2020 Acura MDX vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Acura MDX had a straightforward, yet pleasing aesthetic that allowed it to fit seamlessly in various environments without drawing exaggerated attention. Its Jewel Eye LED headlights were a striking feature, contributing to both the function and upscale look of the front. The five LED elements per side enhanced its presence, complemented by a prominent Acura logo on its trapezoidal grille, creating an expressive front visage. The MDX's body was sleek and low-slung for a three-row SUV, with paint and chrome finishing that showcased Acura's meticulous attention to detail.

Internally, the MDX had a modern, no-fuss design approach. The dual infotainment screens on the center stack stood out, with an 8.0-inch LED screen for navigation over an On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD) touchscreen. This structured layout offered a highly functional interface, further enhanced by a significant command wheel at the center. The MDX's high-quality materials and superior fit and finish ensured it felt robust and well-constructed, with authoritative actuating knobs and switches adding to the satisfying tactile experience.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator extended its luxury through bold design and intricate details. Its chrome and brightwork distinguished it significantly from more mainstream SUVs. Features like the signature Lincoln Embrace lighting system and lattice-type grille with an illuminated star in the center enhanced its grand entrance look. Additional styling elements included fender vents and full-width taillights, which combined with black roof pillars to give the SUV a wrapped-in-glass appearance.

The new Reserve Monochromatic Package introduced in 2020 offered a uniquely custom look, featuring body-color grille and side mirror enhancements paired with large 22-inch black-painted wheels. The interior, laden with mid-century modern styling, included 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a spacious storage console, and a panoramic glass roof that flooded the cabin with natural light. Digital instrumentation and a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen amplified the Navigator's separation from common counterparts, drenched in luxurious materials.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two engine choices: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. Alternatively, the MDX Sport Hybrid used a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine combined with three electric motors, achieving a total output of 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with all-wheel drive.

The gasoline-only model with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) was particularly impressive. Straight-line performance was robust, with smooth acceleration. SH-AWD utilized torque-vectoring technology to enhance cornering and handling by directing power to the outer rear wheel during turns, allowing for seamless and stable maneuvers. The MDX’s four-wheel independent suspension provided comfort over varied road surfaces, making it a well-rounded vehicle for both relaxed and spirited drives.

In contrast, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator maintained a singular but powerful engine choice: a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 producing an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine surpassed the most powerful version of the Ford Expedition by 50 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it was available in rear-wheel drive or an optional four-wheel drive configuration.

The Navigator's multiple Drive Modes tailored the experience to various driving conditions and preferences, from Normal to Excite, and had additional modes like Slippery and Deep Conditions. It excelled in towing capability, with a maximum of 8,700 pounds for rear-wheel drive models and 8,300 pounds for four-wheel drive models, supported by Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Performance was vigorous with strong acceleration, though fuel economy averaged 16.4 mpg on the test loop, which was below the EPA's combined estimate of 18 mpg. While the 22-inch wheels impacted ride comfort over rough surfaces, adaptive damping suspension and excellent body motion control lent a hint of athleticism to the otherwise massive SUV.

The 2020 Acura MDX boasted flexible interior arrangements akin to those in minivans, making it an excellent choice for families. The sliding and reclining second-row seats facilitated entry and exit from the third row, also helping to juggle legroom among passengers. The MDX provided ample headroom across all three rows. Cargo space was generous, with 15.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded flat. With the second row down, the total cargo space reached 90.9 cubic feet. Additional storage included a recessed cubby hole, underfloor storage, a sizeable glove box, and various pockets and bins throughout the cabin, including tri-zone climate control for varied passenger comfort.

Conversely, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator required one to climb up into its spacious confines, where comfort was paramount. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats were exceptionally adjustable, while power-adjustable pedals and steering wheel ensured optimal driver positioning. In the second row, options included a bench or captain’s chairs with optional center console and audio controls. Triple-zone climate control came standard, enhancing passenger comfort across all rows, with heated rear seats adding to the luxury. The Navigator’s third row provided unparalleled comfort, with more legroom and thigh support than competitors.

Cargo capacity in the Navigator was class-leading, offering 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet in the standard model. The larger Navigator L expanded these figures to 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively, making it incredibly versatile for carrying passengers and cargo.

For 2020, the Acura MDX streamlined its tech features across packages, making it easier for consumers to select what they needed. Even the base MDX was well-equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text messaging, a CD/MP3 player, five USB ports, SiriusXM, and an eight-speaker audio system. The optional Technology Package added more advanced features, including navigation, GPS-linked climate control, a premium audio system, and others. The Advance Package upped the ante with additional luxuries such as the Active Damper System suspension, heated and ventilated seats, a surround-view camera, and Head-Up Warning. The Entertainment Package, added to either the Technology or Advance Package, provided a rear-seat DVD system with wireless headphones and additional speakers, cementing the MDX as family-friendly.

Conversely, the Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was regrettably slow compared to emerging Sync 4 in other new models. Despite this, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, smartphone and smartwatch connectivity, and wireless charging, making it notably robust in connectivity. "Phone As A Key" technology elevated convenience by allowing the smartphone to replace the traditional key fob. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system, part of the Luxury Package, delivered an impressive audio experience. Other features included a surround-view camera and head-up display, though it lacked the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, which included dual 10-inch displays and streaming capabilities.

The 2020 Acura MDX prioritized safety with standard AcuraWatch, a suite incorporating adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package introduced Head-Up Warning. Additional safety features included multiple airbags, stability and traction control, Trailer Stability Assist on AWD models, and sophisticated crash energy management with Acura's ACE body structure. The MDX earned top safety ratings, with the IIHS rating it "good" in crash tests and the NHTSA giving it a five-star overall rating.

In the 2020 Lincoln Navigator, the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite encompassed forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beams. Reserve trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and lane-keeping assistance functioned subtly but effectively. The Navigator's significant weight contributed to its safety in collisions, bolstered by a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a particular note about its RWD variant's rollover resistance being just three stars. The IIHS had not tested the model for 2020.