2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Acura MDX

When shopping for a new 2023 Acura MDX, buyers found both standard and Type S versions, each with trim packages that increased the amount of equipment. The standard MDX came in a base level with available Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the MDX Type S was offered in standard spec or with an Advance package. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a destination charge of $1,195.

The test vehicle arrived in Type S Advance trim with extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid (white) interior. The MSRP came to $74,995. With a price that high, Acura set a different expectation for quality, luxury, and driving dynamism, and in some respects, it missed the mark. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, and the S could stand for subtle. The Type S featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and minor front styling modifications. A panoramic sunroof was standard for all MDX models, and most featured Iconic Drive ambient lighting themes. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard.

Lincoln had not yet transformed the Navigator into an electric SUV, but the current fourth-generation Navigator rolled into 2023 without significant updates. The test vehicle was a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, one step up from the Standard trim and one step down from Black Label. It featured the Monochromatic Package, which included black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The MSRP for the test vehicle was $104,715, including a $1,695 destination charge. The Navigator Reserve’s cabin looked upscale and used quality materials, but in some cases, the chrome plastic on the switchgear failed to convey luxury.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was unique due to its engine. It employed a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, increases of 65 hp and 87 lb-ft over the standard 3.5-liter V6. However, the Type S also weighed 285 pounds more than the lightest standard MDX with all-wheel drive (AWD). The twin-scroll turbo V6 engine used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters to power all four wheels through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). An Integrated Dynamics System provided Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes. The MDX Type S had an exclusive Lift mode that increased ground clearance from the standard 7.3 inches to 9.4 inches.

The MDX Type S struggled as a driver's SUV when heading across the Santa Monica Mountains. In Sport mode, the transmission was sometimes confused, resulting in unexpected behavior. Using the paddle shifters was unrewarding. Switching to Sport+ mode resolved drivetrain issues to a large degree, but fuel economy dropped to 14.1 mpg. The Type S had exclusive Electro-Servo brakes, which meant the pedal electronically activated the hydraulic mechanical braking system. However, the actuator wasn't as adept at its job as it should be, releasing the brakes sooner than the driver intended. The MDX Type S lacked the sense of cohesion that defines the best driver's vehicles.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, supplying 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The test vehicle carried an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg in combined driving, averaging 15.6 mpg on the Southern California testing loop. Drivers could choose between five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. An adaptive damping suspension was also standard. In Normal mode, the Navigator’s ride was not agreeable, riding like a truck over smaller and sharper cracks and bumps. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, solving most ride complaints while quickening the powertrain’s pulse. However, Excite mode had a detrimental effect on fuel efficiency.

The Navigator felt smaller while driving on mountain roads, with excellent outward visibility and impressive grip from the big wheels and wide tires. However, the steering was relatively slow and lifeless, and the SUV’s nearly three-ton curb weight proved challenging to the brakes. In the city and suburbs, the Navigator’s size proved a liability, making it difficult to navigate tight spaces.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with a choice of two or three second-row seating positions, plus a cargo area with lots of usable floor space. The test vehicle had all available upgrades, including a triple-zone automatic climate control system and 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. Seven-passenger seating was standard, with a removable center section in the second-row seat. The second-row seat slid forward and back to make more space for third-row passengers. The third row was best for carrying children. The MDX had a decent amount of cargo floor space and a sizable well underneath the reversible load floor panel. Behind the third-row seat, the MDX could carry 18.1 cubic feet of cargo space, with a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator demonstrated functionality with roomy seats in all three rows, an available extended body style, and a cavernous cargo area. Power-deploying running boards made it easier to climb into and out of the Navigator’s cabin. The test vehicle had Lincoln’s 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain’s chairs provided a pass-through to the third-row seat, where even taller and larger adults would be comfortable. Storage space was generous throughout the Navigator, with large and small trays for passengers. The extended-length Navigator L model provided substantially more cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 73.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 120.2 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The infotainment screen was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) located on the center console. The TTI design robbed the center console of space that could contain more storage. The MDX featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, SiriusXM satellite radio, a native navigation system, and AcuraLink connected services. The test vehicle had the top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D high-end audio system with 25 speakers. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD).

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator had a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an available widescreen head-up display, a dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system, and a control screen mounted on the back of the center console. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services with access to a Wi-Fi hotspot, a navigation system with an enhanced voice recognition system, and Alexa Built-in. The test vehicle had a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System. Through the Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology, Navigator owners could unlock, start, and drive the SUV using a digital key.

The 2023 Acura MDX included Acura Watch, a collection of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. Safety features included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed following capability, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also had a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert. Certain trim packages added front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX had good crash-test ratings, with the IIHS calling it a Top Safety Pick+ and the NHTSA giving it an overall five-star rating.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator had a long list of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) bundled in the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and available Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages. The test vehicle had both collections, including Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise. BlueCruise was a hands-free driving assist system that worked on approximately 130,000 miles of North American highways. The Navigator had a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.