2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus was a visually appealing SUV, striking a balance between elegance and character without appearing awkward or overly simplistic. Lincoln's attention to detail was evident, with features like the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence that greeted drivers after dark. The interior of the test vehicle boasted light grey premium leather upholstery, with other colour options available, creating a luxurious atmosphere. However, some elements, such as 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 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment. Its stylish design and high-quality materials gave it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine delivered impressive power, and the CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Mazda's decision to transition from the CX-5 to the CX-50 was a strategic move, allowing consumers to adapt to the change. Regardless of the trim level, the CX-5 exuded quality, refinement, and sophistication. Buyers could choose between the standard 187-horsepower four-cylinder engine or the more powerful 256-hp turbocharged variant. The Canadian lineup offered six versions, with prices ranging from $31,250 for the GX to $44,250 for the 2.5 Turbo Signature, before destination charges. The test vehicle featured Rhodium White metallic paint, Cocoa Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, and a rear bumper guard, bringing the MSRP to $46,755, including a $1,995 destination charge.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came equipped with a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada. For an additional $4,000, buyers could opt for a twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine, delivering 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The Nautilus offered Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, which adjusted powertrain behaviour, steering effort, and adaptive suspension. The V6 engine, paired with the adaptive suspension, provided a comfortable and cozy ride, especially with the massaging and heated driver’s seat and heated steering wheel. The Nautilus had a 68-litre fuel tank, with the V6 achieving a combined fuel consumption rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres. Over a 1,400-kilometre journey, it averaged 9.4 L/100 km. The Nautilus excelled as a road-tripper, offering a quiet and comfortable experience, enhanced by the 19-speaker Revel audio system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a choice between two engines. The base model featured a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. It had a fuel economy rating of 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo variant, with its 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. It achieved a combined fuel consumption rating of 9.8 L/100 km. The turbo engine's power increase, along with structural and suspension improvements, made the CX-5 feel more refined and responsive. The CX-5 excelled on winding roads, offering a firm and connected ride quality. The turbocharged engine provided ample torque, and the six-speed automatic transmission delivered snappy shifts. The CX-5's driving dynamics, combined with its sporty character, made it a joy to drive.

Inside the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, occupants were greeted with smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet cabin thanks to Active Noise Control and acoustic glass. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the steering wheel was heated. The optional 22-way power front seats, with massage programs and adjustable features, provided exceptional comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed heated seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. Storage space was adequate, with a hands-free power liftgate revealing a well-finished luggage compartment. The Nautilus offered 1,055 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and a maximum of 1,948 litres with the back seat folded down.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 received updates to its front seats for improved comfort and support. All versions featured a height-adjustable driver’s seat, with higher trims offering power adjustments, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Signature trim included luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior had limitations, including a lack of advanced technology, limited storage space, and cramped rear-seat head and legroom. The cargo area provided 871 litres of space behind the rear seat and a maximum of 1,680 litres with the back seat folded down. While the CX-5 used high-quality materials, its technology and storage space fell short compared to some competitors.

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 user interface was intuitive, and the Revel speakers delivered excellent sound quality. The Nautilus also offered Phone as a Key, allowing smartphones to unlock and start the vehicle.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics and a logical menu structure. However, it lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and the physical controls on the centre console were awkward to use. The control knob required twists and pushes to execute commands, making it less intuitive than a touchscreen. The user experience was often frustrating, with issues like the SiriusXM channel list defaulting to the bottom. Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system in upper trims. The test vehicle included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came 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, which included 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 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance tech under the i-Activsense banner. Most features were standard, with the 2.5 Turbo Signature trim adding a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, rear low-speed automatic emergency braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The i-Activsense tech operated smoothly and accurately, with an Active Driving Display showing alerts. The CX-5 included an E911 system for automatic collision notification. However, it lacked a warning message for driving without headlights at night. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick ranking from the IIHS.