Nautilus vs. XC60 vs. RDX

[Gurgeh]

This will be a bit long.

 

I'm not a Lincoln owner, at least not yet, although I've put up a number of posts in these forums in recent weeks. As I've posted elsewhere, my search for a replacement for my 2016 Audi Q5 began with a roadtrip from Maryland to Colorado and back a few months ago. On day two of the trip (6 total days driving) I developed pain in my left hip from the Q5's hard sport seats, pain which now comes back every time I drive for more than half an hour. So while I love almost everything else about the vehicle, I need to get out of these seats.

 

So my search for a new crossover began with comfortable seats. Based on research, I narrowed it down to the MKX/Nautilus, Mercedes GLC, Volvo XC60 and Acura RDX.

 

I first eliminated the GLC because the base engine just does not inspire and going with the engine upgrade (to the GLC 43) forces one into high-bolstered sport seats (see: Audi Q5) at an astronomical starting price. 

 

I waited on road tests until the new RDX was out (it hit dealers in volume June 1) and pricing/configuration information on the refreshed Nautilus became available (which happened June 19). Last week was my first round of drive tests, and thought perhaps some here might find some interest in my impressions.

 

I first went to a Black Label dealer (bit of a drive but not too far) because I wanted to get a sense of the differences in the interiors between the Reserve and Black Label. I test drove a loaded 2018 MKX BL with the upgraded "Ultra Comfort" seats. While much better than my Q5's sport seats I was surprised that the upgraded seats still gave me some discomfort because of the high seat bolsters. This was a huge disappointment as on paper I was otherwise strongly leaning toward the Lincoln. The driving experience was otherwise fine, but I was probably distracted by trying to figure out if the seat would somehow work for me. I sadly decided it wouldn't.

 

Next, I drove across the county to a Volvo dealer and tried out the (new for) 2018 XC60. Volvo did some great things in the crossover's redesign. The interior is absolutely stunning (in part because of a feature I don't like, and that is the removal of virtually all physical controls) and the exterior is classy. The seats seemed fairly comfortable and the technology is cutting edge. The car is nimble and the engine strong and surprisingly quiet. But in the end, it has a nervous and unsettling drive, probably due to its new and complex engine that draws power from three different sources (2.0 engine, supercharger and turbocharger) and tries (but ultimately fails) to weave them together into a smooth power curve. I do not trust the reliability of that engine down the line. The vehicle, outfitted the way I would like, would be about the same price as a comparable MKX/Nautilus Reserve. So I eliminated the XC60.

 

At this point, I was wondering if any of the crossovers I was shopping would do, as I did not have high hopes for the RDX for several reasons (more on that later). But since the Volvo dealership was in an autopark I decided drive over to the Ford/Lincoln dealer and take one more look at the MKX. Waiting for the dealer to come out (since unlike the other locations I hadn't emailed ahead and set up appointments) I sat down in the MKX they had on the showroom floor. Wait a second, sez I, these seats are quite nice! I then realized that I was sitting in the base Reserve seats, not the upgraded "comfort" ones. The side bolsters on these seats are much lower and quite soft. So I went out on another road test with the kid that the sales manager had assigned me (he was with another client). The seats seemed fine and I started paying more attention to the drive of the car. I liked the handling, but the engine was not as strong and responsive as I would have expected. It was solid, mind you, without any of the flightiness of the XC60, but just felt a little, well, ponderous. I know it is a heavier and larger vehicle than the XC60, but it is about the same weight as my Q5.

 

When we got back the Sales Manager was now available to talk. I mentioned my driving experience and he responded, well, why didn't you drive the 2.7TT? The kid said, "but it *is* the 2.7!" (mind you, this is the same kid who mostly sells Fords and who was under the impression that this was the first year of the Nautilus would be its last because it was being replaced by the Aviator). "Uh, no it isn't," the Sales Manager responded and shooed the kid away. I then went on another test drive with the SM. And oh, what a difference! That twin turbo 2.7 was smooth, powerful, quiet and quickly responsive throughout the power band. I liked it even better than the marvelous 3.0 supercharged V6 in my Q5.

 

Based on that drive I thought I had pretty much made up my mind, and I sat down with the Manager who pulled up the Nautilus order screen to show me the options. I mentioned my one concern about the Nautilus, which is that the packages seem to require you to get the 21' wheels (which I don't want because of their rougher ride) to get the audio upgrade, something changed from the MKX packages. He looked at his screen and saw a "Luxury Package" (that does not exist yet on the under-construction customer Nautilus build site) with only the audio and headlamp upgrades. "If I go with the Nautilus, that is what I would want," I said. But he then tried to select it and got the message that it also required him to select the $4k "Ultimate Package" that included the wheel upgrades as well. He said that he would call Lincoln and try to get this issue ironed out.

