2025 Acura MDX vs 2026 Lincoln Nautilus

$51,200 · Crossover

$53,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Acura MDX and the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus often comes down to prioritizing outright performance versus maximizing passenger comfort and cargo flexibility. If raw power matters, the MDX jumps ahead with 290 horsepower compared to the Nautilus's 250 hp, though the Lincoln counters with slightly better fuel economy, achieving 24 combined MPG versus the Acura's 22 combined MPG. Pricewise, the MDX starts lower at $51,200 compared to the Nautilus's $53,995, but this difference shrinks when considering the Nautilus’s standard All-Wheel Drive versus the MDX's standard Front-Wheel Drive configuration. Furthermore, cargo space is drastically different; the Nautilus offers a cavernous 36.4 cu ft, dwarfing the MDX’s 18.1 cu ft, making storage a key deciding factor for larger hauls.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, offering 24 combined MPG versus the MDX's 22 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

Families will favor the Nautilus because its 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity is nearly double the MDX's 18.1 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura MDX

Driving enthusiasts will appreciate the MDX's higher output of 290 horsepower, besting the Nautilus's 250 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura MDX

The 2025 Acura MDX offers better initial value starting at $51,200 versus the Nautilus's $53,995 MSRP.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

You need the maximum available power from the engine, as the MDX provides 290 horsepower.
You prefer a lower starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $51,200.
You are comfortable with the standard 19/26 City/Highway MPG, as opposed to the Nautilus's slightly higher efficiency.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

You frequently haul gear, given the Nautilus's massive 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You live in an area requiring All-Wheel Drive, which the Nautilus includes standard.
You want to minimize fuel stops with the better 24 combined MPG rating.

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

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.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura MDX and 2026 Lincoln Nautilus.

Which vehicle is physically bigger, the 2025 Acura MDX or the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus?

The 2025 Acura MDX is longer, measuring 198.4 inches from bumper to bumper compared to the Nautilus at 193.2 inches. However, the Nautilus is slightly taller at 68.2 inches.

Is the performance difference between these two noticeable for daily driving?

Yes, the Acura MDX has a significant edge with 290 hp versus the Nautilus's 250 hp, which translates to quicker acceleration. Conversely, the Nautilus has slightly more torque at 280 lb-ft to aid in low-end pulling power.

Do I need premium fuel for both the MDX and the Nautilus?

Both the 2025 Acura MDX and the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus list premium unleaded fuel as recommended for optimal performance.

How much more cargo space does the Lincoln Nautilus actually provide?

The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus offers substantially more utility, boasting 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity. This is a difference of 18.3 cubic feet when compared to the MDX’s 18.1 cu ft.

What are the primary differences in their transmissions?

The Acura MDX utilizes a modern 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Lincoln Nautilus pairs its engine with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Does the standard drive configuration change significantly between the two models?

Yes, the 2025 Acura MDX comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), while the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus includes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard equipment for better traction.