2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 22-inch design in Canada. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln's star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced its elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the new "single-frame" grille being a minor misstep. Inside, the Navigator impressed with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by Lincoln's Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system featured a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, enhancing the SUV's competitive edge in display technology. The Navigator continued to offer standard and long-wheelbase styles, with the Reserve trim level in Canada starting at $107,500, excluding destination charges.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered standard and Type S versions, with various trim packages enhancing equipment levels. In Canada, the MDX Type S was available in standard spec or with an Ultra package, with prices ranging from $59,300 to $84,400, excluding destination charges. The Type S featured chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, giving it a subtle yet sporty appearance. Inside, the Type S Ultra trim boasted quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls challenging to use. The MDX Type S was appealing but had some design quirks that detracted from its overall luxury feel.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, it came with standard four-wheel drive, offering a towing capacity between 3,674 and 3,765 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, featuring Road Preview technology, provided a smooth ride even on imperfect roads. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator handled snow and mud effortlessly, thanks to its 24.5 centimetres of ground clearance and appropriate driving modes. Fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 12.6 L/100 km.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. The MDX Type S had various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite performance enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with issues like indecisive transmission and poor brake pedal modulation. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The MDX Type S was more agreeable in Normal mode but lacked the performance edge expected from a Type S model.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptional comfort with its heated, ventilated, and available massaging front seats, adjustable in 30 ways. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a comfortable ride. The third-row seat was spacious and supportive, making it suitable for adults. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres with seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more cargo capacity.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured three rows of seats, with the option to remove the second-row centre section for easier access to the third row. The Type S Ultra trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and didn't hold occupants in place during spirited driving. The MDX offered 461 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,021 litres with seats folded. The cabin design prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the centre console.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering easy access to navigation and music details. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with a user-friendly interface. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface. The system included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The infotainment system's design limited storage space and was less intuitive than touchscreens. The MDX offered several sound systems, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system providing excellent sound quality. The Platinum Elite and Type S Ultra packages included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system was standard. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways but required driver attention. The system performed well within its limits but required human intervention in certain situations.

The 2023 Acura MDX included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also had rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The safety systems generally operated with accuracy, but there were occasional false alerts. The MDX received high safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.