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Lincoln Nautilus vs Tesla Model Y

2026 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2026 Tesla Model Y — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Lincoln Nautilus

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS4 – 1Lincoln Nautilus wins 4 of 5 categories
Tesla Model Y

2026 Tesla Model Y

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

That works out to about $1,700 a year less in fuel for the Tesla Model Y (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Lincoln Nautilus is the bigger car, about 5 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Lincoln Nautilus has had fewer recall campaigns (26 vs 43).

The two cars

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and part-time 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 193 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,350 lb (4dr SUV).

The 2026 Tesla Model Y is a small SUV powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 189 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,363 lb.

Buying used? The 2022 Nautilus and the 2024 Model Y have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 Nautilus and the 2023 Model Y.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
Fuel
EV
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Engines
EV
Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

30 MPG
Best combined MPG
–
29 city
City / highway MPG (best)
–
–
EV range
357 mi
$2,250
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$550

Performance & space

–
Seats (most)
5
193.3 in
Length
188.6 in
79.9 in
Width
78 in
68.1 in
Height
63.8 in
4,350 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,363 lb

Safety & reliability

13
Driver-assist features standard
12
3
Recalls (2026)
8
26
Recalls, all years since 2005
43
12
Owner complaints (latest year)
424

Interest

5,131
Wikipedia views, 30 days
33,157

Buying used

2022
Best used year
2024
2019
Year to avoid
2023

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if…

  • You want more room (5 in longer)
  • You put reliability history first (26 vs 43 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Tesla Model Y if…

  • You want an EV with more range (357 miles)
  • You want something easier to park (5 in shorter)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 16% better than the average 2026 small SUV (25.9 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

2026 Tesla Model Y

  • Long EV rangeUp to 357 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Full 2026 Lincoln Nautilus specs →Full 2026 Tesla Model Y specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →