2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus was a visually appealing SUV, striking a balance between elegance and character without appearing overly simplistic. Its design was complemented by a welcoming Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence that greeted drivers at night. The interior of the test vehicle featured light grey premium leather upholstery, with other colour options available, creating a luxurious atmosphere. However, some elements, like the centre console design and chrome-plated plastic pieces, detracted from the overall opulence. The Nautilus Reserve model, the only one available in Canada, had a starting MSRP of $59,800, excluding a $2,395 destination charge. The optional Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion massage, priced at $1,900, provided exceptional comfort for long journeys.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 underwent subtle exterior updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, and a redesigned grille. The top-of-the-line Signature trim featured body-colour lower exterior trim, enhancing its premium appeal. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats offered improved comfort, and the driving position was sportier. Prices for the CX-5 ranged from $30,500 to $43,650, with the turbocharged engine available for an additional $2,200. Our test drive in the Sport Design grade, equipped with the turbo engine and optional features, totalled $46,175.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada. An optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine, producing 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, was available for an additional $4,000. The Nautilus offered Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, adjusting powertrain behaviour, steering effort, and adaptive suspension. The twin-turbo V6 had a fuel consumption rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a maximum highway range of 730 kilometres. During testing, it averaged 9.4 L/100 km over 1,400 kilometres. The Nautilus excelled on long road trips, providing a quiet and comfortable ride with its 19-speaker Revel audio system.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. All CX-5s came with standard AWD and a revised 6-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine option delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The turbo engine had a combined fuel consumption rating of 9.8 L/100 km, but testing showed 11.1 L/100 km. The CX-5's Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, enhancing driving dynamics. The 2022 CX-5 provided improved ride and handling, with reduced noise, vibration, and harshness, making it a compelling alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

Inside the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, occupants enjoyed smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive thanks to Active Noise Control. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with a heated steering wheel. The optional 22-way power front seats offered massage programs and adjustable features for optimal comfort. Rear passengers had heated outboard seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. The Nautilus provided 1,055 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,948 litres with the back seat folded. However, storage space was limited, and the centre console design appeared tacked on.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, supportive seats and a sportier driving position. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout was frustrating, lacking a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Storage space was limited, with a small centre armrest bin and wireless smartphone charging. The CX-5 offered 871 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,680 litres with the back seat folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software. Sync 4 offered over-the-air updates, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The test vehicle included a connected navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The system's intuitive interface and natural voice recognition were user-friendly, and the Revel speakers delivered excellent sound quality. The Phone as a Key feature allowed smartphone access to the vehicle.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth. The display was not touch-sensitive, and the system lacked natural voice recognition. Users had to rely on centre console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support and Mazda Connected Services. The CX-5 offered a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system on higher trims, providing satisfactory audio quality. SiriusXM satellite radio was also available.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite of driver-assist features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Black Label trim added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, evasive steering assist, a surround-view camera system, and rear parking sensors. The Nautilus received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured the i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The Signature trim included Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, a distinction few rivals could match.