2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Acura RDX presented subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. These updates included modifications to the grille surround and front and rear bumper styling, along with new wheel designs and paint colours. The limited-production RDX PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, named after Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup offered various trims, with the A-Spec Platinum Elite package priced at $60,375, including destination charges. The RDX A-Spec Platinum Elite justified its cost with high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin, although some design elements like the vertical air inlets were less appealing.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its design from the previous year, with no significant updates. As Lincoln's largest SUV, it offered a single trim level in Canada, the Navigator Reserve, featuring standard four-wheel drive. Our test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve, included the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. Despite its impressive appearance, the Navigator's size proved challenging in urban environments. The interior, predominantly black with real wood trim and chrome accents, exuded luxury, although some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the overall feel. The ambient lighting added character, but the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, with a truck-like feel over smaller bumps.

The 2022 Acura RDX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, delivering 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, provided an engaging driving experience. The RDX's fuel consumption was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres, but our tests averaged 11.4 L/100 km. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension enhanced the RDX's ride quality, offering distinct driving modes for comfort and sportiness. Despite its dynamic capabilities, the RDX did not qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, leaving driving enthusiasts to consider German alternatives.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD, the Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 13.2 L/100 km, but our tests averaged 15.0 L/100 km. The Navigator offered five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an optional Hill Climb mode. The adaptive damping suspension, equipped with Road Preview, struggled to deliver a smooth ride, especially with the 22-inch wheels. In Excite mode, the Navigator's performance improved, but fuel efficiency suffered. The SUV's size and weight posed challenges in urban settings and on mountain roads, affecting braking performance.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, provided ample space for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the cabin's openness. The interior featured a sporty design, with a unique control layout that included the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. The RDX's front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation and heating. However, the rear seats lacked comfort, prioritizing a flat cargo load floor when folded. The RDX offered 835 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats down.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo capacity. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Despite their comfort, the seats offered too many adjustments, leading to frequent readjustments. The Navigator's storage solutions were generous, with ample space for passengers and cargo. The long-wheelbase Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, accommodating larger loads with ease.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which paired a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. While the TTI offered a direct one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and screen, it was more complex than traditional touchscreens. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Three premium sound systems were available, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system offering 16 speakers. The A-Spec Platinum Elite trim included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator boasted a range of digital displays, including a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system featured Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Alexa Built-in. The Navigator's digital assistant excelled in voice recognition, while the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality. The Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology allowed owners to unlock, start, and drive the SUV using a digital key. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, however, went unused by our teenage passengers.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, maintaining its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system and enhancements to the AcuraWatch suite, such as forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems were mostly accurate but not as refined as some competitors. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Unique ADAS features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. BlueCruise, however, struggled with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones, requiring driver intervention. The NHTSA provided a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating for the Navigator, but a full crashworthiness assessment was unavailable.