2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out as a luxurious flagship SUV, distinguished by its unique design elements that set it apart from its Ford Expedition roots. Designers incorporated exclusive front and rear styling, a lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, and full-width taillights, creating a sophisticated appearance. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system added a welcoming touch, while the black roof pillars gave the glass a wraparound look. Inside, the Navigator offered a mid-century modern dashboard, digital instrumentation, and a panoramic glass roof, enhancing its premium feel. The leather interior, equipped with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, provided exceptional comfort, making the Navigator a compelling choice for luxury SUV enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo presented a bold aesthetic with its shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, complemented by matte black body cladding. This design gave the CX-30 a floating appearance, setting it apart from the Mazda3 hatchback on which it was based. The cabin mirrored the Mazda3's quality materials and upscale vibe, featuring stitched chocolate brown surfaces and a chrome-accented engine start button. While the CX-30's interior was driver-focused, it lacked some premium features like ventilated seats. Despite its compact size, the CX-30 offered a sense of spaciousness, though rear-seat accommodations were cramped for adults.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Ford Expedition's most powerful version. A 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive ensured smooth power delivery, with multiple drive modes like Conserve, Normal, and Excite tailoring the driving experience. The Navigator excelled in towing, with a capacity of 3,764 kilograms, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist. While acceleration was strong, the engine's sound lacked the V8 rumble some might desire. Fuel efficiency was a concern, averaging 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres. Despite its size, the Navigator's adaptive damping suspension provided excellent body motion control, though impact harshness was noticeable on rough roads.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured a turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower, depending on fuel octane. Torque ranged from 310 to 320 lb-ft, ensuring effortless acceleration. The CX-30's fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres, with a real-world average of 9.6 L/100 km. Mazda's focus on driving satisfaction was evident, with the i-Activ AWD system and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhancing handling. While the CX-30 Turbo offered impressive traction and response, its added height and weight affected on-pavement performance compared to the Mazda3. However, the CX-30's Off-Road mode and ground clearance made it suitable for dirt and snow driving.

Entering the 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb, but once inside, passengers enjoyed ample space and comfort. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats, part of the Luxury Package, offered exceptional adjustability, complemented by power-adjustable pedals and a heated steering wheel. The second row could be configured with a bench or captain's chairs, with triple-zone climate control ensuring comfort across all rows. The third-row seat provided class-leading legroom and thigh support. Cargo space was generous, with the standard model offering up to 2,928 litres and the longer Navigator L providing up to 3,407 litres.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered easy access and a comfortable driver-focused interior. The eight-way manual adjustment and heated front seats provided long-distance support, though ventilated seats were absent. The cabin's minimalist design and high-quality materials created a sense of spaciousness, but rear-seat accommodations were cramped for adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 572 litres available behind the rear seats and 1,280 litres with the seats folded. However, the location of the optional wireless smartphone charger limited storage options in the centre console.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its least impressive feature, with slow loading times. However, it offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided a compelling listening experience, while additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via physical controls and voice commands. While the system required acclimation, it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT trim added SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, enhancing the audio experience. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, improving safety and convenience.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The CX-30 Turbo included a comprehensive suite of safety features, with the GT trim adding an adaptive front lighting system, parking sensors, and rear automatic emergency braking.