The Lincoln Nautilus was introduced into Lincoln’s lineup as a mid-size crossover SUV in 2002 and remains available through today. The Nautilus is known for its unique styling and for having the features consumers expect from SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Lincoln Nautilus?
The Lincoln Nautilus has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds depending on the year, the engine size, and if it has a towing package.
There’s a bit more to know about Lincoln Nautilus towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2023 Lincoln Nautilus Towing Capacity
The 2023 Lincoln Nautilus can tow between 1,500 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on the engine size and whether it has a towing package.
A 2023 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.0L engine without a towing package can pull 1,500 pounds.
A 2023 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.0L engine with a towing package can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2023 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.7L engine without a towing package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2023 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.7L engine with a towing package can pull 3,500 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2023 Lincoln Nautilus can tow.
| Lincoln Nautilus Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Towing Package Installed |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.0L | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 2.0L | Yes |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.7L | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 2.7L | Yes |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Lincoln Nautilus Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Lincoln Nautilus Braked Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs.
Lincoln Nautilus Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Lincoln Nautilus Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Lincoln Nautilus tow capacity.
Engine Size
Most Lincoln Nautilus model years had the towing capacities designated by engine. Typically, the more powerful the engine, the more the vehicle can tow.
Towing Equipment Installed
You can only get the max 3,500 pound tow capacity from your Nautilus by having a towing package installed. Without it, you’re limited to either 1,500 to 2,000 pounds of towing power.
Number of Passengers
A big factor in calculating your vehicle’s towing capacity is how many passengers you’re carrying, which directly calculates into the vehicle’s GCWR.
This is true of all vehicles, not just the Lincoln Nautilus, so always take into consideration the total load of your passengers and gear in addition to what you’re towing.
Lincoln Nautilus Tow Package Info
Does The Lincoln Nautilus Have A Tow Package?
Lincoln offers a Nautilus towing package (option code 53G) which includes the following:
- Hitch Receiver
- 4-Pin Wiring Harness
- Trailer Sway Control
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Lincoln Nautilus?
If you plan on towing anything with your Lincoln Nautilus, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Lincoln Nautilus Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Lincoln Nautilus uses a Class 3 hitch.
Lincoln Nautilus Trailer Hitch Installation
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Lincoln Nautilus trailer hitch installation:
Lincoln Nautilus Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Nautilus, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With a Lincoln Nautilus?
The Lincoln Nautilus stock bumper is not rated for bumper towing, so you’ll need to install a frame-mounted hitch like the one we listed earlier in this guide or an aftermarket bumper with a hitch ball on it.
Does My Lincoln Nautilus Have A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Nautilus to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Nautilus.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2022 Lincoln Nautilus Towing Capacity
The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus can tow between 1,500 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on the engine size and whether it has a towing package.
A 2022 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.0L engine without a towing package can pull 1,500 pounds.
A 2022 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.0L engine with a towing package can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2022 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.7L engine without a towing package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2022 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.7L engine with a towing package can pull 3,500 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2022 Lincoln Nautilus can tow.
| Lincoln Nautilus Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Towing Package Installed |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.0L | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 2.0L | Yes |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.7L | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 2.7L | Yes |
2021 Lincoln Nautilus Towing Capacity
The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus can tow between 1,500 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on the engine size and whether it has a towing package.
A 2021 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.0L engine without a towing package can pull 1,500 pounds.
A 2021 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.0L engine with a towing package can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2021 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.7L engine without a towing package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2021 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.7L engine with a towing package can pull 3,500 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2021 Lincoln Nautilus can tow.
| Lincoln Nautilus Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Towing Package Installed |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.0L | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 2.0L | Yes |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.7L | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 2.7L | Yes |
2020 Lincoln Nautilus Towing Capacity
The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus can tow between 1,500 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on the engine size and whether it has a towing package.
A 2020 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.0L engine without a towing package can pull 1,500 pounds.
A 2020 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.0L engine with a towing package can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2020 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.7L engine without a towing package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2020 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.7L engine with a towing package can pull 3,500 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2020 Lincoln Nautilus can tow.
| Lincoln Nautilus Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Towing Package Installed |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.0L | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 2.0L | Yes |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.7L | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 2.7L | Yes |
2019 Lincoln Nautilus Towing Capacity
The 2019 Lincoln Nautilus can tow between 1,500 lbs and 3,500 lbs depending on the engine size and whether it has a towing package.
A 2019 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.0L engine without a towing package can pull 1,500 pounds.
A 2019 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.0L engine with a towing package can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2019 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.7L engine without a towing package can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2019 Lincoln Nautilus with a 2.7L engine with a towing package can pull 3,500 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2019 Lincoln Nautilus can tow.
| Lincoln Nautilus Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Towing Package Installed |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.0L | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 2.0L | Yes |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | 2.7L | No |
| All | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 2.7L | Yes |
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official Lincoln Nautilus Owner’s Manuals on Lincoln’s website and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.
Having said that, we still recommend you refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual yourself before towing with your Lincoln Nautilus.
