2023 Acura MDX vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented itself as a sophisticated three-row, midsize crossover, boasting a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring model enhanced this with a hybrid system, adding a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Despite its elegant design, the Aviator's wheel designs were considered too plain, detracting from its overall premium appearance. The interior was luxurious, featuring high-end materials and ambient lighting, though some chrome detailing felt cheap. The Aviator's electronic door latches required careful handling to avoid pinching fingers.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S offered a more subtle yet sporty aesthetic. It featured chicane-design LED lights, quad exhaust outlets, and 21-inch wheels, giving it a robust stance. Inside, the MDX Type S boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, the gloss black plastic on the dashboard made controls difficult to locate, and the electronic transmission switchgear was occasionally confusing. The MDX Type S was visually appealing, but some design choices, like the tapering body, could give the impression of a dented side profile.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was a plug-in hybrid that delivered impressive power with 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite its added weight, the Aviator offered a 34-kilometre electric driving range and averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. Various driving modes allowed for a tailored driving experience, though the drivetrain could be unpredictable, with inconsistent acceleration and braking. The Aviator's handling was commendable, with an adaptive suspension providing a smooth ride, but it lacked the fun-to-drive factor.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It utilized a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. Despite performance enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience. The transmission was indecisive, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. The MDX Type S averaged 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres, falling short of its fuel economy rating. While the turbocharged V6 provided quick acceleration, the overall driving dynamics were not as refined as expected.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. However, the third-row seating was cramped, making it unsuitable for adults. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 519 litres, but expanded to 2,200 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered versatile seating configurations, with a removable second-row centre section for easier access to the third row. The MDX's interior was comfortable, though the Type S seats lacked the expected support for spirited driving. Cargo space was practical, with 461 litres behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with seats folded. The MDX also featured thoughtful storage solutions, like grocery bag hooks and a hands-free liftgate.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The vehicle featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and smartphone-related tech like wireless charging and a digital key system. The head-up display was effective even with polarized sunglasses, and parking sensors and a surround-view camera system aided in parking.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface. While innovative, the TTI was less intuitive than a touchscreen and limited storage space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In for voice commands. The ELS Studio 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality, and the head-up display offered clear navigation instructions. However, the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. However, the steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complex. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Acura MDX included a range of safety features like collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The systems generally operated well, though the lane departure warning was intrusive. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it experienced a false collision warning during testing.