2025 Audi SQ5 vs 2026 Lincoln Nautilus

$58,400 · Crossover

$53,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between performance polish and pure passenger space often leaves luxury crossover buyers in a bind. If you are prioritizing sheer usability and space, the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus presents a compelling case against the nimble 2025 Audi SQ5. The Nautilus offers a massive 36.4 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more than the SQ5’s 25.9 cu ft, and it starts $4,405 cheaper at $53,995. However, the SQ5 commands attention with its muscular 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, overshadowing the Nautilus's 250 hp output. For the daily driver watching fuel stops, the Nautilus boasts a slightly better combined MPG of 24 compared to the SQ5’s 21, even though both recommend premium fuel. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you crave that extra 99 horsepower or value the Nautilus's superior footprint and lower entry cost.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Lincoln Nautilus is more fuel-efficient with a combined 24 MPG versus the SQ5's 21 MPG, making daily driving costs lower.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus provides substantially more room for gear, boasting 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the SQ5's 25.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi SQ5

The 2025 Audi SQ5 delivers 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, offering significantly more power for spirited driving than the Nautilus.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Lincoln Nautilus has a lower starting MSRP of $53,995, saving the buyer $4,405 compared to the Audi SQ5.

Choose the Audi SQ5 if...

You prioritize acceleration and raw power, as the SQ5 packs 349 hp.
You prefer a slightly more compact footprint, with the SQ5 being 8.9 inches shorter in length.
You appreciate the precision of the Audi AWD system paired with higher torque (369 lb-ft).

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

Maximum cargo space is critical, given the Nautilus’s large 36.4 cu ft offering.
You want to save money upfront, as the Nautilus MSRP is $4,405 less than the SQ5.
You want better highway efficiency, as the Nautilus achieves 29 highway MPG versus the SQ5's 24 highway MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ5	Lincoln Nautilus
Length	184.3"	193.2"
Width	74.5"	76.9"
Height	65.5"	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
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
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
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Lincoln
Front Head Room	39.6 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	39.3 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	255/45R	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 and 2026 Lincoln Nautilus.

How much more powerful is the Audi SQ5 compared to the Lincoln Nautilus?

The 2025 Audi SQ5 has a notable edge in performance, generating 349 hp, which is 99 horsepower more than the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus’s 250 hp output. This power difference translates to stronger acceleration in the Audi.

Is the larger Lincoln Nautilus less efficient on gas?

Surprisingly, no; the larger 2026 Nautilus maintains better fuel economy with a combined 24 MPG versus the smaller SQ5's 21 MPG. The Nautilus also pulls ahead on the highway, achieving 29 MPG compared to the SQ5's 24 MPG.

What is the cost difference between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Audi SQ5 carries a higher starting price of $58,400, while the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus starts at $53,995. This results in a $4,405 price advantage for the Lincoln.

Which car offers more utility for hauling gear?

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is the clear winner for cargo, offering 36.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The 2025 Audi SQ5 provides significantly less room at 25.9 cubic feet.

Do both vehicles use premium fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Audi SQ5 and the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus list premium unleaded as the recommended fuel type for optimal performance. This is an important ongoing cost consideration for both models.

How do the dimensions compare between these two AWD crossovers?

The Nautilus is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 193.2 inches long and 76.9 inches wide, compared to the SQ5's length of 184.3 inches and width of 74.5 inches. The Nautilus is also taller, standing at 68.2 inches.