2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Acura MDX

Lincoln made subtle styling changes to the 2022 Navigator, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design now standard. The front end received a restyle, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced the SUV's elegance and presence. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were generally well-received, with the interior continuing to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a unique touch, resembling a twilight sky. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display also enhanced the Navigator's tech appeal.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The Type S had a subtle design, with chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights, and 21-inch wheels. The interior boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls challenging to use. The MDX Type S aimed to be a performance-oriented luxury SUV but fell short in some areas, such as seat comfort and storage space.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved ride quality, and the new electronic brake booster enhanced brake pedal feel. The Navigator handled various driving conditions well, including snow and mud, thanks to its 9.7 inches of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. Fuel economy for the 4WD model was 18 mpg in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 18.6 mpg.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters powered all four wheels through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The MDX Type S had an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades did not create a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal response was inconsistent. Fuel economy was disappointing, with the MDX Type S averaging 16.9 mpg, below the EPA rating of 19 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior featured exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage, making long trips enjoyable. The third-row seat provided ample space and comfort, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more cargo space.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, with the option to remove the center section of the second-row seat for easier third-row access. The Type S Advance trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and did not hold occupants in place well during spirited driving. The second-row seat was comfortable but did not provide as much legroom as expected. The third-row seat was best suited for children. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage space, with limited storage options in the center console. Cargo space was decent, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a user-friendly interface and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system included physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV provided access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Acura MDX's Digital Precision Cockpit included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The TTI design was not user-friendly and reduced storage space. The MDX featured wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) with navigation instructions and driving assistance status.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system was also newly standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous, hands-free driving technology, performed well within its operational limits but required constant driver attention. The Navigator's safety features aimed to enhance driving convenience and safety.

The 2023 Acura MDX included the Acura Watch suite of safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also had a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.