2026 Acura MDX vs 2026 Lincoln Aviator

$51,800 · Crossover

$56,910 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Acura MDX bursts forth with a focus on sharp handling and efficiency, featuring 290 hp and achieving a respectable 22 combined MPG, making its $51,800 entry point highly attractive. Meanwhile, the 2026 Lincoln Aviator grabs attention with sheer muscle, boasting a commanding 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, though this power comes at the cost of a higher $56,910 MSRP. This comparison pits Acura's precision against Lincoln's sheer output; the MDX is slightly more efficient and smaller at 198.4 inches long, while the Aviator offers a tad more room with 19.2 cu ft of cargo space compared to the MDX's 18.1 cu ft. The massive 110 hp and 148 lb-ft advantage for the Aviator defines the driving feel, clearly separating these luxury crossovers into efficiency-minded versus performance-focused choices.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy rating of 22 combined MPG versus the Aviator's unstated but significantly lower efficiency given its power deficit.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lincoln Aviator

The Lincoln Aviator edges out the MDX by offering slightly more usable space, boasting 19.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the MDX's 18.1 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lincoln Aviator

The Lincoln Aviator delivers an exhilarating experience with its impressive 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, far outpacing the MDX's 290 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX presents superior immediate value by costing $5,110 less than the Aviator while still delivering a competent performance package.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

You prioritize lower running costs and efficiency, benefiting from a better MPG rating.
You want the immediate cost savings of a $51,800 starting MSRP.
You prefer a slightly more compact footprint at 198.4 inches in length for easier city maneuverability.

Choose the Lincoln Aviator if...

You demand serious power, leveraging the 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
Rear-wheel drive dynamics are a must for your preferred driving setup.
You need maximum cargo utility, as the Aviator provides 19.2 cu ft versus 18.1 cu ft.

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 2026 Acura MDX and 2026 Lincoln Aviator.

What is the primary difference in performance between the 2026 MDX and the 2026 Aviator?

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator is substantially more powerful, offering 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, creating a significant 110 hp advantage over the 2026 Acura MDX's 290 hp.

How much money do I save upfront by choosing the Acura MDX over the Lincoln Aviator?

The Acura MDX has an MSRP of $51,800, resulting in an immediate savings of $5,110 compared to the Lincoln Aviator's starting price of $56,910.

Is there a significant difference in fuel consumption between these two models?

Yes, although the Aviator's MPG is not listed, the MDX specifies 22 combined MPG, suggesting the far more powerful Aviator will consume fuel at a considerably faster rate.

Which vehicle provides a better standard setup for spirited driving dynamics?

The Lincoln Aviator is inherently set up for dynamic driving due to its rear-wheel drive configuration and the massive torque reserve of 415 lb-ft.

If space is a concern, which crossover offers more room behind the second row?

The Lincoln Aviator offers slightly more utility with 19.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, whereas the Acura MDX provides 18.1 cubic feet in the same configuration.