2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to luxury and elegance, shedding its past resemblance to the Ford Expedition. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, the Navigator stood out with its unique design and luxurious features. Its imposing presence was accentuated by simple rectilinear shapes, a body-colour grille, and 22-inch wheels. The Pristine White model, with its black wheels and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven colour palettes and modern design elements like a floating centre console and minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials used were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats offered unparalleled comfort with 30 different adjustments.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a more compact and sporty design, reminiscent of a downsized CX-5. Its sleek lines and upright grille gave it a modern look, while the raked windshield added a unique touch, albeit with some visibility challenges for taller drivers. The interior was comfortable and quiet, with a well-designed instrument cluster and an infotainment screen that blended seamlessly into the dashboard. However, the infotainment system's usability was hindered by its non-touch functionality, controlled instead by a rotary dial. Despite this, the CX-30's cabin was solidly built, with thoughtful features like deep door pockets and a sliding centre console cover.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada, provided impressive acceleration and a thrilling driving experience. The Navigator's towing capacity was a substantial 3,765 kilograms, making it a capable choice for those needing to haul heavy loads. However, its fuel efficiency was less than stellar, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The Navigator's adaptive dampers offered a decent ride, but it lacked the refined suspension of some competitors, resulting in a less smooth experience over rough roads.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, offered a range of engine options, with the test model featuring a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine delivered 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, with increased output on premium fuel. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive provided a lively and engaging driving experience, especially in Sport mode. The steering was precise, and the suspension offered a sporty ride, though it could be harsh over rough surfaces. The CX-30's conventional shifter design and paddle shifters added to its performance appeal.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, akin to a small bedroom, with seating for up to eight passengers. The boxy design maximized cargo space, providing 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator's rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, adding convenience for loading and unloading. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage functions. However, the lack of side window shades and electrically reclining second-row seats were noted drawbacks.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, which was average for its class. The GT grade featured a power rear liftgate, enhancing practicality. The front seats offered ample storage, though the sliding centre console cover had a design flaw that could cause it to get stuck. Rear seat headroom was adequate for short-to-medium trips, but taller passengers might find it cramped on longer journeys.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat dated, with a 10-inch touchscreen that lacked the advanced features of some competitors. While it offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM, it did not support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good, but not exceptional. However, the software was intuitive, and the vehicle offered features like wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku streaming.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's infotainment system was elegantly integrated into the dash, controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons. While inspired by luxury systems like BMW's iDrive, the lack of touch functionality made it less user-friendly, especially for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite this, the system was functional once set up, though it required a learning curve. The CX-30's infotainment system was a point of contention, with its usability being a significant drawback.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and inflatable rear seat belts, though the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 also earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It offered a range of driver-assistance features, though many were not standard in Canada. The test model included adaptive front headlights, a 360-degree parking camera, and a head-up display. The CX-30's safety features were comprehensive, though some, like the electronic parking brake, could be inconvenient in certain situations.