Choosing between the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus and Audi Q5 is complicated, especially when you consider just how much these luxury SUVs are actually alike. But we’re here to help you figure out which midsize SUV has more of what you crave.
Sophisticated Style: 2021 Lincoln Nautilus
We think the Nautilus is the handsomer model, with its flashy trim, sleek signature headlights, and clean-cut grille. While the Audi Q5’s bland exterior easily blends into a crowd, the Lincoln Nautilus stands apart from segment competitors with its rugged front end.
Interior Refinement: 2021 Lincoln Nautilus
The Nautilus also won us over with its interior luxury. Lincoln’s five-passenger midsize SUV rolls out a plush welcome mat with dual-zone climate controls, soft, supportive seating, and a power rear liftgate. And, as you move up the Nautilus trim levels, you’ll only find more to love, including premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and real wood trim. The Nautilus cabin is also very well put together, with seamless transitions and not a squeak or rattle to be heard.
We also like the Audi Q5’s luxury lineup. Every cabin features heated front seats and tri-zone climate control. But if there’s one thing we’d change about the Audi Q5, it’s the ride comfort. Because of its sporty suspension, every imperfection in the road sends vibrations through the driver’s seat.
Premium Power: 2021 Audi Q5
Each luxury SUV offers two engines, but the Audi Q5 gives you a little extra power. The base turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (261 horsepower, 273 pound-feet of torque) is very effective at getting you up to speed. And the optional plug-in hybrid powertrain (362 hp, 369 lb-ft) is even more impressive.
With the Nautilus, you also get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 280 lb-ft). It’s not as powerful as the Q5 base engine, but it’s close. And the top-trim Nautilus Black Label is even stronger, with a turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 (335 hp, 380 lb-ft). Again, it’s not as swift as the Q5 engine upgrade, but it’s close.
Clever Technology: 2021 Lincoln Nautilus
When it comes to user-friendly tech gear, the Nautilus takes a solid lead. We love the Sync 4 infotainment system, with its massive 13.2-inch touch screen interface and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. And there’s tons of safety gear on hand, including blind-spot monitoring and forward collision mitigation, all of which is designed to help you stay out of trouble.
The Audi Q5 infotainment lineup isn’t quite as workable. While its system also comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, bugs have forced some reviewers to resort to USB cords. And the new touch-screen interface is more distracting than intuitive.
Choose Your Luxury SUV
We think you’ll agree that the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus is one all-start of a luxury SUV. Compared to the 2021 Audi Q5, it delivers stand-out style, a gorgeous interior, and friendly tech features. And its ride is as smooth and comfortable as it is powerful, qualities that you don’t want to miss in a luxury SUV.