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Lincoln Aviator vs Cadillac XT6 | How they compare on paper

There have been big, three-row family crossovers for quite a while now, but until recently the luxury market hasn't fully embraced them. Sure, you could literally get one with a third row, but unless you were a kid, chances are the term "dungeon-like" was going to be tossed around. Things are changing now, however, as new and redesigned entries are starting to hit the market. We've recently had a chance to get our first drives of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator and 2020 Cadillac XT6, two all-new three-row crossovers from American luxury brands. We also got a turn behind the wheel of the updated 2020 Volvo XC90. However, since none of our editors have yet to drive to drive them all, we wanted to see how they compare on paper, examining their engine specs and interior dimensions. We also included the 2020 Acura MDX, the original three-row luxury crossover, which continues to sell well despite approaching the end of its current generation. That it offers a hybrid model makes it that much more applicable given the Aviator and XC90 also offer gasoline-electric powertrains, albeit of the plug-in variety. 3 Row Luxury Crossovers Powertrains View 1 Photos Non-hybrid MDX has a 5,000-pound max tow rating. How do their performance and fuel economy compare? This one is absolutely no contest. The 400-horsepower Lincoln blows away its competitors despite having a price tag that's similar to the 310-horsepower Cadillac and in between the XC90's T5 and T6 models. At least the Acura is considerably cheaper. Besides the eye-popping output, the estimated 0-60-mph time of 5.5 seconds (gleaned from the mechanically similar Ford Explorer ST) is appreciably quicker than the others. Now, fuel economy is a bit lower, but the efficiency of Volvo's four-cylinder engines are likely more susceptible to varying due to driver differences. It should also be noted that the Cadillac gets the same combined fuel economy estimate as the Aviator despite having 90 fewer horses and 144 fewer pound-feet of torque. Just one of the ways where the XT6's prospects dim in the presence of its cross-Michigan rival. The Cadillac is also not available as a hybrid model. The others are, but are disparate. The Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring and Volvo XC90 T8 are similar in concept: range-topping models that are as much about adding performance as they are fuel economy. Their hefty price tags certainly reflect that as well.

2024 Acura Integra Type S costs $51,995, orders open May 11

The highly anticipated 2024 Acura Integra Type S will start at $51,995 (including $1,195 for destination) and preorders will open up on May 11, 2023, at 10 a.m. Pacific. Now, before you get too excited, know that Acura is only planning to take reservations for "one of the first 200 production units before the high-performance model officially begins arriving at dealerships next month." We'd expect those 200 slots to fill awfully quickly. For those interested in throwing their hats into the virtual ring, the orders will be accepted at Acura.com/Integra. Deliveries to dealerships are planned for June. As we already knew, the Integra Type S will gain a total of 5 horsepower over the mechanically related Honda Civic Type R, though we're not clear on what's changed between the two versions of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant to account for those newly located ponies. A six-speed manual transmission is mandatory, no automatic will be offered. The Type S will benefit from the same dual-axis front suspension design that inhibits torque steer so well in the Type R. Read all the rest of the salient details in our coverage of the Acura Integra Type S reveal. Acura also revealed that the Type S will achieve fuel economy figures of 21 miles per gallon in the city, 28 on the highway and 24 combined. That's down one mpg in the city compared to the Civic Type R, but the rest match up. Now, it is of course worth pointing out that the latest Honda Civic Type R is an excellent car. We not only named it an Editor's Pick, we declared it victorious in a comparison test with its most natural rival, the Toyota GR Corolla (a car that we also like quit a bit). That Honda, which shares a whole host of parts with this new Acura Integra Type S, costs $44,890 (again, including destination). What exactly will account for the $7,105 price difference, and will it be worth it? We will of course have to wait for our turn behind the wheel to find out. But consider our interest piqued. Related video: Featured Gallery 2024 Acura Integra Type S View 26 Photos Acura Car Buying Performance Sedan

2014 Acura RLX

Good. But Good Enough?
Spoiler alert: The 2014 Acura RLX is a good car. But that shouldn't come as a surprise. Despite the fact that Acura is subject to a lot of criticism for things like its odd positioning in the automotive landscape, questionable styling choices in recent years, and the fact that, more or less, its products feel like lux'd-up Hondas rather than something truly unique, the cars have always been inherently good - decent to drive, nice to sit in and reliable to own. That's what happens when you ride that sort of "affordable luxury" line.
Because Acura's sedans don't really fit into any one definable segment, the brand hopes it can draw customers from a broader range who aren't necessarily dedicated to a certain marque. And while there's certainly rhyme to that reason on the more entry-level end of the spectrum, that proposition makes less sense as you move toward higher price points. (Have a gander at the Hyundai Equus, if you will.) On the other hand, Acura pulled data from a 2012 Strategic Vision survey that showed the number one purchase decision for luxury buyers last year was value for the money, with manufacturer reputation coming in at a close second.