2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a restyled front end. The updated Lincoln Embrace nighttime welcome illumination sequence added a touch of elegance. However, the new Audi-esque grille, despite its Lincoln star and chrome detailing, seemed to detract from the Navigator's previous elegance and presence. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The Sync 4 infotainment system, with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, enhanced the Navigator's tech appeal, keeping it competitive in the screen size race.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a blend of subtle seductiveness and newfound ruggedness with its blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield. The exterior design elements, including blistered fender swells and oversized air intake designs, combined with a standard black grille and available 20-inch alloy wheels, created an appealing look. The CX-50 Meridian Edition added exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, and a roof-mounted load platform. Inside, the CX-50 featured a driver-focused design with quality materials and polished metallic trim. The interior was dressed in black leather with caramel-coloured accent stitching, offering a good-looking compact crossover experience.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology and a new electronic brake booster enhanced the driving experience. The Navigator's fuel consumption was rated at 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with an observed average of 12.6 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base engine was a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder, while the GT Turbo trim featured a turbocharged version producing up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine's power varied based on fuel type, with 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane gas. The CX-50's fuel economy was rated at 10.4 L/100 km city, 8.1 highway, and 9.4 combined, with an observed average of 10.1 L/100 km. The CX-50's Mi-Drive modes and G-Vectoring Control technology ensured natural vehicle behaviour, while its ride quality was slightly firmer compared to the CX-5.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptionally comfortable heated, ventilated, and available massaging front seats with 30-way power adjustment. The second-row captain's chairs were newly massaging, heated, and ventilated, providing a comfortable experience. The third-row seat remained roomy and supportive, with generous storage and cargo space. The Navigator carried 546 litres of cargo behind the third-row seat, expandable to 2,925 litres with the second-row seats folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The interior was comfortable for long drives, though the front seats could use more side bolstering. The back seat was roomy, with rear air vents and charging ports. The CX-50 offered 889 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,595 litres with the rear seats folded. Storage space was adequate, though some opportunities for additional storage were missed.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with a user-friendly interface. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered a sensational audio experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with a Mazda Connect infotainment system featuring a 10.25-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system's user interface was occasionally frustrating, but touchscreen control was available for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system offered a satisfying audio experience. The CX-50 also featured an Active Driving Display, projecting data within the driver's line of sight.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system was newly standard. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous hands-free driving technology, performed well within its operational limits but required driver attention.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with some headlight configurations falling short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation. The CX-50 offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. The surround-view camera and parking sensors were particularly useful, though the adaptive cruise control system occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in.