2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, maintained its classic design with minimal updates since its last redesign in 2018 and refresh in 2022. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim, giving it a sleek appearance. Inside, the cabin was predominantly black with real wood trim and chrome accents, offering an upscale feel. However, the chrome plastic on some switchgear detracted from the luxury experience. The Navigator's interior was spacious, with comfortable seating and ambient lighting that added character at night.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX boasted a modern and refined exterior with a large shield grille and rakish headlights. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but busy, with a center console filled with controls that could be overwhelming. The MDX offered several trims, including the Type-S Advance, which featured a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats. The interior was comfortable, with perforated leather upholstery and a sportier feel in the A-Spec trim. The MDX's cabin was well-appointed, but the center stack of controls was cluttered, and the shifter's button layout took some getting used to.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The Navigator's EPA fuel economy rating was 18 mpg in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 15.6 mpg. The SUV offered five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an optional Hill Climb mode. The adaptive damping suspension, however, did not provide a smooth ride, and the Navigator felt cumbersome in city driving due to its size.

The 2024 Acura MDX Type-S Advance featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It was equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The MDX offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension. The Integrated Dynamics System included multiple drive modes, such as Sport, Comfort, and Snow, allowing for a customizable driving experience. The MDX's steering was responsive, and it handled corners well for its size, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo space. The test vehicle featured Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. However, the numerous adjustments made it challenging to find the perfect seating position. The Navigator provided ample storage space throughout the cabin, and the extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space behind the third row.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive. However, the third row was smaller and best suited for children. The MDX offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Type-S Advance test vehicle featured a second-row bench with a fold-down center console and integrated cupholders. The center stack of controls was cluttered, and the shifter's button layout took some getting used to.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, understanding commands accurately. However, the wireless smartphone charger caused the phone to overheat. The Navigator also had a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its Achilles Heel, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad. The 12.3-inch display was not a touchscreen, making it unintuitive to use. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The center console had cleverly placed charging ports, but the infotainment system's design detracted from the overall experience. Acura's newer models, like the Integra, featured more intuitive touchscreen setups, highlighting the MDX's outdated system.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, offering advanced driving assistance systems like Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise. BlueCruise allowed for hands-free driving on designated highways but struggled with curves and construction zones. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree parking camera system. The 2022 MDX, which the 2024 model is based on, earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.