Weighing two vehicles side by side is one of the most useful things you can do before you decide, because it brings what matters most to you into focus. At Caruso Lincoln in Long Beach, we encourage every shopper to compare each option calmly and consider comfort, daily needs and overall fit.
2026 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2026 BMW X5
Key Takeaways
- Lincoln BlueCruise hands-free highway driving comes standard on the Lincoln Nautilus, where it is an option on the BMW X5.
- EPA-estimated highway fuel economy is better in the Lincoln Nautilus.
- All-wheel drive is standard on the Lincoln Nautilus, and a hybrid powertrain is available on all models.
- Roadside assistance in the Lincoln Nautilus is provided for the duration of ownership, a longer term than the BMW X5 offers.
At a Glance
| 2026 Lincoln Nautilus | 2026 BMW X5 |
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| Starting MSRP | $53,940 - $85,875 | $66,300 - $127,200 |
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| Seating capacity | 5 seats | 5 seats |
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| Maximum towing capacity | 1,750 lb | 7,200 lb |
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| Available hybrid horsepower | 285 hp (hybrid, total system net) | 483 hp |
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| Base engine horsepower | 250 hp | 375 hp |
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| Available hybrid torque | 295 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft |
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| Standard engine | Turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 | 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder |
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| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive (sDrive40i); xDrive all-wheel drive (xDrive40i, xDrive50e, M60i) |
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| Hybrid powertrain | Available on all models (2.0L turbocharged hybrid) | Plug-in hybrid available (BMW X5 xDrive50e, 483 hp, up to 38 miles electric range) |
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| EPA city fuel economy | 21 mpg | 23 mpg |
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| EPA combined fuel economy | 24 mpg | 25 mpg |
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| EPA highway fuel economy | 29 mpg | 27 mpg |
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| Wheelbase | 114.2 in | 117.1 in |
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| Overall length | 193.2 in | 194.3 in |
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| Overall width | 76.9 in | 78.9 in |
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| Overall height | 68.2 in | 69.1 in |
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| Hands-free highway driving | Standard - Lincoln BlueCruise, four years included on every trim | Optional (Highway Assistant with Active Lane Change, hands-free up to 85 mph on controlled-access highways) |
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| Basic warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
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| Corrosion warranty | 5 years / unlimited miles | 12 years / unlimited miles |
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| Hybrid / EV battery warranty | 8 years / 100,000 miles (hybrid-unique components) | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
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| Roadside assistance | 24/7 Roadside Assistance for the duration of ownership | 4 years / unlimited miles |
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Driver assistance: Lincoln Nautilus leads on hands-free highway driving
Lincoln BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is standard on every Lincoln Nautilus trim, with an initial term of complimentary-included service. On the BMW X5, comparable hands-free highway driving is an optional addition. For shoppers who spend long stretches on the highway, having it standard on the Lincoln Nautilus is a meaningful convenience.
Power and towing: the BMW X5 has the edge
The BMW X5 is the more powerful of the two, with higher horsepower and torque, and its standard engine is an inline six against the Lincoln Nautilus's turbocharged four-cylinder. It also tows considerably more. If regular trailer towing or maximum performance is your priority, the BMW X5 is the stronger fit. The Lincoln Nautilus favors a quieter, more unhurried character.
Fuel economy and powertrains
On EPA-estimated figures, the BMW X5 is ahead in city and combined fuel economy, while the Lincoln Nautilus is ahead on the highway. Both offer a hybrid choice: the Lincoln Nautilus offers its hybrid on all models, and the BMW X5 offers a plug-in hybrid. All-wheel drive is standard on the Lincoln Nautilus, whereas on the BMW X5 some versions are rear-wheel drive.
Size and proportions
The BMW X5 is slightly longer, wider and taller, and has a longer wheelbase. The Lincoln Nautilus is the more compact of the two, which can make it easier to place on narrower streets and in tighter parking spaces. Both seat the same number of passengers.
Warranty and ownership support
The basic warranty and the hybrid battery warranty are comparable on both vehicles. The BMW X5 has a much longer corrosion warranty, which is a real advantage for the rival. The Lincoln Nautilus counters with roadside assistance that lasts for the duration of ownership.
Why the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus
The Lincoln Nautilus offers standard Lincoln BlueCruise hands-free highway driving and an available hybrid powertrain. The BMW X5 offers higher available horsepower and greater maximum towing capacity.
- Lincoln BlueCruise hands-free highway driving comes standard on the Lincoln Nautilus, where it is an option on the BMW X5.
- EPA-estimated highway fuel economy is better in the Lincoln Nautilus.
- All-wheel drive is standard on the Lincoln Nautilus, and a hybrid powertrain is available on all models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tows more, the Lincoln Nautilus or the BMW X5?
The BMW X5 has the higher maximum towing capacity. Shoppers who plan to tow regularly will find it the better fit compared with the Lincoln Nautilus.
Does the Lincoln Nautilus come with hands-free highway driving?
Yes. Lincoln BlueCruise is standard on every Lincoln Nautilus trim. On the BMW X5, comparable hands-free highway driving is optional.
Which has more power, the Lincoln Nautilus or the BMW X5?
The BMW X5 offers higher horsepower and torque than the Lincoln Nautilus.
How do the Lincoln Nautilus and BMW X5 compare on EPA-estimated fuel economy?
The BMW X5 has higher EPA-estimated city and combined fuel economy, while the Lincoln Nautilus has higher EPA-estimated highway fuel economy.
Is a hybrid available on the Lincoln Nautilus and the BMW X5?
Yes, both offer one. The Lincoln Nautilus offers a hybrid powertrain on all models, and the BMW X5 offers a plug-in hybrid variant.
How do the warranties compare between the Lincoln Nautilus and the BMW X5?
The basic and hybrid battery warranties are comparable. The BMW X5 has a longer corrosion warranty, while the Lincoln Nautilus provides roadside assistance for the duration of ownership.
To confirm details and current availability, contact us through our website at carusolincoln.com or visit us at 3500 Cherry Avenue in Long Beach.
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