2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet subtle design, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model was equipped with chicane-design LED running lights, taillights, and LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The exterior featured minor front styling modifications and muted badges, complemented by 21-inch wheels and quad exhaust outlets framing a rear diffuser panel. Inside, the MDX Type S boasted a panoramic moonroof, quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it challenging to use certain controls, and the electronic transmission switchgear was occasionally confusing.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its imposing presence with a triple-black Reserve model featuring the Monochromatic Package, which added black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. The Navigator's interior was all black, accented with real wood trim panels and chrome accents. The ambient lighting from the 201A package added character to the cabin. Despite its upscale appearance and quality materials, the chrome plastic on the switchgear sometimes failed to convey the luxury expected from a vehicle of this calibre. The Navigator's design remained largely unchanged since its last redesign in 2018, with no significant updates for 2023.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a notable increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed 130 kilograms more than the lightest standard MDX with AWD. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Despite the performance enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, and the ride lacked compliance, with squealing tires and poor brake pedal modulation. The fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, falling short of the official rating.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre 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 fuel economy was rated at 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving, but it averaged 15.0 L/100 km during testing. The Navigator offered five drive modes, including Excite, which improved the ride quality and powertrain response but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. Despite its size, the Navigator felt smaller on mountain roads, thanks to excellent outward visibility and impressive grip from its large wheels and tires. However, the steering was slow and lifeless, and the brakes struggled with the SUV's weight.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, with the option for two or three second-row seating positions. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and didn't hold occupants in place as well as expected. The second-row seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating available in Canada. The third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The MDX provided a decent amount of cargo space, with 461 litres behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded flat.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and a cavernous cargo area. The test vehicle featured 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, where even taller adults could sit comfortably. Storage space was generous throughout the cabin, and the Navigator L model offered even more cargo space, with up to 3,403 litres available with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. The TTI design was not intuitive, and the lack of a touchscreen was a drawback. The MDX offered Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality. A 10.5-inch head-up display was available with the Platinum Elite and Type S Ultra packages.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured 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 included Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, understanding and responding to commands accurately. The Navigator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered lush sound throughout the cabin. Lincoln Play installed two touchscreens for rear-seat passengers, but they were largely ignored in favour of personal devices.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the MDX experienced a concerning issue during testing when it mistook an overhead exit sign for an obstacle and momentarily braked.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The Navigator also featured BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system for designated highways. However, BlueCruise struggled with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.