Front-wheel-drive only is becoming a bit less common in Blue Oval vehicles as the automaker shifts toward simplifying its internal combustion engine-powered lineup by making four-wheel traction the standard across the board. The 2022 Ford Edge moved away from its FWD offering in favor of all-wheel-drive, along with the 2023 Ford Super Duty, where four-wheel-drive is now standard on XLT trim and up. Ford Authority has learned the latest vehicle to adopt this change is the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus will ditch front-wheel drive in the near future, effective for all units, which are built at the Ford Oakville Assembly plant, on or after July 17th, 2023. It’s worth noting that prior to the shift, only the base Nautilus Standard featured FWD as standard, while AWD was optional. AWD was already standard on Reserve and Black Label trims, and will therefore be unaffected by this change.
As for other changes on deck for the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus, it has lost one exterior color option, replacing Bronze Smoke with Jewel Sandstone Metallic Premium Colorant. It also offers the the Premium Audio Subwoofer Delete Option, which exists for customers who do not wish to delay delivery of their luxury crossover due to supply chain constraints affecting the sound system. Aside from that, it will feature no major changes over its 2022 model year counterpart.
Looking ahead, however, there are significant alterations on the horizon for the Nautilus. The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus was recently unveiled, representing a major shift for the luxury crossover. It boasts an overhauled exterior with a unique coast-to-coast lighting signature, along with a redesigned cockpit featuring a generous 11.1-inch center touchscreen for infotainment control.
We’ll have more on the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Lincoln news, Lincoln Nautilus news, and continuous Ford news coverage.
The lowest-mile example we've seen in some time.
Outrunning some serious machinery in the process.
Though it expects to offset that loss via energy storage systems.
Joining most of the rest of Ford's EV lineup.
It was one of two department vehicles stolen in one week.
A slight change from prior studies.
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Should give us customers a chance to pick what we want....not what they want so they move faster at assembly line....and it all the complicated stuff to make this 4 wheel drive work....will give trouble....
Just because you can't afford one, you don't have to crap on them. I love my Lincoln Corsair, best car I've ever owned. And it is beautiful.
Hi Tony, your comment is very interesting to me since we are completely in opposing extremes.
I still have my 2010 MKX and my mechanic for the las 20+ years performed a maintenance recently and these were his word. “…your car’s motor is new!, When I opened the motor I couldn’t believe it. It is in like new condition (he even took photos to show me jajaja…” Definitely all in it works like new.
My user requirements for any car are: (1)Reliability, (2)Safety, (3) Comfort (4) Looks. I was a Toyota guy, owned a Sienna, 2 Camry, a Celica GTS, and a Tercel and jumped to this second hand Lincoln 7 years ago with no complaints. I’m considering a Lexus too. What would you recommend instead.
One last note. I’m subscribed to Consumer Report, and read a recent article on Total Cost of ownership. Lincoln brand comes second in the list that included the major US, European, Japanese cars.
I’m working my budget for a new Lincoln SUV, but after reading your comment it would be interesting to know why you say “ditching” :) , it would be helpful for me, and probably I could look for other alternatives in the same pricing for a luxury SUV.
Hi Ed, I’m looking for a new SUV and am considering the Corsair. I have an 2010 MKX, which I love, but will be buying another luxury SUV for me and my wife. Have been reading about Corsair Reserve and Lexus. I’m a music lover and I have experience with Revel speakers at home.
My user requirements for cars are in this order:
(1)Reliability, (2)Safety, (3) Comfort (4) Looks. Any comments and recommendations will be appreciated!