XT5 vs Nautilus
This is a classic rivalry: the XT5 against the Nautilus, Cadillac against Lincoln, both in midsize luxury suv territory. Think of these two as neighbors: the overlap is large and the gaps are few. There’s also a launch price gap of $9,645 in favor of the XT5.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Nautilus wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Price XT5 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range9.2
- Fuel Economy & Range9.1
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Nautilus has 15 hp more power
The Nautilus has a modest edge on total system output: 250 hp against 235 hp for the XT5. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | XT5 | Nautilus |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 112.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Nautilus leads
The Nautilus takes engine & performance by a nose. The Nautilus steps ahead thanks to 15 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the Nautilus is the stronger car.
Total system output
XT5: 235 hp Nautilus: 250 hp The Nautilus’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
Both the XT5 and the Nautilus cover fuel economy & range equally well on paper. The fuel economy & range verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to space & practicality. Treat space & practicality as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing specs are close enough that neither gets the point. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
We don’t score this area directly, because the safety & tech specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | XT5 | Nautilus |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 235 hp | 250 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | XT5 | Nautilus |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | XT5 | Nautilus |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 30 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 63 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | XT5 | Nautilus |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 3,500 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | XT5 | Nautilus |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 11.1 in Smallest touchscreen |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Lincoln Co-Pilot360 |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | XT5 | Nautilus |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 112.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | XT5 | Nautilus |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $44,295 (winner) Lowest price in class | $53,940 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The XT5 came in $9,645 lower than the Nautilus, a sizable gap of 22%. Paying $9,645 extra for the Nautilus means getting 15 hp more power.
Launch prices in the US as of launch; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the XT5 if…
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($9,645 less)
- you prefer staying with Cadillac
Choose the Nautilus if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (250 hp vs 235 hp)
- you already use other Lincoln products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the XT5 or the Nautilus?
The Nautilus wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you’d rather keep $9,645 for something else.
Which costs less, the XT5 or the Nautilus?
Going by launch prices, the XT5 costs $9,645 less than the Nautilus. Prices as of launch; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the XT5’s and the Nautilus’s) so you don’t have to. For me, the deciding factor is that only the Nautilus gives you 15 hp more power.
Fit matters more than scores here. The XT5 suits buyers focused on price; the Nautilus suits those focused on engine & performance.
My pick: the Nautilus, though the XT5 makes sense if the extra $9,645 would stretch your budget.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.