 

The next day I went to my appointment at the Acura dealership without great expectations but my experience testing the RDX was a bit of a surprise, positive in several respects and negative in one. The RDX wins on handling; the SH-AWD system is simply a wonder. Generally it takes a good while to get comfortable driving a vehicle you've never driven before, but somehow with the RDX I felt almost instantly at ease driving the car. The seats are the best of the three. The unusual infotainment system is, well, unusual, but I think I could get used to it, and at least the car has plenty of physical controls. The technology is advanced, with much of it standard and almost everything else you could possibly want (except folding mirrors, wireless phone charging, and parking assist) through two quite affordable option packages. And this gets to maybe the vehicle's strongest point after its SH-AWD handling: its price point. Its MSRP is easily $10k less than the other two vehicles similarly equipped.

 

But well, the engine.

 

The RDX's engine is noticeably weaker than the ones in the Volvo and especially the Lincoln. And I feelt more lag in acceleration as well. It was either initial turbo lag or the 10-speed transmission needing a second at times to figure out the right gear. It is also quite loud, which surprised me because the car's interior is otherwise whisper quiet. It sounds like a 4-banger that is working too hard and being asked to do too much. The RDX would greatly benefit from having an engine upgrade option, but well, it doesn't. The most frustrating thing about the loudness of the engine is that this apparently was an intentional engineering decision by Acura. In Sport (the default mode) and Sport+ the car pipes in extra loud engine noise through the speakers. I guess to make 25-year-old hotshots think they are driving a racer. This is a horrible design decision for a family-oriented luxury SUV unless it can somehow be turned off in the car's settings, and I doubt that it can.

 

So while still leaning toward the Lincoln, I'm somewhat torn. If the RDX had a stronger and especially quieter engine, I would go with it without a single regret. If the Lincoln had the SH-AWD system, was a little less expensive, and I felt as confident about the long-term comfort of the seats as I do with the RDX, the same.

 

I sent emails to the Lincoln and Acura sales managers going through pretty much all of the above and requested getting an overnight loaner car to do a more extensive and private test drive (also allowing my ruler of the infotainment system wife to give her opinion). The assigned-kid who took me on my RDX test drive had volunteered this as an option if I was still undecided. I heard back immediately from the Lincoln Sales Manager who said "absolutely." So I'll be trying out the MKX overnight in a few days. I've yet to hear boo from the Acura Sales Manager, so maybe the kid was wrong or maybe the Sales Manager figures since they are already selling every RDX they can get (it being spanking new), why bother jumping through all these hoops just to try to sell one to me?

 

Anyway, I warned this post would be long, but wanted to share my impressions of these three competing crossovers.

[MKXMark]

Thanks for the writeup! The standard seats in our MKX are very comfortable on long trips.

[mkx-wanders]

Thanks for the writeup! The standard seats in our MKX are very comfortable on long trips.

 

Yes, indeed.  I love the feeling of, after 8 hours of driving, no road wear on my back, hips or legs.

 

Gurgeh - Here I thought I was the only one out there that found the base Lincoln seats a tiny bit more comfortable than the 22-way (when not massaging).

[Cosmos36]

Gurgeh...I enjoyed your post, especially noting that several of your comments precisely mirrored observations & impressions of auto mag road tests.

 

A final thought that could revise any conclusion you may reach in the next few days about MKX seats. From an earlier thread here, It is my understanding that the 2019 Nautilus seats were being redesigned to mitigate some of the complaints coming from both Lincoln insiders and customer complaints. From what I have gathered from sparse Lincoln sources, the bolster configurations were being modified somewhat. It was my impression that the seating area of the new seats would be altered by reshaping the bolsters with thinner padding.

 

It would take me awhile to locate the sources, so for now, I just wanted to give you a heads-up. This forum's insider (Oakville) hasn't commented on the purported seat changes, perhaps he will.

[Gurgeh]

Thanks, Cosmos. Is the rumored change to the standard Reserve seats or to the 22-way upgrade (or both)?

[akirby]

I’ve heard the same about the Nautilus seats.

 

The base seats were a big reason we went with the MKX over the Edge - they were far more comfy.

 

Unfortunately the luxury package only comes with the Ultimate package as of now.

[Gurgeh]

[snip]

Unfortunately the luxury package only comes with the Ultimate package as of now.

Yeah, if that can't be fixed through a special factory order, I guess no audio upgrade for me.

[Cosmos36]

Thanks, Cosmos. Is the rumored change to the standard Reserve seats or to the 22-way upgrade (or both)?

 

All of the info I've seen to date was generic & failed to distinguish between trim level seating.

[Bravo27]

Excellent reading. Nautilus needs a HUD somewhere down the line. 

[mkx-wanders]

Yeah, if that can't be fixed through a special factory order, I guess no audio upgrade for me.

 

Don't worry about the audio upgrade.  I can barely get the Revel-19 system past 66% volume before my ears start bleeding.  Comfortably loud level is about 25-30% on the 19 speaker system.

[walkabout]

I'm the minority here, and everybody is different, but I'm no fan of the 22 seats. Bolsters cut into my legs and hurt the sides of my hios. I'm not a big guy either and I'm normal body weight.

