2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2026 Acura MDX

$59,295 · Crossover

$51,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Lincoln Aviator and the 2026 Acura MDX is the power output, where the Aviator delivers 400 hp compared to the MDX's 290 hp, a 110 hp advantage. This substantial performance gap is reflected in the MSRP difference of $7,495, positioning the Aviator at $59,295 against the MDX's $51,800. While the Aviator boasts superior torque at 415 lb-ft versus the MDX's 267 lb-ft, the MDX maintains a slight edge in efficiency, achieving 22 combined MPG versus the Aviator's 21 combined MPG. Dimensional differences are minimal; the Aviator is 1.3 inches longer at 199.7 inches and 1.3 inches taller. The Aviator features a higher cargo capacity at 19.2 cu ft compared to the MDX's 18.1 cu ft, further emphasizing its premium positioning despite the lower efficiency rating.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX wins for commuting due to its slightly better combined fuel economy of 22 MPG versus the Lincoln Aviator's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lincoln Aviator

The Lincoln Aviator is favored for families due to its larger standard cargo capacity of 19.2 cu ft compared to the MDX's 18.1 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lincoln Aviator

Enthusiasts will prefer the Lincoln Aviator because it produces a substantial 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the MDX's 290 hp and 267 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX offers superior value by providing a lower MSRP of $51,800, saving $7,495 over the Aviator while offering superior fuel economy.

Choose the Lincoln Aviator if...

You prioritize raw performance, requiring the 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque offered by the Aviator.
You require the slightly larger storage area, evidenced by the Aviator's 19.2 cu ft cargo capacity.
You prefer the inherent dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive platform as standard equipment.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

Your primary goal is minimizing fuel stops, leveraging the MDX's 22 combined MPG rating.
Maintaining a budget under $55,000 is crucial, given the MDX's $51,800 starting MSRP.
Front-wheel drive is preferred or acceptable, aligning with the MDX's standard configuration.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lincoln	Acura
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	✓	✓
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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lincoln	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	400 hp	290 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	415 lb-ft	267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Single overhead cam (SOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Lincoln	Acura
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Lincoln	Acura
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/25 MPG	19/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	363.6/505.0 mi.	351.5/481.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	20.2 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lincoln	Acura
Infotainment Display	13.2 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	11
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Rear Volume Controls	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Lincoln	Acura
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	61.9 in.
Front Hip Room	58.5 in.	59.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-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	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	Lincoln	Acura
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.2 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.3 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.3 in.	57.8 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Power Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lincoln	Acura
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/55R20	255/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.5 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Lincoln	Acura
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	unlimited yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the exact horsepower difference between the 2025 Lincoln Aviator and the 2026 Acura MDX?

The Lincoln Aviator significantly outpowers the Acura MDX, generating 400 horsepower compared to the MDX's 290 horsepower. This results in a 110 hp advantage for the Aviator in this comparison.

Does the higher price of the Lincoln Aviator translate to better fuel economy?

No, the higher-priced Lincoln Aviator ($59,295 MSRP) has slightly worse fuel economy. The MDX achieves 22 combined MPG, whereas the Aviator is rated at 21 combined MPG.

How do the dimensions compare regarding parking and garage fit?

The vehicles are very close in size; the Lincoln Aviator is marginally longer at 199.7 inches versus the MDX’s 198.4 inches, and the Aviator is 1.3 inches taller at 69.2 inches.

Which vehicle offers more utility based on cargo space specifications?

The Lincoln Aviator offers more usable space with a stated cargo capacity of 19.2 cubic feet. This provides 1.1 cubic feet more room than the Acura MDX’s 18.1 cubic feet capacity.

Are both vehicles powered by premium fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Lincoln Aviator and the 2026 Acura MDX explicitly recommend premium unleaded fuel for operation.

What is the primary difference in drivetrain layout?

The Lincoln Aviator utilizes a standard rear-wheel-drive configuration, appealing to drivers who prefer that layout, while the Acura MDX comes standard with front-wheel drive.