2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback vs 2026 Lincoln Nautilus

$61,800 · Crossover

$53,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback and the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is the power output, with the Audi delivering 349 hp compared to the Nautilus’s 250 hp, a difference of 99 horsepower. This performance gap is reflected in the $7,805 higher MSRP of the Audi, starting at $61,800 versus the Nautilus’s $53,995. While the Audi offers superior acceleration, the Nautilus excels in efficiency and utility, achieving 24 MPG combined versus the SQ5 Sportback’s 21 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Nautilus provides substantially more utility, boasting 36.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which significantly outweighs the SQ5 Sportback's 24.7 cu ft. Both utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD, but the larger Lincoln is 8.6 inches longer (193.2 in vs. 184.6 in) and offers superior efficiency for daily use.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is preferred for commuting due to its superior fuel economy of 24 MPG combined versus the Audi's 21 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus is the better family vehicle, offering 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, substantially exceeding the SQ5 Sportback's 24.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback

The 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback wins for enthusiasts with a higher output of 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus provides better value, offering significantly more cargo space and better fuel economy for $7,805 less than the Audi.

Choose the Audi SQ5 Sportback if...

Driving dynamics and acceleration are primary concerns, given its 349 hp engine.
You prefer a slightly more compact footprint with a length of 184.6 inches for navigating tighter urban areas.
Premium performance branding and superior torque (369 lb-ft) are non-negotiable for your driving experience.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

Maximizing cargo capacity is essential, as the Nautilus offers 36.4 cu ft versus 24.7 cu ft.
Lowering fuel stops is a priority, benefiting from the 24 MPG combined rating compared to 21 MPG in the Audi.
You seek significant cost savings, as the Nautilus is priced $7,805 lower than the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ5 Sportback	Lincoln Nautilus
Length	184.6"	193.2"
Width	74.5"	76.9"
Height	65.4"	68.2"
Wheelbase	111.0"	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	✓	✓
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 Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running 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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	349 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 (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/24 MPG	21/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/444.0 mi.	420.0/580.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 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	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated 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	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
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 (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

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	38.0 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	43.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	58.9 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	56.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Rear Head Room	37.5 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	43.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	58.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	56.3 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	20 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	255/45R20	P255/60R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
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 SQ5 Sportback and 2026 Lincoln Nautilus.

What is the primary trade-off when comparing the power of the Audi SQ5 Sportback against the Lincoln Nautilus?

The Audi SQ5 Sportback offers 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, making it significantly more powerful than the Nautilus's 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. This performance comes at the cost of efficiency and price, as the Audi consumes more fuel and carries a $7,805 higher MSRP.

How much more cargo room does the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus provide over the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback?

The Lincoln Nautilus offers substantially more utility with 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space. This is nearly 12 cubic feet more than the Audi SQ5 Sportback, which is rated for only 24.7 cubic feet.

Are either of these crossovers strictly more fuel-efficient for daily driving?

Yes, the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus holds a measurable advantage in fuel economy, achieving 24 MPG combined (21 city/29 highway). The 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback trails slightly with 21 MPG combined (19 city/24 highway).

Considering both are AWD models with 8-speed automatics, what justifies the Audi's higher price?

The Audi's $61,800 MSRP is largely justified by its superior powertrain figures, specifically the additional 99 horsepower and 89 lb-ft of torque it produces over the Nautilus. Both vehicles share the same core transmission and drivetrain configuration.

Which vehicle is physically larger and how do their dimensions compare?

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is the physically larger vehicle in every dimension. It is 193.2 inches long and 76.9 inches wide, whereas the Audi SQ5 Sportback measures 184.6 inches long and 74.5 inches wide.

Do both crossovers require premium fuel, and does this impact the value proposition?

Both the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback and the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus list premium unleaded as the recommended fuel type. This similarity means the fuel requirement does not differentiate the value proposition, which remains weighted toward the Nautilus due to lower purchase price and better MPG.