2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a blend of luxury and performance, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model was characterized by its subtle yet sophisticated design, featuring chicane-design LED lights and a panoramic moonroof. The interior boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, although some design choices, like the gloss black plastic and electronic transmission switchgear, were less user-friendly. Despite its high price, the MDX Type S aimed to deliver a premium experience, though it occasionally fell short in terms of quality and driving dynamics.

In contrast, the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve trim showcased a more streamlined and sophisticated exterior, with a striking grille and LED lighting that illuminated the Lincoln star logo. The interior was a highlight, featuring high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and a full-width screen that served as the centrepiece. The Nautilus offered a luxurious and comfortable cabin experience, with the option for a Jet Appearance Package to enhance its aesthetic appeal. The design choices, both inside and out, pointed to a promising new direction for Lincoln.

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 significant increase over the standard MDX's 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed more, which affected its performance. The vehicle featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which provided impressive torque distribution. However, the performance enhancements did not always work harmoniously, leading to issues like an indecisive transmission and poor brake modulation. The MDX Type S struggled with fuel efficiency, averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, and its driving dynamics were not as cohesive as expected.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking more power, a hybrid option was available, offering 310 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with a combined fuel consumption of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres. The Nautilus featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with an adaptive suspension available for enhanced performance. While not a driver's car, the Nautilus provided a smooth and comfortable ride, with the hybrid setup offering a good balance of power and efficiency.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a versatile interior with three rows of seats and a spacious cargo area. The Type S Ultra trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, though the seats were firm and lacked the expected support for spirited driving. The second-row seats were adjustable, but the third row was best suited for children. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage, with limited space for small items. However, the cargo area was practical, with a hands-free liftgate and ample space for luggage and groceries.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus provided a luxurious interior with power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, including the 24-way Perfect Position seats with massage and extended heating functions. The rear seats offered generous legroom, making them comfortable for taller passengers. The Nautilus featured the Rejuvenate function, combining massage, lighting, and screen images for relaxation. Cargo space was ample, with 997 litres behind the second row and 1,947 litres with the seats folded down. The Nautilus was limited to five-passenger seating, but it offered more cargo space than some competitors with three rows.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display, but the lack of a touchscreen was a drawback. The True Touchpad Interface (TTI) required a learning curve and took up valuable console space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, but the native voice recognition system was frustrating. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system delivered excellent sound quality, and a head-up display provided useful driving information.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a stunning 48-inch curved display, with customizable sections for various information. A smaller 11.1-inch touchscreen handled infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. While the HVAC controls were easily accessible, adjusting the vents required navigating menus, which was distracting. The Nautilus included Google Maps, Alexa Built-In, and over-the-air updates, with standard wireless charging and multiple USB ports.

The 2023 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the lane departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was less preferred, and the adaptive cruise control could be slow to resume speed. The MDX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it had a concerning incident with a false collision warning during testing.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite, with features like lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking. The Blue Cruise 1.2 technology provided hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, with automatic lane-change assist and in-lane repositioning. While the 2024 model had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, the 2023 Nautilus received high scores for crash protection. The IIHS rated the 2024 Nautilus as "Good" in crashworthiness.