2023 Mazda CX-50 vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh, with its blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield. Its cabin was positioned towards the rear wheels, maintaining the subtle allure that Mazda vehicles have been known for over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged aesthetic with its pronounced fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. The oversized air intake and vent designs added a performance edge without being visually overwhelming. When combined with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch alloy wheels, the CX-50 presented an appealing exterior. Later in the year, the CX-50 Meridian Edition was introduced, featuring exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, splash guards, and a roof-mounted load platform.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator was a midsize crossover that exuded luxury and sophistication. It was praised for its modern Lincoln face and grille, which was considered the most successful execution among Lincoln's SUV lineup. However, the wheel designs on the Grand Touring model were deemed too plain, especially when paired with the ubiquitous white paint. The Aviator's lighting sequence, electric door handles, and ambient cabin lighting added to its luxurious feel. Inside, the Aviator was undeniably fancy, with a mix of patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, chrome accents, and exposed stitching. The materials were mostly high-end, with soft leather and a suede headliner, though some chrome detailing felt cheap. The Aviator's key fob was also criticized for its plasticky feel, but the optional Phone As A Key technology offered a modern alternative.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base GT model featured a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It delivered fuel consumption figures of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power, the GT Turbo trim provided a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp depending on the fuel type. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft on regular gas to 320 lb-ft on premium. The turbo model's fuel economy was slightly higher, averaging 10.1 L/100 km. The CX-50's driving experience was smooth, with minimal turbo lag and a firm ride quality. It handled off-road situations well, though it lacked a downhill assist control system.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor, producing 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. It offered 34 km of electric driving range and averaged 10.3 L/100 km in hybrid mode. The Aviator's driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV, allowed for efficient use of the battery. During testing, the Aviator covered 56 km on electricity and averaged 9.7 L/100 km. The powertrain was powerful but sometimes unpredictable, with inconsistent brake pedal behaviour. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package provided a smooth ride, though it wasn't particularly fun to drive. Its steering was heavy and numb, but it excelled in providing a quiet and smooth driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 GT Turbo was equipped for winter with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors. The ventilated front seats and dual-zone climate control added comfort. The front seats were comfortable for long drives, though they could use more side bolstering. The back seat was spacious, with rear air vents and charging ports. Storage space was adequate, though some opportunities for additional storage were missed. The CX-50 offered 889 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,595 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy, but the third row was cramped and difficult to access. With the third row in use, the Aviator offered 519 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,200 litres with the seats folded. The Aviator's interior was luxurious, though the third row was best suited for children.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Historically, Mazda Connect lacked touchscreen control, but the 2023 model allowed for touchscreen use with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. The Active Driving Display offered useful information, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system was impressive, and the Phone As A Key technology offered modern convenience. The head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses, and the parking sensors and surround-view camera system were useful.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to headlight configurations and pedestrian collision avoidance. It offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a suite of airbags and the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 collections of driver aids. Our test vehicle included features like adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The driver aids performed well on straight highways but struggled in dense traffic. The steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complicated. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.