2025 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2025 Acura MDX
2025 Lincoln Nautilus vs. 2025 Acura MDX: A Comprehensive Comparison
The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus and 2025 Acura MDX are two midsize luxury SUVs that blend premium features with modern technology and strong performance. The Nautilus emphasizes a futuristic, high-tech interior and a smooth, comfortable ride, while the MDX offers a more performance-oriented approach with available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This comparison examines how these two SUVs differ in pricing, trim levels, engine performance, cargo space, and technology.
Pricing and MSRP
The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus starts at approximately $52,000 for the base Premiere trim, with the Reserve trim priced around $58,000. The Black Label trim, featuring premium concierge services, is priced over $75,000.
The 2025 Acura MDX has a lower starting price, beginning around $50,900 for the base model. Higher trims, such as the Type S Advance, can exceed $75,000.
Trim Levels
The Nautilus is available in three trims: Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label. The Premiere includes Lincoln’s new panoramic digital display, Co-Pilot360 safety suite, and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Reserve trim adds more luxury features, while the Black Label offers exclusive design themes and premium materials.
The MDX comes in five trims: Standard, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and Type S. The Type S trim enhances performance with a turbocharged V6 and sport-focused features.
Engine and Transmission
The Nautilus features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid version increases output to 310 horsepower.
The MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 generating 290 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Type S model features a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 producing 355 horsepower with Acura’s SH-AWD system.
Performance
The Nautilus provides a smooth and composed ride, emphasizing comfort with an adaptive suspension system. The hybrid model enhances efficiency while maintaining responsive performance.
The MDX offers a more engaging driving experience, especially with the Type S trim, which improves handling and delivers stronger acceleration.
Fuel Economy
The Nautilus achieves an estimated 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with the base engine. The hybrid model is expected to offer even better efficiency.
The MDX delivers approximately 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with the base V6 engine, making it slightly less efficient than the Nautilus.
Cargo Space
The Nautilus provides 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 71.3 cubic feet when folded.
The MDX, with its three-row seating, offers 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and a total of 95 cubic feet with both rows folded.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Nautilus features an advanced 48-inch panoramic digital display, an 11.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and an available Revel premium audio system.
The MDX comes with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch center display, and an ELS Studio premium audio system. However, its True Touchpad Interface may not be as intuitive as Lincoln’s touchscreen system.
Technology
The Nautilus includes Lincoln Co-Pilot360, featuring hands-free highway driving with BlueCruise, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The MDX includes AcuraWatch, which features adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and available Traffic Jam Assist.
Safety
Both SUVs feature standard automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Nautilus enhances safety with BlueCruise for hands-free highway driving.
Warranty
Lincoln provides a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty, along with complimentary maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles.
Acura offers a similar 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty but does not include complimentary maintenance.
Conclusion
The 2025 Lincoln Nautilus and Acura MDX cater to different types of luxury SUV buyers. The Nautilus is a great choice for those who want a high-tech, comfortable, and quiet driving experience with an available hybrid powertrain. The MDX, on the other hand, is ideal for buyers looking for a sportier drive, additional seating capacity, and Acura’s reliable performance.
If you prioritize a futuristic, digital experience with a smooth ride, the Lincoln Nautilus is the better option. If performance and an engaging drive are more important, the Acura MDX is a strong competitor.