2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Lincoln Nautilus

$51,200 · Crossover

$53,940 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Acura MDX and the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus often boils down to prioritizing dynamic performance versus spacious comfort. If you love a bit more pep, the MDX packs 290 hp compared to the Nautilus's 250 hp, giving it a clear advantage in acceleration feel. However, the Nautilus counters this with superior practicality; its massive 36.4 cu ft of cargo space dwarfs the MDX's 18.1 cu ft, a significant difference for hauling gear. Fuel economy is also split: the Nautilus is slightly thriftier at 24 combined MPG versus the MDX's 22 combined MPG, and it offers standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) where the MDX defaults to FWD. Despite having a lower MSRP of $51,200 versus the Nautilus's $53,940, buyers must weigh the MDX's power against the Nautilus's roominess and better efficiency.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus offers better fuel efficiency at 24 combined MPG and standard AWD for potentially better all-weather usability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

With 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Nautilus provides significantly more room for family trips than the MDX's 18.1 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura MDX

The MDX delivers 290 hp, a substantial 40 hp advantage over the Nautilus for drivers who enjoy a more spirited feel.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura MDX

The MDX offers substantially more horsepower (290 hp vs 250 hp) while carrying a lower starting MSRP of $51,200.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

You prioritize engine output and want 290 horsepower at your disposal.
You are looking for the lower entry price point, starting at $51,200.
You prefer the responsive nature of a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

Maximum storage is critical, given its 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You live in an area requiring standard All-Wheel Drive performance.
You want slightly better efficiency, achieving 29 MPG on the highway.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura MDX	Lincoln Nautilus
Length	198.4"	193.2"
Width	78.7"	76.9"
Height	67.9"	68.2"
Wheelbase	113.8"	114.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Lincoln
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Lincoln
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	290 hp @ 6200 rpm	250 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Lincoln
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Lincoln
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	21/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/481.0 mi.	420.0/580.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	20.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Lincoln
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Lincoln
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	—
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	11	10
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Lincoln
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Lincoln
Front Head Room	38.5 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.6 in.	43.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	58.9 in.
Front Hip Room	59.3 in.	56.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Driver Seat Cooling	—	✓
Passenger Seat Cooling	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Lincoln
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.5 in.	43.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	58.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.8 in.	56.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Lincoln
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/55R19	P255/60R19
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	19 in

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Lincoln
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Lincoln
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	unlimited yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura MDX and 2025 Lincoln Nautilus.

Which crossover is better for handling inclement weather, the MDX or the Nautilus?

The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), giving it an immediate advantage over the base 2025 Acura MDX, which is FWD. While both are crossovers, the Nautilus’s drivetrain is better equipped for slippery conditions right off the lot.

Is the difference in horsepower noticeable between these two vehicles?

Yes, the Acura MDX boasts 290 hp, meaning it has 40 more horsepower than the Nautilus's 250 hp. This suggests the MDX will likely feel quicker when accelerating onto highways or passing.

How much more cargo room does the Nautilus offer compared to the MDX?

The Lincoln Nautilus offers nearly double the usable space with 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, while the Acura MDX provides 18.1 cu ft. This substantial 18.3 cu ft difference makes the Nautilus much more practical for large grocery runs or hauling gear.

Do these luxury crossovers require premium fuel?

Both the 2025 Acura MDX and the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus recommend premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance. This is a common trait among vehicles offering higher power outputs and refined driving dynamics.

Which vehicle is generally larger based on external dimensions?

While the MDX is longer at 198.4 inches versus the Nautilus's 193.2 inches, the Nautilus is slightly taller at 68.2 inches compared to the MDX’s 67.9 inches. Both vehicles are large, but the MDX has a longer footprint.

What is the MPG difference for city driving?

The Lincoln Nautilus achieves 21 MPG in city driving, which is 2 MPG better than the Acura MDX’s rating of 19 MPG city. This difference can add up over a year of stop-and-go commuting.