2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX pioneered the three-row luxury crossover SUV category and continually presented a blend of compact exterior aesthetics with a spacious interior. Previous models shared a platform with the Honda Pilot; however, the 2022 model stood out with a dedicated platform engineered solely for the MDX. It showcased sharper proportions, with an extended wheelbase, overall length, wider body, and track, offering a sportier and modern exterior. The increased dash-to-axle distance added an element of elegance.

Acura, known for its early adoption of LED headlights, equipped the MDX with standard Jewel Eye LED headlights underlined with linear LED daytime running lights. Larger wheels and tires were standard—19 x 8.5 inches on the base model and 20 x 9 inches on Tech trims and above—enhancing the vehicle's sporty and assertive stance. The MDX, manufactured in East Liberty, Ohio, exuded high craftsmanship quality.

The interior followed suit with a modernized, layered dashboard, delivering a spacious feel and enhanced by authentic materials like natural wood, aluminum, and leather. The quirky but intuitive control layout featured a distinct gear selection resembling a fighter jet mechanism and included a PRNDL function, a touchpad for infotainment control, a rotary dial for drive mode selection, and a prominent 12.3-inch infotainment screen mounted in landscape orientation.

Seating comfort was notable, especially in the front row, which offered extensive adjustment options and featured a beefy steering wheel with redundant controls and paddle shifters. The MDX could be customized with eight exterior colors and six interior themes.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, particularly the Black Label trim with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, brought an appealing aesthetic balancing characterful detailing without overdoing it. A Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence greeted owners after dark, enhancing the luxury feel.

Inside, Black Label models presented Chalet or Flight design themes, with our test vehicle featuring light gray premium leather upholstery. These trims included nearly all available features, such as a suede headliner and luxury floor mats, creating a generally decadent but sometimes cheap-feeling interior.

The base MSRP for the Nautilus was $44,225, with the loaded Black Label variant starting at $66,825. Our test vehicle included the Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion massage at $68,325, offering exceptional comfort for long drives.

The MDX at launch featured a single engine choice—a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Power was managed via a new 10-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive on the base and Tech trims and optional Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) with torque vectoring for improved handling. This system could allocate up to 70% of torque to the rear wheels and direct all of it to one side during cornering, enhancing control and reducing steering effort.

The suspension received notable upgrades, including a double-wishbone front setup for better handling and a revised rear multi-link suspension to improve ride quality. Larger disc brakes offered better stopping power, and improved steering feedback enhanced overall drive feel.

Driving modes including Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual allowed customization of throttle response, transmission behavior, and other dynamics. We found the MDX impressive on Michigan's roads, surpassing rivals like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90 in driving enjoyment and control.

The standard Nautilus and Reserve models featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was optional. The Black Label trim came with a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6, producing 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, offered only with AWD.

Driving modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—adjusted powertrain behavior and steering effort. We found Comfort too soft, Sports too heavy, but Normal balanced everything well. Despite dicey weather conditions, the Nautilus performed admirably on our road trip, with comfortable features like massaging seats and a heated steering wheel enhancing the experience.

Fuel efficiency varied, with the twin-turbo V6 averaging around 25 mpg on the highway. The twin-turbo engine shined in Sport mode, offering responsive power and agility on twisty roads, though steering was less engaging.

The MDX excelled in versatility as a three-row SUV with multiple functions. The first two rows offered comfort with dual bucket seats in the front and a configurable second row that could slide and recline. The third row, while tight for taller passengers, suited children well for short trips. The advanced sliding seat mechanism allowed for flexible passenger and cargo space management.

Cargo capacity ranged from 16.3 to 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 39.1 to 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 95 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. Features like “Grab ‘N Go” and hands-free power tailgate enhanced convenience.

The Nautilus Black Label offered a luxurious interior with smooth leather, ambient lighting, and noise control features. Front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable even for long trips, while heated and ventilated options provided additional comfort.

Rear passengers enjoyed heated seats and quality materials, although legroom felt cramped for a midsize SUV. Storage space in the cabin was functional, with the cargo area providing 37.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 68.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, less than the MDX.

Tech features included the top-tier ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System on higher trims, offering 16 speakers and 710 watts of power. The MDX also had a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel. Built-in Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Qi wireless charging, and optional features like CabinTalk and a head-up display added to the high-tech experience.

The Nautilus featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen with the latest Sync 4 software, allowing over-the-air updates and incorporating wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Black Label included a 19-speaker Revel audio system, and tech features such as Phone as a Key provided additional convenience.

While crash-test ratings weren't yet available, Acura targeted top safety marks based on previous model ratings. Features included advanced high-strength steel construction, a low-speed braking control system, and the AcuraWatch suite of safety technologies, covering collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and more.

The Nautilus boasted Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Black Label trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assist, and a semi-autonomous parking system. NHTSA awarded the Nautilus a five-star overall safety rating.