2026 Acura MDX vs 2026 Lincoln Nautilus

$51,800 · Crossover

$53,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2026 Acura MDX and the 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is the 40 horsepower advantage held by the MDX (290 hp vs. 250 hp). Despite the power deficit, the Nautilus demonstrates superior fuel economy, achieving a 24 MPG combined rating compared to the MDX's 22 MPG combined, translating to better range efficiency on premium unleaded fuel. The Nautilus also boasts nearly double the usable storage, offering 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space versus the MDX's 18.1 cubic feet. Conversely, the MDX starts at a lower MSRP of $51,800, undercutting the Nautilus by $2,195. The Nautilus counters with standard All-Wheel Drive, while the MDX utilizes Front Wheel Drive, although both vehicles employ shiftable automatic transmissions (10-speed for Acura, 8-speed for Lincoln). The vehicles are similar in size, with the MDX being approximately 5.2 inches longer.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Lincoln Nautilus provides better operational economy with a 24 MPG combined rating and standard AWD, making it more versatile for daily driving conditions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lincoln Nautilus

The Nautilus offers substantially more utility, featuring 36.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the MDX's 18.1 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX delivers a notable 40 horsepower advantage (290 hp vs. 250 hp) and an extra two gears in its transmission, favoring performance metrics.

💰 Best Value

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX has a lower entry price point at $51,800, offering 290 horsepower for less than the Nautilus's $53,995 MSRP.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

You prioritize maximum engine output, as the MDX delivers 290 horsepower.
You are looking for the lowest initial purchase price, starting at $51,800.
You prefer the refinement of a 10-speed automatic transmission for smoother shifting ratios.

Choose the Lincoln Nautilus if...

Maximum cargo hauling is essential, given the 36.4 cu ft capacity, nearly double the MDX's.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for traction on all surfaces.
You value fuel efficiency slightly more, achieving 24 MPG combined versus the MDX's 22 MPG.

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 2026 Acura MDX and 2026 Lincoln Nautilus.

What is the primary powertrain difference between the 2026 MDX and Nautilus?

The Acura MDX produces 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic. The Lincoln Nautilus has 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, utilizing an 8-speed automatic transmission.

How do the base MSRP figures compare for these crossovers?

The 2026 Acura MDX is priced lower at $51,800. The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus commands a higher base price of $53,995, representing a $2,195 difference at the starting point.

Which vehicle offers better space efficiency for cargo?

The Lincoln Nautilus is the clear winner in storage, offering 36.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Acura MDX provides only 18.1 cubic feet behind its rear seats.

Is there a significant difference in fuel economy between the two models?

Yes, the Nautilus is slightly more efficient, rated at 24 MPG combined (21/29 City/Highway). The MDX scores 22 MPG combined (19/26 City/Highway), though both recommend premium unleaded fuel.

Does the drivetrain configuration vary between the two base models?

The standard configuration for the Acura MDX is Front Wheel Drive. In contrast, the Lincoln Nautilus includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment.

How close are the exterior dimensions of the two crossovers?

The MDX is longer overall at 198.4 inches compared to the Nautilus's 193.2 inches. The MDX is also wider at 78.7 inches versus 76.9 inches for the Nautilus.