 

No offense to folk who got the 3.7, but the 2.7T is glorious. Most satisfying engine I've ever owned.

[Bravo27]

Nautilus 2.7T V6 looks better than the 2.0T L4 on the new RDX. Car weights about the same. 

[walkabout]

It doesn't weigh the same. The is about a 250 pound diff. That's not a trivial difference.

 

There are obviously few diversions on the market that will compare with that sweet 2.7T though.

[akirby]

It doesn't weigh the same. The is about a 250 pound diff. That's not a trivial difference.

 

Are you calling me fat???? 

[walkabout]

No, I'm acknowledging my own fat. 

[akirby]

No, I'm acknowledging my own fat. 

 

 

[Cosmos36]

Sounds rather fatuous, or would that be flatulent? LOL

[walkabout]

Sounds rather fatuous, or would that be flatulent? LOL

Thanks goodness for that cabin filter.

[prime time]

I'm curious why you didn't include the Lexus RX350 (non- F Sport because of seats)?

 

I'm still not crazy about the styling of the RX and the performance is down a little from the competition, but negligable. The handling was better than I expected from reviews. The big selling point for me on these is the quality of materials, fit & finish, reliability and a smooth non turbo V6 running on regular gas.  If you want all the ponies out of the 2.7 you need high test. The down side for us in Canada with Lexus is not being able to order more individual options. If you want the Mark Levinson sound system & HUD you have to take the loaded version running $70,000 Canadian pesos. I am a little biased as I currently drive a loaded 2014 Lexus  GS350, but told the salesman I couldn't see the same value in the RX. I'm still waiting for the Nautilus as well with the seat bolster issue also in mind. 

[akirby]

I'm curious why you didn't include the Lexus RX350 (non- F Sport because of seats)?

 

I'm still not crazy about the styling of the RX and the performance is down a little from the competition, but negligable. The handling was better than I expected from reviews. The big selling point for me on these is the quality of materials, fit & finish, reliability and a smooth non turbo V6 running on regular gas.  If you want all the ponies out of the 2.7 you need high test. The down side for us in Canada with Lexus is not being able to order more individual options. If you want the Mark Levinson sound system & HUD you have to take the loaded version running $70,000 Canadian pesos. I am a little biased as I currently drive a loaded 2014 Lexus  GS350, but told the salesman I couldn't see the same value in the RX. I'm still waiting for the Nautilus as well with the seat bolster issue also in mind. 

 

The difference in power on the 2.7 between 87 and 93 octane is not that significant.

[walkabout]

The entire 91 vs 87 issue (we don't have 93 in CA) is a lot of smoke and mirrors. Lincoln engages in what I see as a tad bit if false advertising. They want to advertise with a maximum number so they test it with 93. But, they know damn well that no driver is going to run with anything but 87.

 

Running on 87, the engine is a beast. Smooth as hell, torque everywhere, and fun to drive. It's simply the best engine on the market (at least in this class). I say that as a guy who had owned M-B, BMW, and Acura.

 

As for the RX350,that's a vehicle I have outright contempt for and I suspect the OP (who is a sharp guy) sees the issues. Infotainment is a joke - not in the same league as Sync 3,handling is numb and lifeless, visibility is horrendous, and the swoopy styling leaves it with about as much cargo space as a CRV or RAV4.

 

Lexus has better fit and finish for sure, better customer service, and more name cache. Otherwise it doesn't compete.

 

I'm not at all sold on getting a Nautilus when my lease expires. I'm excited about the RDX. I'll look at a Q5 and GLC too. I may even drive an XT5 again. I won't be stepping in the Lexus showroom though.

[Cosmos36]

The difference in power on the 2.7 between 87 and 93 octane is not that significant.

 

And, perhaps not well known, the EPA fuel mileage is obtained on 87 octane 0% ethanol. But who cares, there's an abundance of power for any driving scenario.

 

The slightly larger 3.0 iteration (not a total clone of the 2.7) with 400HP/400TQ may be a bit over the top, making AWD a necessity to tame the behavior.

[akirby]

The entire 91 vs 87 issue (we don't have 93 in CA) is a lot of smoke and mirrors. Lincoln engages in what I see as a tad bit if false advertising. They want to advertise with a maximum number so they test it with 93. But, they know damn well that no driver is going to run with anything but 87.

 

That's not false advertising.  It's just advertising.   As long as the vehicle is capable of producing more power with 91 or 93 and it says so in the owner's manual then it's perfectly fine IMO.  I know a lot of folks who do run premium.

 

I think most luxury mfrs do the same thing.

[walkabout]

The difference is that most advertise HP based on the fuel they recommend.  Lincoln recommends regular, and advertises HP based on premium. 

[akirby]

Most of the other luxury makes actually require premium, or they used to.   Ford says this is the max power you can get if you use premium.   But if you'd rather lose a little performance it's safe to use regular.

 

I don't understand the issue.   Would you rather they say you have to use 93 period?

 

It's not valid to advertise the lower figure if the consumer can get the higher power just by choosing a different pump.