2025 Land Rover Defender vs 2026 Lincoln Nautilus

$56,900 · Crossover

$53,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2025 Land Rover Defender and the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is fuel economy, with the Nautilus achieving 24 MPG combined versus the Defender's 19 MPG combined—a 5 MPG advantage. Power figures also present a notable gap, as the Defender produces 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the Nautilus's 250 hp and 280 lb-ft. Pricewise, the Nautilus holds an advantage with an MSRP of $53,995 compared to the Defender's $56,900. This difference in utility is further reflected in cargo space: the Nautilus offers 36.4 cubic feet, more than double the Defender's 15.6 cubic feet. Despite the power deficit, the Nautilus’s superior efficiency and significantly larger dimensions make it a more pragmatic choice for daily operations, whereas the Defender prioritizes outright capability and performance metrics.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus provides 5 MPG better combined efficiency (24 MPG vs. 19 MPG), directly lowering the operational cost for daily drivers.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus boasts 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the Defender's 15.6 cu ft, offering superior utility for passengers and luggage.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2025 Land Rover Defender offers a 46 hp advantage (296 hp vs. 250 hp) and greater torque, favoring spirited driving dynamics.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus commands a $2,905 lower MSRP ($53,995 vs. $56,900) while providing superior fuel economy and cargo volume.

Choose the Land Rover Defender if...

Maximum powertrain output is essential, as the Defender delivers 296 horsepower.
A vertically oriented, rugged profile is preferred, indicated by its 77.5-inch height.
The owner prioritizes superior on-road handling irrespective of the 19 MPG combined rating.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

Fuel efficiency is a priority, evidenced by its 29 MPG highway rating.
Significant luggage capacity is required, as the Nautilus offers 36.4 cu ft of storage.
A lower initial purchase price of $53,995 is desirable over the Defender's $56,900 MSRP.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Land Rover Defender	Lincoln Nautilus
Length	180.5"	193.2"
Width	-	76.9"
Height	77.5"	68.2"
Wheelbase	101.9"	114.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Land Rover	Lincoln
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-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
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Land Rover	Lincoln
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	296 hp @ 5500 rpm	250 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Land Rover	Lincoln
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
4WD System Type	Full Time	—
Transfer Case Gearing	Electronic Hi-Lo	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Land Rover	Lincoln
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/21 MPG	21/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	428.4/499.8 mi.	420.0/580.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	23.8 gal.	20.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Land Rover	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 with Side Sensing	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Land Rover	Lincoln
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Meridian Speakers	✓	—
Stereo Power	400W	—
Speaker System	11	10
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Land Rover	Lincoln
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Land Rover	Lincoln
Front Head Room	40.6 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	39.1 in.	43.5 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	2-way	8-way
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Manual	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	2-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	2-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Manual	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Shoulder Room	—	58.9 in.
Front Hip Room	—	56.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Land Rover	Lincoln
Rear Head Room	37.2 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.6 in.	43.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Shoulder Room	—	58.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	56.3 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Land Rover	Lincoln
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	19 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R19	P255/60R19
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Matching	—
Spare Tire Location	Outside Rear Mounted	—

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Land Rover	Lincoln
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	unlimited yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Land Rover Defender and 2026 Lincoln Nautilus.

What is the primary difference in fuel economy between the Defender and the Nautilus?

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is considerably more efficient, achieving a combined 24 MPG, which is 5 MPG higher than the 2025 Land Rover Defender’s combined rating of 19 MPG. This difference is noticeable given both vehicles recommend premium unleaded fuel.

How do the power outputs compare between these two crossovers?

The Land Rover Defender holds a distinct power advantage, generating 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Lincoln Nautilus produces 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 46 hp difference favoring the Defender.

Is the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus a larger vehicle than the 2025 Defender?

Yes, in overall length, the Nautilus is longer at 193.2 inches compared to the Defender's 180.5 inches. However, the Defender is significantly taller, measuring 77.5 inches high against the Nautilus's 68.2 inches.

Which vehicle offers substantially more cargo space?

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus provides more than double the usable storage area, offering 36.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Land Rover Defender is limited to only 15.6 cubic feet.

What is the price difference between the base MSRPs?

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus starts at $53,995, making it $2,905 more affordable than the 2025 Land Rover Defender, which begins at an MSRP of $56,900.

Do both vehicles use the same drivetrain components?

Both the Defender and the Nautilus utilize an all-wheel-drive system paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. They both also list premium unleaded as the recommended fuel type.