The Lincoln Nautilus has been around since the 2007 model year. But this midsize crossover, known until 2019 as the MKX, sees its most expansive upgrade this year. From a fancier interior to nice cosmetic upgrades on the exterior, Lincoln wants to make the Nautilus an unabashed leader in the midsize SUV segment.

However, just because something gets an upgrade doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to resonate with consumers. And with so much change comes a price hike. So, is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus worth it?

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus

According to Car and Driver, Lincoln gave the Nautilus a thorough makeover inside and some outer improvements. Updates include a 13.2-inch infotainment display that runs on Ford’s popular Sync 4 operating system. The display also switched from a push-button interface to a piano-key shifter to help promote ease and safety. 

Consumers can choose between a chalet and flight interior theme with a Sandstone or Black Ebony trim. On the outside, the lower bumper received the most significant upgrade with a lower-slung design. As far as added features go, the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus comes with rain-sensing windshield wipers, a panoramic sunroof, a 13-speaker sound system, dashboard navigation, and an adjustable steering column. 

Under the hood, an eight-speed transmission pairs with a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine harnessing 250 hp. This midsize SUV also comes with an all-wheel-drive version for those who want to test its limits. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in under seven seconds. But all of those bells and whistles come at a price.

Will the price hike break the bank?

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus isn’t cheap. The base model comes in at a hefty $42,395, Car and Driver reports. But with so many potential add-ons, that number quickly rises. While the standard model comes with enough features to satisfy the average driver, the Reserve and Black Label trims quickly send prices soaring. 

The Reserve, which comes with a speaker system, navigation, adjustable steering, and cooling seats, adds a whopping $7,000 to the price. However, to completely deck out the car, you’ll have to dig even deeper into your pockets. The Black Label runs $66,085. This puts the Nautilus in direct competition with several other high-end SUVs. And that might be where some consumers will have a hard time forking over that amount of cash for Lincoln’s midsize crossover. 

Though the Nautilus is a reliable SUV with a ton of attractive features, its price tag is a sticking point for several reviewers. 

Should you buy the 2021 Nautilus?

Many features make the Nautilus attractive. However, for the steep price, this Lincoln might not be the SUV for every driver. Although the Nautilus boasts advantages over the competition, its $23,000 price range from standard to high-end, along with an already high base MSRP, will turn off many consumers. 

For those who want all the luxury, appearance, and features of a high-end vehicle, the Nautilus might be the perfect price. But for those who want to get to their destination in a nice-looking SUV without too many frills, an older model or cheaper competitor might be the right choice. There’s no denying the Nautilus’s place in the midsize crossover segment. However, that doesn’t mean it’s the SUV for everyone.