Is the Cadillac XT6 more reliable than the Lincoln Nautilus?

Based on our data, the Cadillac XT6 is more reliable with an average score of 73/100 compared to 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Cadillac XT6 or the Lincoln Nautilus?

The Lincoln Nautilus has more recalls (33) compared to the Cadillac XT6 (14). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Cadillac XT6 or the Lincoln Nautilus?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Cadillac XT6 has a lower complaint rate at 0.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 10.8 for the Lincoln Nautilus. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-07-26

Cadillac XT6 vs Lincoln Nautilus: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Cadillac XT6

Good

Lincoln Nautilus

Good

Choosing between the Cadillac XT6 and the Lincoln Nautilus? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Cadillac XT6 currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 72/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Nautilus Generations Compare?

As of mid-2026, the Lincoln Nautilus is in its second generation, introduced in 2024 as the CDX707. The previous first generation ran from 2019 to 2023, with a significant refresh in 2021. This newer platform might still be ironing out initial issues typically seen in early model years, whereas the first generation had matured over its lifecycle, potentially offering more reliability. In contrast, the Cadillac XT6 remains in its first generation, introduced in 2020 and continuing through 2025. Being later in its generation cycle, the XT6 has likely benefited from several years of refinements, often resulting in improved reliability compared to newer models.

Verdict

The Cadillac XT6 is more reliable than the Lincoln Nautilus, scoring 73/100 vs 72/100.

The Cadillac XT6 edges out the Lincoln Nautilus in reliability with an average score of 73/100 compared to Nautilus’s 72/100. A significant differentiator is the XT6's lower owner complaint rate of 0.9 per 10,000 units, vastly outperforming the Nautilus’s 10.8. Additionally, the XT6 has had only 14 recalls over seven years versus the Nautilus’s 33 across eight years. Despite the XT6's estimated annual repair cost of $783, its track record suggests a more dependable choice for midsize SUV buyers.

Key Differences

1Cadillac XT6 has 19 fewer total recalls
2Cadillac XT6 has 9.9 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Cadillac XT6 scores 1 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

3Cadillac XT6

—

0Lincoln Nautilus

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Cadillac XT6 vs Lincoln Nautilus: Which Is More Reliable?

Cadillac XT6 vs Lincoln Nautilus at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Cadillac XT6	Lincoln Nautilus
Reliability Score	73/100	72/100
Years Tracked	7	8
Total Recalls	14	33
Complaints per 10k Sold	0.9	10.8
Year Wins	3 (2 tied)	2 (2 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the Cadillac XT6 and Lincoln Nautilus?

The Lincoln Nautilus exhibits a higher overall complaint count compared to the Cadillac XT6, with notable issues in the power train and electrical system, both of which have one crash-linked complaint each. The Nautilus also presents a broader distribution of problems across categories like steering, structure, and engine, although these have fewer complaints. Conversely, the Cadillac XT6 has fewer total complaints, with its highest reports in power train and electrical system but without any crash-linkage in these areas. The XT6's back over prevention system shares a crash-linked complaint with the Nautilus, highlighting a common safety concern.

Cadillac XT6 vs Lincoln Nautilus common problem areas comparison
Component	Cadillac XT6	Lincoln Nautilus
POWER TRAIN	0.2Very Low	2.6Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.1Very Low	1.8Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.1Very Low	1.3Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	0.1Very Low	0.4Very Low
STEERING	—None	0.5Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	—None	0.4Very Low
ENGINE	—None	0.4Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	0.4Very Low
SEAT BELTS	—None	0.3Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	0.2Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	0.2Very Low
WHEELS	—None	0.2Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	0.1Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY	—None	0.1Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—None	0.1Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	—None	0.1Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Cadillac XT6 or Lincoln Nautilus?

The Cadillac XT6 has an annual repair cost of $783, which translates to approximately $3,915 over five years. Unfortunately, the Lincoln Nautilus lacks specific data regarding annual repair costs, repair frequency, and major repair risk, making direct comparisons challenging. However, the known cost for the XT6 provides a baseline for evaluating potential expenses. For cost-conscious buyers, the XT6 offers a clearer picture of expected maintenance expenses, though it's essential to consider that unknowns in the Nautilus's data could result in either lower or higher costs. Without detailed repair frequency and risk data for either model, the XT6 currently stands as the more transparent choice for budget planning.

How Does Cadillac XT6 vs Lincoln Nautilus Reliability Compare by Year?

Cadillac XT6 vs Lincoln Nautilus year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Cadillac XT6	Lincoln Nautilus	Edge
2026	76/1000R / 0C	82/1000R / 7C	Lincoln Nautilus
2025	74/1001R / 8C	72/1006R / 20C	Cadillac XT6
2024	73/1002R / 14C	71/1007R / 19C	Cadillac XT6
2023	73/1002R / 13C	73/1003R / 6C	Tie
2022	72/1003R / 14C	73/1002R / 8C	Lincoln Nautilus
2021	73/1002R / 18C	73/1002R / 18C	Tie
2020	72/1004R / 36C	69/1005R / 32C	Cadillac XT6

Best years to cross-shop: The 2026 Cadillac XT6 scored 76/100 and the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus scored 82/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Cadillac XT6 vs the Lincoln Nautilus?

If you prioritize a lower number of recalls and owner complaints, the Cadillac XT6 might be the better option for you. With a reliability score of 73/100, it boasts just 14 total recalls and a remarkably low 0.9 complaints per 10,000 sold. Additionally, the independent repair cost estimate is $783 annually, which can help you plan your budget with more certainty. This model is ideal if you seek peace of mind regarding potential issues. On the other hand, if you're drawn to the Lincoln brand and can accommodate a slightly higher risk of recalls and complaints, the Lincoln Nautilus could still be a viable choice. With a reliability score of 72/100, it has 33 recalls and 10.8 complaints per 10,000 sold. While it has more reported issues, those who value the Nautilus's design and features may find it worth considering.

Cadillac XT6 vs Lincoln Nautilus: Common Questions

Is the Cadillac XT6 more reliable than the Lincoln Nautilus?: Based on our data, the Cadillac XT6 is more reliable with an average score of 73/100 compared to 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Cadillac XT6 or the Lincoln Nautilus?: The Lincoln Nautilus has more recalls (33) compared to the Cadillac XT6 (14). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Cadillac XT6 or the Lincoln Nautilus?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Cadillac XT6 has a lower complaint rate at 0.9 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 10.8 for the Lincoln Nautilus. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Cadillac XT6 comparisons

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More Lincoln Nautilus comparisons

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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