2025 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2026 Audi Q7

$53,940 · Crossover

$62,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus and the 2026 Audi Q7 is the initial cost, with the Q7 carrying an MSRP of $62,000—a significant $8,060 premium over the Nautilus's $53,940. Performance figures are closely matched; the Q7 extracts slightly more power with 261 hp versus the Nautilus's 250 hp, yet the Nautilus counters with marginally better torque at 280 lb-ft compared to the Q7's 273 lb-ft. Fuel efficiency heavily favors the Lincoln, achieving a combined 24 MPG against the Audi’s 22 MPG. Furthermore, the Nautilus is significantly larger externally, measuring 193.2 inches long versus the Q7's 199.6 inches (though the Q7 is longer overall, the provided cargo volumes are drastically different), but crucially, the Nautilus offers 36.4 cu ft of cargo space, vastly surpassing the Q7’s mere 13.6 cu ft, making practicality a clear metric difference.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus is superior for commuting due to its 2 MPG advantage in combined fuel economy (24 MPG vs. 22 MPG).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus provides substantially more utility with 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Q7's 13.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi Q7

The Q7 edges out the competition with 261 horsepower, slightly exceeding the Nautilus's 250 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus commands a $8,060 lower MSRP while delivering competitive power and superior fuel economy.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

Maximum utility is required, evidenced by its 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Lower running costs are a priority, as indicated by the 24 combined MPG rating.
A budget of under $55,000 is critical, with an MSRP of $53,940.

Choose the Audi Q7 if...

Slightly higher peak engine output of 261 hp is desired over the Nautilus's 250 hp.
A longer overall vehicle length of 199.6 inches is preferred for exterior presence.
The specific engineering and material standard associated with the Audi brand is favored, despite the higher $62,000 price tag.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lincoln Nautilus	Audi Q7
Length	193.2"	199.6"
Width	76.9"	77.5"
Height	68.2"	68.4"
Wheelbase	114.2"	117.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lincoln	Audi
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Adaptive 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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lincoln	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	250 hp @ 5500 rpm	261 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	273 lb-ft @ 1600 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	Lincoln	Audi
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	Lincoln	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/29 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	420.0/580.0 mi.	450.0/585.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	20.0 gal.	22.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lincoln	Audi
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	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lincoln	Audi
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	10
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Infotainment Display	—	10.1 in
Stereo Power	—	180W
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Lincoln	Audi
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	43.5 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.9 in.	59.5 in.
Front Hip Room	56.8 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
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	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Cooling	✓	—
Passenger Seat Cooling	✓	—
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Lincoln	Audi
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	43.1 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.0 in.	58.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.3 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Power Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lincoln	Audi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	19 in	19 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	P255/60R19	255/55R H
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Lincoln	Audi
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	unlimited yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus and 2026 Audi Q7.

What is the main practical difference in cargo space between the two models?

The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus offers a massive 36.4 cu ft of cargo volume, making it extremely practical. Conversely, the 2026 Audi Q7 lists a significantly smaller 13.6 cu ft, suggesting a severe deficit in usable rear storage area for families.

How do the fuel requirements and efficiency compare for daily driving?

The Nautilus is rated for 24 combined MPG and recommends premium unleaded fuel. The Q7 achieves a lower 22 combined MPG and actually requires premium unleaded fuel, adding marginally to long-term operating costs.

Which vehicle offers a better initial investment based on MSRP?

The Lincoln Nautilus presents a better value proposition immediately with an MSRP of $53,940. The Audi Q7 demands an $8,060 premium, starting at $62,000.

Does the Audi Q7 compensate for its higher price with superior power?

Marginally; the Q7 produces 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The Nautilus provides 250 hp and slightly better torque at 280 lb-ft, indicating performance is closely matched despite the price gap.

Are there significant differences in size metrics for parking?

The vehicles are closely matched in width (76.9 inches for Nautilus vs. 77.5 inches for Q7) and height, although the Q7 is dimensionally 6.4 inches longer overall at 199.6 inches compared to the Nautilus's 193.2 inches.