is a primary concern, allowing you to save $20,405 compared to the Q8's MSRP.
You prioritize efficiency and need a crossover that achieves 29 MPG on the highway.
You need marginally more practical storage, offering 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q8	Lincoln Nautilus
Length	196.0"	193.2"
Width	79.0"	76.9"
Height	67.0"	68.2"
Wheelbase	118.0"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height 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	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	335 hp	250 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft	280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	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)	17/23 MPG	21/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	382.5/517.5 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 with Side Sensing	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
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
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
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	37.1 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.6 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	38.1 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.2 in.	43.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	58.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	56.3 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	21 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	285/45R21	P255/60R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Diameter	—	19 in

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 Q8 and 2026 Lincoln Nautilus.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Audi Q8 and the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus?

The Audi Q8 provides a considerable power advantage with 335 horsepower, making it much quicker than the Lincoln Nautilus's 250 horsepower. This 85 hp gap defines the driving dynamics of each vehicle.

How significant is the fuel economy difference for daily drivers?

The Nautilus is substantially more efficient, delivering 24 combined MPG compared to the Q8's 19 combined MPG. This 5 MPG advantage translates to fewer stops at the pump, especially since the Audi mandates premium fuel.

Is the Audi Q8's higher price tag justified by its size?

Despite costing $74,400 versus the Nautilus's $53,995, the Q8 is only slightly larger overall, measuring 196.0 inches long compared to the Nautilus's 193.2 inches. The premium is primarily for performance and branding, not significant size gains.

Which crossover offers more usable storage area?

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus wins on pure cargo metrics, offering 36.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The 2025 Audi Q8 is slightly smaller inside, providing 33.7 cubic feet.

Are both vehicles equipped with All-Wheel Drive?

Yes, both the 2025 Audi Q8 and the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus come standard with All-Wheel Drive capability, ensuring confidence in various weather conditions.

Do both crossovers use the same type of transmission?

Both models feature an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting a similar foundational approach to gear management, although the tuning will differ based on engine output.