2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a striking departure from its predecessors, which often resembled dressed-up Ford Expeditions. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, such as side glass and the general shape of the rear seats, the Navigator stood out with its unique design and luxurious feel. Its elegant and understated styling was a feat for a vehicle of its size, featuring simple rectilinear shapes and a few chrome accents that added a touch of class. The interior was equally impressive, offering seven colour palettes and a modern, muted design with high-quality materials and tight panel gaps. The Perfect Position seats were a highlight, offering 30 different adjustments for ultimate comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura MDX was built on a new dedicated platform, giving it a sportier and more assertive exterior design. The longer wheelbase and wider body contributed to its modern look, complemented by standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels. Inside, the MDX featured a layered dashboard that emphasized cabin width and authentic materials like natural wood and genuine aluminum. The layout of controls was unique but intuitive, with a centre console housing a fighter jet-inspired gear selector and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The MDX's interior was designed for comfort and functionality, with a solid, quality feel that matched its luxury status.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, provided impressive acceleration and a smooth driving experience. However, its fuel efficiency was less than stellar, averaging in the double digits. The Navigator's adaptive dampers offered a decent ride, but its suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. Despite some shortcomings in steering and braking precision, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system enhanced cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension upgrades, including a double-wishbone front setup, improved ride quality and handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity contributed to a solid ride feel, while the transmission worked seamlessly with the engine. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor performance to their preferences. During test drives, the MDX impressed with its handling and highway cruising capabilities.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, accommodating up to eight passengers with its boxy design. The cargo capacity was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres with seats folded. The Navigator's front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage programs. However, the second-row seats lacked electric reclining and cooling options. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2022 Acura MDX provided comfortable seating for the first two rows, with a flexible second row that could slide and recline. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers. The MDX offered between 461 and 512 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 2,690 litres with seats folded. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access. Interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes to choose from, enhancing the cabin's ambiance.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat dated, with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. However, the software was intuitive, and features like wireless device charging and smartphone ignition key were available. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming, and drive mode animations added a touch of flair.

The 2022 Acura MDX boasted impressive tech features, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, offering configurability and built-in Amazon Alexa. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Qi-compatible wireless charging, were included. The MDX also featured a head-up display, HD rearview camera, and over-the-air software updates.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, but adaptive cruise control was optional. The Navigator lacked knee airbags and had optional inflatable rear seat belts.

The 2022 Acura MDX was rated as a "Top Safety Pick +" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, and a low-speed braking control system was included. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, offering comprehensive driver assistance technologies.