The midsize SUV market is highly competitive, with automakers constantly refining their offerings to meet consumer demands. In this comparison, we’ll pit two SUV contenders against each other: the sporty Ford Edge ST and the luxurious Lincoln Nautilus Reserve. Both vehicles share some DNA, as Lincoln is the Ford luxury division, but each has its unique characteristics. Let’s break down the key differences across various categories.
Exterior Design
Ford Edge ST:
- Sporty and aggressive styling
- Blacked-out grille with ST badging
- 21-inch gloss black-painted aluminum wheels
- Performance-inspired body kit with unique front and rear fascias
- Available black roof option for a more dramatic look
Lincoln Nautilus Reserve:
- Elegant and refined exterior design
- Signature Lincoln grille with chrome accents
- 20-inch bright-machined aluminum wheels with premium painted pockets
- Sleek body lines emphasizing luxury over sportiness
- Panoramic Vista Roof® as a standard feature
Interior and Comfort
Ford Edge ST:
- Sport-styled interior with ST-specific accents
- Leather-trimmed seats with City Silver stitching and embossed ST logo
- 10-way power driver’s seat with memory feature
- Heated and cooled front seats
- Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control
Lincoln Nautilus Reserve:
- Premium leather-trimmed seats with Lincoln Soft Touch seating surfaces
- 24-way Perfect Position front seats with massage function
- Ambient lighting with multiple colour choices
- Genuine wood trim accents
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
Technology and Infotainment
Ford Edge ST:
- 12-inch center stack touchscreen with SYNC 4A
- 12-inch digital instrument cluster
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with 12 speakers
- FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability
Lincoln Nautilus Reserve:
- Class-leading 48-inch panoramic display spanning the entire dashboard
- Lincoln Digital Experience with advanced voice recognition
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Revel® audio system with 19 speakers
- Lincoln Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability
Performance and Powertrain
Ford Edge ST:
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine
- 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque
- 7-speed automatic transmission
- Standard all-wheel drive (AWD)
- Sport-tuned suspension for enhanced handling
Lincoln Nautilus Reserve:
- 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine
- 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Available Intelligent AWD
- Adaptive suspension with multiple drive modes
Fuel Economy (estimated)
Ford Edge ST:
- City: 11.2 L/100 km
- Highway: 8.1 L/100 km
- Combined: 9.8 L/100 km
Lincoln Nautilus Reserve:
- City: 11.2 L/100 km (with standard FWD)
- Highway: 8.1 L/100 km (with standard FWD)
- Combined: 9.8 L/100 km (with standard FWD)
- Hybrid option: 7.9 L/100 km city / 7.6 L/100 km highway / 7.7 L/100 km combined
Safety Features
Ford Edge ST:
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ Technology
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane-Keeping System
- Auto High-Beam Headlamps
- Rear View Camera with Washer
Lincoln Nautilus Reserve:
- Lincoln Co-Pilot360™ Plus
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering
- Evasive Steering Assist
- Reverse Brake Assist
- Active Park Assist Plus
- 360-Degree Camera with Split-View Display
Cargo Space
Ford Edge ST:
- Behind first row: 2,078 liters
- Behind second row: 1,110 liters
Lincoln Nautilus Reserve:
- Behind first row: 1,948 liters
- Behind second row: 1,055 liters
Towing Capacity
Ford Edge ST:
- Maximum towing capacity: 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs) when properly equipped
Lincoln Nautilus Reserve:
- Maximum towing capacity: 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs) when properly equipped
Warranty Coverage
Ford Edge ST:
- Basic warranty: 3 years/60,000 km
- Powertrain warranty: 5 years/100,000 km
- Corrosion perforation warranty: 5 years/unlimited km
Lincoln Nautilus Reserve:
- Basic warranty: 4 years/80,000 km
- Powertrain warranty: 6 years/110,000 km
- Corrosion perforation warranty: 5 years/unlimited km
Unique Features
Ford Edge ST:
- ST-tuned sport suspension
- Performance Brake Package with vented front and rear disc brakes
- SelectShift® paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience
- Available Performance Brake Package with front and rear vented disc brakes
