2025 GMC Yukon vs 2026 Lincoln Nautilus

$66,900 · SUV

$53,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 GMC Yukon bursts onto the scene with rugged, traditional SUV muscle, boasting 355 hp and massive road presence at 210.1 inches long. It’s built for commanding authority with 383 lb-ft of torque backing up its bold stance. In contrast, the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus redefines serene luxury as a sleeker crossover, emphasizing efficiency and a lower starting price of $53,995. While the Yukon churns out 105 more horsepower than the Nautilus’s 250 hp, the trade-off is clear at the pump: the Nautilus achieves 24 MPG combined, significantly outperforming the Yukon’s 17 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Nautilus offers superior utility with 36.4 cu ft of cargo space versus the Yukon's 25.5 cu ft, despite costing $12,905 less initially. The battle pits raw power and size against refinement and economy.

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 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Yukon's 17 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus offers substantially more usable space, providing 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is excellent for family gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 GMC Yukon

The 2025 GMC Yukon appeals more to performance enthusiasts with its potent 355 hp and higher 383 lb-ft of torque output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus provides better overall value, costing $12,905 less than the Yukon while delivering higher efficiency.

Choose the GMC Yukon if...

You require immense towing or hauling capability, suggested by the higher power output of 355 hp.
Maximum on-road presence and size are mandatory, as indicated by its 210.1-inch length.
You prefer a traditional rear-wheel-drive setup for powerful launch dynamics.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

Maximizing fuel stops is crucial, thanks to its outstanding 29 MPG highway rating.
You need the best cargo utility, provided by its 36.4 cu ft capacity.
A lower initial investment is a priority, with an MSRP $12,905 less than the competition.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	GMC Yukon	Lincoln Nautilus
Length	210.1"	193.2"
Width	81.0"	76.9"
Height	76.5"	68.2"
Wheelbase	121.0"	114.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	GMC	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	✓	✓
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 Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	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	GMC	Lincoln
Base Engine Displacement	5.3 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	355 hp @ 5600 rpm	250 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm	280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Overhead valves (OHV)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	GMC	Lincoln
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	GMC	Lincoln
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/20 MPG	21/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	360.0/480.0 mi.	420.0/580.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	24.0 gal.	20.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	GMC	Lincoln
Infotainment Display	16.8 in	—
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	—
Speaker System	10	10
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Surround Audio	Discrete	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	GMC	Lincoln
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	GMC	Lincoln
Front Head Room	42.3 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	44.5 in.	43.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	65.5 in.	58.9 in.
Front Hip Room	61.5 in.	56.8 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	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way

Rearseats

Feature	GMC	Lincoln
Rear Head Room	38.9 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.0 in.	43.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	64.7 in.	58.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	61.3 in.	56.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—
Power Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	GMC	Lincoln
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	20 x 9.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	275/60R20	P255/60R19
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Non-Matching	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Diameter	—	19 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	GMC	Lincoln
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	unlimited yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 GMC Yukon and 2026 Lincoln Nautilus.

How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 Yukon and the 2026 Nautilus?

The performance gap is substantial; the Yukon delivers 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, significantly besting the Nautilus's 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. This translates to much faster acceleration potential for the larger GMC SUV.

Which vehicle is better for long-distance road trips regarding fuel costs?

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is the clear winner for minimizing fuel expenses, achieving 24 MPG combined compared to the Yukon's 17 MPG combined. This 7 MPG advantage will save money over 100,000 miles of driving.

Does the Lincoln Nautilus or the GMC Yukon offer more cargo space?

The Lincoln Nautilus is superior for hauling gear, offering 36.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. The 2025 GMC Yukon offers noticeably less space at 25.5 cubic feet.

What is the primary mechanical difference in drivetrain configuration?

The 2025 GMC Yukon utilizes a standard rear-wheel-drive setup with a robust 10-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus comes standard with all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Given the MSRP difference, does the Yukon justify its higher price tag?

The Yukon starts at $66,900, which is $12,905 more than the Nautilus’s $53,995 starting price. Buyers must decide if the extra horsepower and sheer size justify that premium over the Nautilus's better efficiency and cargo volume.

Which vehicle requires premium fuel?

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus recommends premium unleaded fuel for its engine, whereas the 2025 GMC Yukon is designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline.