2026 Lincoln Nautilus vs Lexus RX
2026 Lincoln Nautilus vs Lexus RX
If you are comparing two-row luxury SUVs for Long Island and New York Metro driving, the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus and 2026 Lexus RX each bring a distinct approach. The Nautilus stands out with standard all-wheel drive, an available 285-horsepower hybrid, a sweeping panoramic display and standard Lincoln BlueCruise.

Why the Lincoln Nautilus makes a compelling luxury SUV choice
The Nautilus is designed around a spacious two-row cabin and a highly visible digital interface. Its standard 48-inch panoramic display works with an 11-inch center touchscreen, while Lincoln Digital Experience brings integrated Google Maps, voice assistance and compatible apps into the cabin.
For daily driving around Hempstead, Garden City and the wider New York Metro area, the Nautilus also offers standard all-wheel drive and a choice between a 250-horsepower turbocharged gas engine and an available 285-horsepower hybrid powertrain. The hybrid is EPA-estimated at 29 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined.

Luxury features that matter on everyday New York drives
The Nautilus combines standard all-wheel drive, cabin technology and flexible cargo room with an available hybrid on every trim.
Every 2026 Nautilus uses AWD, giving the lineup a consistent foundation for wet roads, winter weather and daily commuting.
The available 2.0L turbocharged hybrid delivers 285 total system horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque.
Hands-free highway driving is standard for compatible prequalified divided highways, with driver attention still required.
The standard pillar-to-pillar panoramic display places key information high in the driver's line of sight.
Nautilus Premiere provides 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 71.3 cubic feet behind the first row.
Reserve and Black Label shoppers can explore Lincoln's multisensory cabin experience, along with other premium comfort upgrades.



2026 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2026 Lexus RX
The Lexus RX remains a well-rounded luxury SUV with strong gas-engine output, excellent RX 350h fuel economy and a broad powertrain lineup. The Nautilus often stands out for shoppers who prioritize standard AWD, stronger output from the directly comparable hybrid, a larger visual display environment and more cargo space behind the second row.
| Comparison | 2026 Lincoln Nautilus | 2026 Lexus RX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Base gas drivetrain | Standard AWD | RX 350: FWD standard, AWD available |
| Gas-engine output | 250 hp / 280 lb.-ft. | RX 350: 275 hp / 317 lb.-ft. |
| Direct hybrid comparison | 285 hp / 295 lb.-ft. available Nautilus hybrid | RX 350h: 246 hp / 233 lb.-ft. |
| Hybrid fuel economy | 29/31/30 mpg city/highway/combined | RX 350h: 37/34/36 mpg city/highway/combined |
| Cargo behind second row | 36.4 cu. ft. Premiere; 35.2 cu. ft. Reserve/Black Label | Nearly 30 cu. ft. with rear seats up |
| Display approach | Standard 48-inch panoramic display plus 11-inch center touchscreen | Available 14-inch touchscreen on selected grades |
| Hands-free assistance | Lincoln BlueCruise standard | Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 standard; Traffic Jam Assist available for low-speed limited-access-roadway traffic |
| Powertrain breadth | Turbo gas or turbo hybrid on all three trims | Gas, RX 350h hybrid, RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid and RX 500h performance hybrid |
Shop the Lincoln Nautilus in Hempstead, NY
Drivers from Hempstead, Garden City, Freeport, Elmont, Floral Park and across the New York Metro can shop the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus at Hempstead Lincoln. Visit us at 301 N. Franklin Street to compare trims, ask about current availability and experience the Nautilus in person.
Take the next step with Hempstead Lincoln
Lincoln Nautilus vs Lexus RX FAQ
Why choose the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus over the 2026 Lexus RX?
The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is a strong choice for shoppers who value standard all-wheel drive, a standard 48-inch panoramic display, standard Lincoln BlueCruise and generous two-row cargo space. The Lexus RX remains a strong competitor with higher gas-engine horsepower and excellent hybrid fuel economy.
Does the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus come with all-wheel drive?
Yes. Lincoln lists all-wheel drive as standard on the 2026 Nautilus. The Lexus RX 350 is offered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the RX 350h hybrid uses all-wheel drive.
How do the Lincoln Nautilus and Lexus RX hybrids compare?
The available 2026 Nautilus hybrid is rated at 285 total system horsepower and 30 mpg combined. The 2026 Lexus RX 350h is rated at 246 net combined horsepower and 36 mpg combined, so the Lincoln emphasizes more hybrid output while the RX 350h emphasizes fuel economy.
Which has more cargo room, the Lincoln Nautilus or Lexus RX?
Lincoln lists 36.4 cubic feet behind the second row in the Nautilus Premiere and 35.2 cubic feet in Reserve and Black Label models. Lexus describes the RX as offering nearly 30 cubic feet with the rear seats up.
Does the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus have hands-free highway driving?
Yes. Lincoln BlueCruise is standard on 2026 Nautilus models and supports hands-free driving on compatible prequalified divided highways while the driver remains attentive to the road.
Where can I test drive a Lincoln Nautilus near Garden City or Freeport, NY?
Hempstead Lincoln is located at 301 N. Franklin Street in Hempstead, NY 11550 and serves drivers from Garden City, Freeport, Elmont, Floral Park and the greater New York Metro area.
Can I finance a Lincoln Nautilus or value my trade online?
Yes. Hempstead Lincoln provides online financing and trade-in tools, along with current new-vehicle inventory and a test-drive request page.
