2025 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2026 Acura MDX

$53,940 · Crossover

$51,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus seduces with serene luxury and practicality, boasting a substantial 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, while the 2026 Acura MDX dials up the performance urgency. The MDX leaps forward with 290 horsepower, significantly outpacing the Nautilus's 250 hp, even though both recommend premium fuel. From a purely practical standpoint, the Nautilus offers better efficiency at 24 combined MPG versus the MDX's 22 MPG. Design-wise, the Nautilus is more contained at 193.2 inches long, whereas the slightly wider MDX at 78.7 inches prioritizes driver engagement with its front-wheel-drive configuration against Lincoln's standard all-wheel drive. The MDX commands a lower entry point at $51,800 compared to the Nautilus's $53,940, setting up a compelling luxury-vs-sport showdown.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

The Lincoln Nautilus wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus provides double the utility for family hauling with 36.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the MDX's 18.1 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Acura MDX

Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the Acura MDX's higher output of 290 horsepower and its 10-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX offers greater horsepower per dollar, starting at $51,800 versus the Nautilus's $53,940 MSRP.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

You prioritize maximum hauling capability, as the Nautilus offers a massive 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
You want better running costs with a slightly higher 24 combined MPG rating.
You prefer the reassurance of standard All-Wheel Drive for all-weather stability.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

You demand more immediate acceleration derived from its potent 290 horsepower engine.
You are looking for the lowest starting MSRP at $51,800.
You prefer the driving dynamics associated with a front-wheel-drive biased platform and a 10-speed automatic.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lincoln Nautilus	Acura MDX
Length	193.2"	198.4"
Width	76.9"	78.7"
Height	68.2"	67.9"
Wheelbase	114.2"	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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lincoln	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	250 hp @ 5500 rpm	290 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	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	8-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

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

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lincoln	Acura
Push Button Start	✓	✓
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	✓	—
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
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	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	—
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lincoln	Acura
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	—
Infotainment Display	—	12.3 in
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Lincoln	Acura
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	43.5 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.9 in.	61.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.8 in.	59.3 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	6-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-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
Driver Seat Cooling	✓	—
Passenger Seat Cooling	✓	—
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

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	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Is the 2026 Acura MDX actually faster than the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus?

Yes, the MDX holds a significant edge in raw power, delivering 290 horsepower compared to the Nautilus's 250 horsepower. This 40 hp advantage suggests the MDX will feel quicker off the line and throughout its power band.

Which crossover offers more space for luggage and gear?

The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus is the clear winner for storage, boasting a substantial 36.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. In contrast, the 2026 Acura MDX trails significantly with only 18.1 cubic feet.

How does the fuel economy compare between these two premium SUVs?

The Lincoln Nautilus is more fuel-efficient, achieving 24 combined MPG (21 city/29 highway). The Acura MDX returns 22 combined MPG (19 city/26 highway), making the Lincoln the better choice for minimizing stops at the pump.

Does the drivetrain layout affect the driving feel?

The Nautilus features standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), offering balanced traction, while the MDX is FWD standard, typically favoring a sportier, more nimble feel under hard acceleration.

Which vehicle costs less to purchase initially?

The 2026 Acura MDX has a lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $51,800. The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus begins at $53,940.

Are there major differences in exterior dimensions?

The MDX is longer, measuring 198.4 inches compared to the Nautilus's 193.2 inches, but the Nautilus is slightly narrower at 76.9 inches versus the MDX's 78.7 inches width.