2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. Updates included modifications to the grille surround, front and rear bumper styling, new wheel designs, and paint colors. The limited-production PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, built at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup included the base model and various option packages, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding a $1,045 destination charge. Our test vehicle, equipped with the A-Spec Advance package, cost $53,645. The RDX A-Spec Advance justified its price with high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin, although the new vertical air inlets on the front fascia were not universally loved.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and freshened up in 2022, entered 2023 without significant updates. The base trim was renamed Premiere for 2024, with 4WD becoming standard on all models and an expanded BlueCruise hands-free driving system subscription. Our test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featured the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV streaming capability was included, though it went unused by our teenage passengers. The test vehicle's MSRP was $104,715, including a $1,695 destination charge. The Navigator Reserve's cabin, with its black interior, real wood trim, and chrome accents, looked upscale but had some less luxurious chrome plastic switchgear.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided an enjoyable driving experience, though heavy-footed drivers would not achieve the EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg. Our test averaged 20.6 mpg. The RDX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system available on higher trims. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel, enhancing driving dynamics on winding roads. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and re-tuned adaptive-damping suspension improved ride comfort and responsiveness. The RDX's quieter cabin, thanks to sound-deadening measures, made it a more appealing alternative to other compact luxury SUVs. However, it still fell short of earning Acura's Type S performance badge, with driving enthusiasts likely preferring German alternatives.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. The test vehicle had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg in combined driving, but our testing loop averaged 15.6 mpg. Drivers could choose between five Lincoln Drive Modes, with an additional Hill Climb mode available with the towing package. The adaptive damping suspension, with Road Preview, prepared the suspension for changes in the pavement surface. In Normal mode, the Navigator's ride was not agreeable, with the SUV riding like a truck over smaller bumps and floating over larger ones. Excite mode improved the ride quality and powertrain response but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator felt smaller on mountain roads, with excellent outward visibility and impressive grip from the big wheels and wide tires. However, the steering was slow and lifeless, and the nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes. In city and suburban settings, the Navigator's size proved a liability, making parking and navigating tight spaces difficult.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position and featured a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. The control layout required a learning curve, with unusual transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. The A-Spec, A-Spec Advance, and PMC Edition had metallic gauge faces with red markings that were hard to read in low light. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation. The back seat, however, was less comfortable, lacking support to ensure a flat cargo load floor when folded. The RDX had a standard power liftgate with available hands-free operation, revealing 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space and sizable hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor. Folding the back seat down created 58.9 cubic feet of cargo area.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for a cavernous cargo area. Power-deploying running boards made it easier to enter and exit the cabin. The test vehicle had Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, ensuring comfort for long trips. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, with a pass-through to the third-row seat, where even taller adults could sit comfortably. Storage space was generous, with large trays and smaller compartments throughout the cabin. The extended-length Navigator L model provided significantly more cargo space behind the third row (34.3 cubic feet) compared to the standard model (19.3 cubic feet). The Navigator L also offered more cargo space behind the second row (73.3 cubic feet) and the front seats (120.2 cubic feet).

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, pairing a 10.2-inch display screen with a sectioned touchpad controller. The touchpad corresponded to the screen, requiring drivers to match finger location on the pad with the cursor location on the screen. This system was more complicated than a traditional touchscreen, though drivers could acclimate over time. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Standard features included satellite radio and AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Technology package added a navigation system, and higher trims featured a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system. The Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator had a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an available widescreen head-up display, and a dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services with a Wi-Fi hotspot, a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed excellently, understanding and responding to commands accurately. The test vehicle had a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System, providing lush sound. The Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology allowed owners to unlock, start, and drive the SUV using a digital key. The Lincoln Play system installed two touchscreens for rear-seat passengers, though our teenage passengers preferred their smartphones.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades to improve side-impact safety, aiming to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology package and higher trims added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. The AcuraWatch adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were mostly accurate but not as refined as some competitors. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings and five-star side-impact ratings.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) in the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and available Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages. Notable ADAS included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system for designated Hands-Free Blue Zones. BlueCruise struggled with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones, requiring driver intervention. The NHTSA gave the Navigator a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating, but a full crashworthiness assessment was not available.