2025 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2026 GMC Yukon XL

$53,940 · Crossover

$72,200 · SUV

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus delivers refined, accessible luxury, perfectly poised for effortless daily drives, while the imposing 2026 GMC Yukon XL offers undeniable, traditional brute force for grander journeys. The Nautilus charms with an approachable $53,940 MSRP and a respectable 24 MPG combined, balancing its 250 hp engine with efficiency. Contrast this with the Yukon XL, a towering machine boasting 355 hp and a muscular 383 lb-ft of torque, though it settles for 17 MPG combined. The difference in scale is significant: the Yukon XL spans 225.2 inches in length, dwarfing the Nautilus at 193.2 inches, yet the Lincoln offers a more palatable entry price point, a massive $18,260 less than the GMC. Buyers must weigh the Nautilus's efficiency advantage of 7 MPG against the sheer power advantage of the Yukon XL's 105 additional horsepower.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

The Lincoln Nautilus wins due to its superior 24 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Yukon XL's 17 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 GMC Yukon XL

The massive 2026 GMC Yukon XL offers superior utility with 41.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, exceeding the Nautilus's 36.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 GMC Yukon XL

The GMC Yukon XL delivers a thrill with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, vastly outclassing the Nautilus's 250 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

The Lincoln Nautilus provides a much lower barrier to entry at $53,940 compared to the Yukon XL's $72,200 MSRP.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

Your primary concern is maximizing fuel efficiency, as the Nautilus achieves 24 MPG combined.
You prioritize a lower initial investment, starting at just $53,940 MSRP.
You prefer a more manageable footprint at 193.2 inches long for easier city navigation.

Choose the GMC Yukon XL if...

You need immense power, evidenced by the 355 hp engine and 383 lb-ft of torque.
Maximum hauling and passenger space are critical, benefiting from 41.5 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer RWD dynamics paired with a robust 10-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lincoln Nautilus	GMC Yukon XL
Length	193.2"	225.2"
Width	76.9"	81.0"
Height	68.2"	76.5"
Wheelbase	114.2"	134.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lincoln	GMC
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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

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

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Lincoln	GMC
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/29 MPG	15/20 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	17 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	420.0/580.0 mi.	420.0/560.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	20.0 gal.	28.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lincoln	GMC
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	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Lincoln	GMC
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	42.3 in.
Front Leg Room	43.5 in.	44.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.9 in.	65.5 in.
Front Hip Room	56.8 in.	61.5 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	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	GMC
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	38.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	43.1 in.	42.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.0 in.	64.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.3 in.	61.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓
Power Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the significant difference in power output between the two vehicles?

The 2026 GMC Yukon XL holds a substantial performance advantage, delivering 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus provides 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 105 hp deficit for the Lincoln.

How much more expensive is the larger GMC Yukon XL compared to the Lincoln Nautilus?

The MSRP presents a significant financial gap; the Yukon XL starts at $72,200, making it $18,260 pricier than the Lincoln Nautilus, which begins at $53,940.

Is the Lincoln Nautilus significantly more fuel-efficient for daily driving?

Yes, the Nautilus is far better suited for commuting efficiency, offering a combined 24 MPG versus the Yukon XL’s 17 MPG combined rating. This 7 MPG difference is noticeable over long distances.

Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling large items?

The larger 2026 GMC Yukon XL wins on sheer volume, providing 41.5 cu ft of cargo capacity. The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus offers a respectable but smaller 36.4 cu ft.

What are the primary mechanical differences in the drivetrain?

The Nautilus uses an 8-speed automatic with AWD, while the Yukon XL utilizes a 10-speed automatic paired with RWD architecture. Additionally, the Nautilus recommends premium unleaded fuel, whereas the Yukon XL runs on regular unleaded.

How do the physical sizes of these two vehicles compare?

The Yukon XL is substantially larger, measuring 225.2 inches in length and 81.0 inches in width. The Nautilus is a more compact crossover at 193.2 inches long and 76.9 inches wide.