2025 Acura MDX vs 2026 Lincoln Aviator

$51,200 · Crossover

$56,910 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura MDX kicks off the showdown with its energetic 290 hp V6 and remarkable efficiency, sipping premium fuel for a combined 22 MPG. Conversely, the 2026 Lincoln Aviator roars onto the scene, boasting a commanding 400 hp and a muscular 415 lb-ft of torque, promising an undeniable surge of American power. While the MDX maintains a lower entry point at $51,200, the Aviator demands $56,910 for its rear-wheel-drive platform and greater output. The difference in power is substantial, with the Aviator offering 110 more horsepower. Although the MDX is slightly more compact at 198.4 inches long, the Lincoln provides marginally better utility with 19.2 cu ft of cargo space versus the Acura's 18.1 cu ft. This comparison pits efficient, sharp handling against brute force and luxury presence.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Acura MDX

The 2025 Acura MDX wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 22 MPG compared to the Aviator's unstated efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lincoln Aviator

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator offers slightly more utility with 19.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the MDX's 18.1 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lincoln Aviator

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator delivers a thrilling drive with its significantly higher output of 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura MDX

The 2025 Acura MDX is the better value proposition, starting $5,710 lower than the Lincoln Aviator while still delivering 290 hp.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

You prioritize frugality and want to save $5,710 on the initial purchase price.
You value efficiency, as the MDX achieves a stated 22 MPG combined.
You prefer a slightly more maneuverable package with a length of 198.4 inches.

Choose the Lincoln Aviator if...

You demand serious performance, enjoying the brute force of 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
You appreciate the balanced handling dynamics offered by the rear-wheel-drive platform.
You need maximum utility, benefiting from the Aviator's 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura MDX	Lincoln Aviator
Length	198.4"	199.7"
Width	78.7"	79.6"
Height	67.9"	69.2"
Wheelbase	113.8"	119.1"

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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Lincoln
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	290 hp @ 6200 rpm	400 hp
Torque	267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	415 lb-ft
Number of Valves	24	24
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	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Lincoln
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/481.0 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	20.2 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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Lincoln
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	13.2 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
Rear Volume Controls	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Lincoln
Front Head Room	38.5 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.6 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	61.5 in.
Front Hip Room	59.3 in.	58.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-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

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Lincoln
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.5 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	61.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.8 in.	58.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Power 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	255/55R20
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	20 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 2026 Lincoln Aviator.

What is the major performance gap between the 2025 MDX and the 2026 Aviator?

The performance difference is substantial; the Lincoln Aviator produces 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, handily beating the Acura MDX's 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. This 110 hp advantage makes the Aviator noticeably quicker in straight-line acceleration.

How does the fuel economy compare for these premium SUVs?

The 2025 Acura MDX is rated at a combined 22 MPG, offering better efficiency for daily driving. While the 2026 Lincoln Aviator uses premium fuel like the MDX, its exact MPG figures were not provided, suggesting higher consumption due to its greater power output.

Is the extra cost of the 2026 Lincoln Aviator justified by the size difference?

The Aviator is marginally larger in every dimension, including being 1.3 inches taller and having 1.1 inches more length, but it only gains 1.1 cubic feet of cargo space (19.2 cu ft vs 18.1 cu ft). The $5,710 price premium seems tied more to power than significant extra room.

Which vehicle has a better setup for spirited driving dynamics?

Enthusiasts will likely favor the 2026 Lincoln Aviator due to its rear-wheel-drive architecture, which typically offers superior balance and handling characteristics compared to the MDX's standard front-wheel-drive setup.

Since both use a 10-speed automatic transmission, what separates their powertrains?

Both utilize a modern 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, but the underlying engines are vastly different. The MDX sticks to a naturally aspirated 290 hp setup, whereas the Aviator packs significantly more punch, likely via a forced-induction system generating 400 hp.