- Ford Performance-tuned suspension
Lincoln Nautilus Reserve:
- Available hybrid powertrain option
- Digital Scent system for customizable interior fragrances
- Phone As A Key technology
- Lincoln Way app for remote vehicle control and monitoring
- Available Ultra Comfort front seats with 24-way adjustability
Target Audience
Ford Edge ST:
- Performance enthusiasts seeking a sporty midsize SUV
- Drivers who prioritize handling and power
- Those who want a balance of practicality and performance
- Buyers looking for a more affordable performance-oriented option
Lincoln Nautilus Reserve:
- Luxury SUV buyers who prioritize comfort and technology
- Those seeking a quiet, refined driving experience
- Consumers who value advanced infotainment and driver assistance features
- Buyers looking for a premium American alternative to European luxury SUVs
Driving Experience
Ford Edge ST:
- Sport-tuned suspension for responsive handling
- Quicker acceleration due to higher horsepower
- Firmer ride quality focused on performance
- More engaging driving dynamics with paddle shifters
- Enhanced exhaust note for a sportier sound
Lincoln Nautilus Reserve:
- Smooth and quiet ride prioritizing comfort
- Adaptive suspension for a balance of comfort and handling
- More relaxed acceleration with focus on refinement
- Emphasis on noise isolation and vibration reduction
- Available hybrid powertrain for improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation
Interior Materials and Build Quality
Ford Edge ST:
- High-quality materials with a focus on durability
- Sport-inspired touches like carbon fiber-look trim
- Leather upholstery with contrast stitching
- Soft-touch surfaces in key areas
- ST-branded elements throughout the cabin
Lincoln Nautilus Reserve:
- Premium materials throughout, including genuine wood and aluminum accents
- Hand-wrapped leather surfaces
- Acoustic laminated glass for enhanced sound insulation
- Attention to detail with precisely fitted panels
- Ambient lighting integrated into various interior elements
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Ford Edge ST:
- Available Ford BlueCruise for hands-free highway driving
- Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
- Lane Centering
- Speed Sign Recognition
- Evasive Steering Assist
Lincoln Nautilus Reserve:
- Lincoln ActiveGlide (the Lincoln version of BlueCruise) for hands-free highway driving
- Enhanced Active Park Assist
- Reverse Brake Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering
- Traffic Jam Assist
Connectivity and Smartphone Integration
Ford Edge ST:
- SYNC 4A with enhanced voice recognition
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- FordPass Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- Available wireless charging pad
- Over-the-air update capability for future enhancements
Lincoln Nautilus Reserve:
- Lincoln Digital Experience with advanced natural language processing
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Lincoln Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- Standard wireless charging pad
- Over-the-air update capability for future enhancements and personalization
2025 Ford Edge ST or the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve?
The Ford Edge ST and Lincoln Nautilus Reserve cater to different segments of the midsize SUV market. The Edge ST focuses on performance and sporty driving dynamics, appealing to enthusiasts who want a more engaging driving experience without sacrificing utility. It offers robust power, sport-tuned suspension, and performance-oriented features at a relatively more accessible price point.
On the other hand, the Lincoln Nautilus Reserve emphasizes luxury, comfort, and advanced technology. With its premium materials, cutting-edge infotainment system, and focus on a quiet, refined ride, it targets buyers looking for a more upscale and relaxing driving experience. The Nautilus also offers a hybrid powertrain option, catering to those prioritizing fuel efficiency without compromising on luxury.
Both vehicles showcase the Ford Motor Company commitment to innovation, with advanced driver assistance systems, connectivity features, and modern infotainment options. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preferences: those seeking performance and a more engaging drive will lean towards the Ford Edge ST, while buyers prioritizing luxury, comfort, and the latest technology may find the Lincoln Nautilus Reserve more appealing.
