2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Mazda CX-30

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 was a stylish subcompact SUV that borrowed its design cues from the larger CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. Built on the same platform as the Mazda3, it resembled a raised-up version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield, while providing a greenhouse effect on sunny days, could distort the view for taller drivers, which was a potential distraction. Inside, the cabin was both comfortable and quiet, with a solid feel to the buttons and doors. The interior design was one of the best among affordable cars, blending conventional and digital displays artfully. However, the infotainment system, though attractive, had a steep learning curve, prioritizing form over function.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator was a full-size luxury SUV that exuded comfort and utility. Despite lacking significant updates since its 2018 redesign, it remained Lincoln's flagship model. The Navigator Reserve, the sole trim available in Canada, featured a monochromatic package with black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. The interior was upscale, with quality materials and ambient lighting adding character. However, some chrome plastic switchgear failed to convey luxury. The Navigator's cabin was spacious, with power-deploying running boards for easy access and 30-way adjustable front seats offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions. While the seats were comfortable, their numerous adjustments could be overwhelming.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque in the GX trim. The GS and GT trims featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model, equipped with the upgraded 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivered 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87 octane fuel, and 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. Power was routed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, and the Sport mode enhanced throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's sporty ride was complemented by well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though it resulted in a rough ride over potholes.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving, but our testing loop averaged 15.0 L/100 km. The SUV offered five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with Hill Climb available with the towing package. The adaptive damping suspension, featuring Road Preview, aimed to improve ride quality, but the Navigator's ride was often harsh over smaller bumps and floated over larger dips. Excite mode improved handling but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban environments, making parking and maneuvering difficult.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 572 litres with the seats in use, which was average for the subcompact SUV segment. The GT grade featured a power rear liftgate for added convenience. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, which could get stuck when the rear seats were folded. The centre console offered ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats provided adequate headroom for short-to-medium trips, though longer drives might be less comfortable.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo capacity. Power-deploying running boards facilitated easy access to the cabin. The 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats, with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensured comfort for long journeys. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, with a pass-through to the third-row seat, which accommodated taller adults comfortably. Storage space was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The Navigator L model provided significantly more cargo space, with 971 litres behind the third row, 2,075 litres behind the second row, and 3,403 litres behind the front seats.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen nestled into the dash. The screen lacked touch functionality and was controlled by a rotary dial/joystick in the centre console, along with toggle buttons. This setup, inspired by luxury-car infotainment systems like BMW's iDrive, was criticized for its poor usability. Navigating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the rotary dial was frustrating, though accessing CarPlay from the Mazda home screen was straightforward. The system remained cumbersome even after setting up presets, and it could be distracting for new users.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, meanwhile, offered a range of digital displays, including a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services, and Alexa Built-in. Pairing an iPhone and using CarPlay was seamless, though the wireless smartphone charger caused the phone to overheat. The digital assistant excelled in voice recognition, accurately responding to commands. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. Lincoln Play installed touchscreens for rear-seat passengers, though they were often ignored in favour of personal devices.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of driver-assistance features, though many were not standard in Canada. Available features included forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Standard features included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher grades offered traffic-sign recognition, front-and-rear parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The CX-30 earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top marks in crash tests and driver-assistance technology.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. Unique features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system for designated Hands-Free Blue Zones. BlueCruise required regular driver intervention, struggling with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones. It also lacked a lane-change assist function. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, though a full crashworthiness assessment was unavailable.