2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Acura MDX was well-regarded for its appearance as a sleek and stylish crossover SUV, though it didn’t stand out as particularly groundbreaking. It blended seamlessly into its surrounding environment, neither garnering significant attention nor shaming its owner. Its design was generally well-received with Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights enhancing both function and aesthetics. The five LED elements per side, along with a trapezoidal grille featuring a prominent Acura logo, gave the MDX a rich and expressive front look.

The MDX had a low-slung, streamlined profile with meticulously applied paint and chrome, maintaining Acura’s reputation for flawless finishes. Inside, its modern, minimalist interior—void of excessive padding and stitching—featured a notable center stack with dual infotainment screens and an array of user-friendly controls. The interior materials exuded high quality, and the superior fit and finish ensured everything felt solid and well-crafted.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator resonated with those seeking elegance and grandeur in a luxury SUV. Breaking from its roots as a dressed-up Ford Expedition, the Navigator was distinctive and upscale. The elegant design included simple rectangular shapes defining the grille, windows, and LED headlight structure. The Monochromatic Package added refined touches, with a Pristine White exterior and illuminated Lincoln logo making it a standout even in winter conditions. The Navigator also featured a light show when locking or unlocking, adding to its premium feel.

Inside, the Navigator impressed with seven stylish color palettes and sophisticated design elements like wood trim layered behind the infotainment touchscreen. The minimalistic yet luxurious interior featured a floating center console, chromed switches, and digital instrument panel. Premium materials and tight panel gaps were evident, and higher trims like the Black Label added luxurious textures and softer leathers. The Perfect Position seats in the Navigator, which could adjust in 30 different ways, added a sense of bespoke comfort and luxury, positioning the Navigator as a commanding yet refined vehicle in its class.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid variant combining a 3.0-liter V6 engine with three electric motors to deliver a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid employed a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The MDX with Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) showcased impressive straight-line performance, smooth acceleration, and nimble handling, particularly excelling in cornering maneuvers owing to its torque-vectoring technology. The ride was further enhanced by a four-wheel independent suspension that comfortably absorbed road imperfections.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a robust twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, shared with the Ford Raptor, producing a formidable 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator was surprisingly agile despite its size, delivering swift response and impressive power. It featured a choice between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with the latter providing smoother transitions and superior towing capabilities—8,300 pounds for 4WD and 8,700 pounds for RWD models.

Despite its mighty performance, the Navigator had fuel economy averages in the teens, reflecting its powerful engine's demands. The ride was generally smooth, thanks to adaptive dampers, but the suspension wasn't as refined as the Cadillac Escalade's magnetic shocks and air springs. The Navigator's steering and brakes felt less precise compared to the Escalade, though it excelled in highway refinement and cruising comfort. Paddle shifters added a touch of sportiness with their quick reaction times and rev-matched downshifts, making the Navigator powerful and plush on long journeys.

Three-row SUVs like the 2020 Acura MDX were favored by families, offering innovative features inherited from minivans. The MDX's sliding and reclining second-row seats facilitated access to the third row and allowed for adaptable legroom distribution. It provided good headroom across all rows and offered 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 43.4 and 90.9 cubic feet by folding the second and third rows respectively. Additional storage solutions included a recessed cubby hole, covered underfloor space, and ample compartments and cupholders throughout the cabin. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers, making the MDX a practical yet stylish alternative to minivans.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, with its expansive interior space, could comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers with its bench seat option. Designed like a small box, the Navigator provided 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 103 cubic feet with all rows folded. Opting for the long-wheelbase Navigator L increased these capacities to 34, 73, and 120 cubic feet respectively. The Navigator featured rear glass that opened separately from the tailgate for added convenience. Second-row passengers enjoyed heated seats and a tri-zone climate system, with options for console controls similar to the front, although it lacked certain features like electric reclining and cooling/massage functions. The front seats offered unparalleled comfort with extensive adjustments and massage programs, making them some of the most luxurious in the segment.

The base 2020 Acura MDX came well-equipped with Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text messaging, a CD/MP3 player, five USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system. To access more advanced features, buyers could opt for the Technology Package, which added navigation, rain-sensing wipers, parking sensors, and an enhanced 10-speaker audio system. The Advance Package further included an active damper system, surround-view camera, and additional heating options for seats. The Entertainment Package introduced a rear-seat entertainment system with either a 9.0-inch or 16.2-inch screen, depending on the other packages selected, making the MDX a tech-savvy choice for families.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, although technologically advanced, showed its age with a 10-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to newer systems. While not as visually impressive as the Cadillac Escalade's advanced displays, the Navigator's infotainment system was intuitive and user-friendly. It lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it included onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a host of remote app functions. The rear entertainment system supported Roku and other media inputs. Despite some outdated aspects, the Navigator still offered a comprehensive suite of features that catered to modern connectivity needs.

The 2020 Acura MDX came standard with AcuraWatch, a suite of advanced safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional safety equipment in higher packages included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera. The MDX also featured a sophisticated body structure designed to absorb and dissipate crash energy. It received top ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a highly safe option for families.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was tested by the NHTSA and received five stars overall, though its rollover resistance ratings varied by drivetrain. While the IIHS had not tested the current generation Navigator, it offered advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring as standard. Optional inflatable rear seat belts added another layer of safety for second-row passengers. Adaptive cruise control was available, though it lacked the advanced lane-keeping capabilities found in some competitors.