I am considering trading my 2022 Lincoln Nautilus for a 2026 MDX A-Spec/Advance. I know it will handle much better than the Lincoln but was wondering about the ride comfort.
The last Acura I had was an RL with the A-Spec handling package. The Lincoln rides pretty good, Sport miode tightens up the suspension and the twin turbo V6 is pretty nice, but I really like the looks of the MDX.
Planning on visiting the dealer on Wednesday.

Anyone compare the MDX to a Lincoln? (LOL)

 

I actually had a Nautilus as a rental car once and now own an MDX so can share my impressions.

The Lincoln impressed me at first with its looks, comfort, and features. After driving it a bit, I was less impressed with handling and even the engine, as I found it took forever to spool up when I'd hit the gas. And the more time I spent in the interior, the more I noticed the cost-cutting and lack of stuff I'd grown accustomed to even in more basic vehicles.

My MDX is a Type-S, so it might be an unfair comparison. But I find it superior (in some cases VASTLY superior) to the Nautilus in every single category. I don't remember any RL having an "A-spec handling package", but if you were happy with your last Acura then I think you'll be positively tickled now.

 

Thanks for the feedback. it is obvious that Lincoln cheaped out on some of the switches and interior bits and after three years the piano shifter still seems odd.

The A-Spec handling package was a dealer installed thing that I actually read about on this forum. It was just new struts and coilovers that lowered the car about 3/4 of an inch and really tightened up the ride.

 

Do yourself a favor, spend the extra money and get the Type S you won't be happy with the power in the A-spec, coming from 400 hp in the Lincoln....

 

The Nautilus has 335 horsepower. I think the Aviator has 400 horsepower. The standard MDX engine fuel economy is the same as my Nautilus. Not sure I need the extra horsepower and reduced fuel economy of the Type-S, but I bet it is a blast to drive!

 

I do not think Type S is worth the price; well, maybe with under one condition: you must have japanese sort of kind of performance SUV... which we know does not really exist, even with the Type S MDX.
I love Acura, don't get me wrong, but Type S and pricing makes it impossible to choose that over for example BMW X5 x40drive which is of similar pricing if not cheaper but has heck of a lot more kick than Type S MDX does. Yes, X5 is rated at 335hp, but with any germans their inline 6cyl engines are heavily underrated.

 

I think the non Type-S version works fine for my use. I don’t think that I can justify the additional $7000 for the Type-S.

 

Personally I think all of the MDX line should have the 3.0 turbo engine, then put a hybrid in the type S. BMW now uses hybrids to make the X5 line faster. They do make a great engine transmission, silky smooth, I used to own one, regular 3 ltr. You can't get an X5 with the equipment the type S has without paying at least 10k. more. plus the type s handles way way better than the X5, its too tall...plus trade in values on the BMW are just terrible compare to MDX, I used to love my BMW, Type S is just as good and it dont break down after 60,000 miles. In my opinion.

 

I think one thing that they would have to do is to improve fuel economy to be more in line with something like the X%.

 

Finally got around to test driving the MDX. Decided to drive the Advance trim. Very nice! Much nicer than my Lincoln. Dealer took $2000 off of sticker. Not sure how that compares to others.

 

Did the OP proceed with getting the 26 MDX ? If so, Congrats!!

 

Not yet. Originally they took $2000 off off sticker after talking to the sales person they took another $1000 off.
The other two dealers would only take $750 off of msrp. This was on an Advance in white with the brown interior.

 

Under current poor sales conditions, good for you ! Push hard for the best deal !! You mean the Espresso interior I guess... Good Luck.

 

Yes, I did mean the Espresso interior. They did come back and agreed to take $2750 off of sticker price.

 

I am getting myself confused with the figures. I am on my third quote from the dealer. They originally took $2000 off of sticker price than agreed to another $1000 for a total of $3000 off of sticker plus the $750 conquest cash.

 

FWIW, I just took my 25 MDX on a family visit trip to South Jersey (From Westchester County NY) 230 miles round trip. It was delight in the Vehicle! I was doing 70-80 MPH (when I finally cleared the NYC traffic !!) on the Jersey Turnpike. So well mannered and controlled & smooth. I use Premium Gas just about 90% of the time. With just about 3700 miles on the clock since Feb 1, 2025, I got 25.7 MPG on this trip without much traffic at all on the 130 Mile return trip . Actually that's a Bit better than I ever achieved in my 22 MDX Advance. Driving in Normal Mode. Outside temp at about 72 , tires filled at 35 Lbs Cold.