2025 Ford Expedition vs 2026 Lincoln Nautilus

$57,400 · SUV

$53,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between substantial capability and everyday efficiency is a classic dilemma when cross-shopping large SUVs, and the 2025 Ford Expedition versus the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus perfectly frames this trade-off. The Expedition boasts raw strength, delivering a potent 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, but this comes at the cost of fuel economy, achieving only 18 combined MPG. Conversely, the Nautilus prioritizes smooth commuting with a much better 24 combined MPG and saves you cash upfront with an MSRP of $53,995 compared to the Expedition's starting price of $57,400. This nearly $3,405 price difference, combined with a 6 MPG efficiency gap, makes the Nautilus compelling for routine driving, while the Expedition remains the definitive choice for those needing maximum towing muscle or cavernous interior space not specified here, but implied by its larger body type versus the Nautilus's 193.2-inch length.

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 24 combined MPG, significantly better than the Expedition's 18 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Expedition

The 2025 Ford Expedition is likely the winner for most families due to its substantially larger overall body and greater capability inherent in a full-size SUV platform, despite having less cargo capacity listed.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Expedition

The Expedition appeals more to performance enthusiasts with its commanding 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, overwhelming the Nautilus's output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus offers better value by starting $3,405 cheaper and delivering 6 more miles per gallon in combined driving.

Choose the Ford Expedition if...

You frequently tow or need significant brute force, benefiting from 480 lb-ft of torque.
You need the absolute highest performance figures, utilizing 400 hp available in the Expedition.
Your primary concern is maximizing capability over efficiency, accepting the 15/22 City/Highway MPG.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

You prioritize fuel savings and daily running costs, achieving 24 combined MPG versus 18 MPG.
You want a lower entry price, as the Nautilus starts $3,405 below the Expedition.
Your driving mainly involves city or highway cruising where the Nautilus's higher efficiency (21 City/29 Highway MPG) pays off.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Expedition	Lincoln Nautilus
Length	-	193.2"
Width	-	76.9"
Height	-	68.2"
Wheelbase	-	114.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	400 hp	250 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	480 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	Ford	Lincoln
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	four wheel drive	all wheel drive
Transfer Case Gearing	Electronic Hi-Lo	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/22 MPG	21/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	18 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	420.0/580.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	20.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
Infotainment Display	24.0 in	—
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	10
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Video Monitor	✓	—
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	2-way
Front Head Room	—	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	—	43.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	—	58.9 in.
Front Hip Room	—	56.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Rear Head Room	—	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	43.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	58.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	56.3 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Terrain	All Season
Tire Size	P265/70R18	P255/60R19
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Non-Matching	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Diameter	—	19 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Lincoln
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	unlimited yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Expedition and 2026 Lincoln Nautilus.

How much better is the fuel economy between the two vehicles?

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus offers significantly better fuel economy, achieving 24 combined MPG, which is a 6 MPG advantage over the 2025 Ford Expedition's 18 combined MPG.

Is the 2025 Ford Expedition much more powerful than the Nautilus?

Yes, the Expedition provides substantially more power, boasting 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque compared to the Nautilus's 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.

What is the starting price difference between the Expedition and the Nautilus?

The 2025 Ford Expedition has an MSRP of $57,400, making it $3,405 more expensive than the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus, which starts at $53,995.

Do both SUVs require premium fuel?

Based on the specifications provided, both the 2025 Ford Expedition and the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus recommend premium unleaded fuel for optimal operation.

Which vehicle is physically larger?

The 2025 Ford Expedition is a larger full-size SUV platform, whereas the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is specified as a crossover measuring 193.2 inches in length.

How do the transmissions compare between the two SUVs?

The Expedition utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering two more gears than the Nautilus, which is equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic.