VS
At a Glance
Power
518hp @ 6500
250hp @ 5500
Torque
461lb-ft @ 2500
280lb-ft @ 3000
Towing
8200lbs
1750lbs
Engine
5.0 L/305cc
2.0 L/122cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the Lincoln Nautilus is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 518hp @ 6500 while the Lincoln Nautilus produces 250hp @ 5500. Pricing starts at $63,500 for the Defender and $53,995 for the Nautilus. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
518hp @ 6500
250hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
461lb-ft @ 2500
280lb-ft @ 3000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5.0 L/305cc
2.0 L/122cc
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Supercharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
—
21mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
—
29mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
23.8gal
20gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
197.5in
193.2in
Width (in)
79.1in
79.8in
Height (in)
77.4in
68.2in
Wheelbase (in)
119in
114.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5735lbs
4349lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
8200lbs
1750lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Nautilus
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
Higher towing capacity (8200lbs)
Higher starting price
Lincoln Nautilus
Lower starting price ($53,995)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Defender or Nautilus?
The Defender produces 518hp @ 6500 and 461lb-ft @ 2500 of torque while the Nautilus delivers 250hp @ 5500 and 280lb-ft @ 3000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Defender and Nautilus?
The Defender starts from $63,500 and the Nautilus from $53,995. The Nautilus is cheaper by $9,505 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Defender or Nautilus?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 8200lbs and the Nautilus can tow 1750lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the Nautilus?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.