2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 presented itself as a formidable contender in the luxury SUV market, challenging the traditional dominance of brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Mazda had made significant strides in design and material quality, surpassing its Japanese counterparts such as Honda, Nissan, and Toyota, and edging closer to the luxury offerings of Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus. The CX-90's exterior design was an elegant evolution of Mazda's smaller models, featuring a commanding presence with its large grille, wide-set front end, and substantial wheels. Inside, the top-tier trims of the CX-90 boasted interiors that could rival the best in luxury, with brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic accents, creating a sophisticated and tasteful environment.

In contrast, the 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, offered a classic design with a blunt nose, short front overhang, and a tapered roofline. While the Aviator's design was fundamentally appealing, the 2025 styling updates were perceived as less elegant and more generic, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator exuded a classic architectural sensibility, with a focus on traditional luxury rather than overwhelming technology. However, the remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction, detracting from the overall luxury experience. Despite this, the Aviator's Phone as a Key technology and touchpad entry system offered modern conveniences.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system. The base turbo I6 delivered 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the upgraded version in the GT-P and Signature trims increased power to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel. All CX-90 models came with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 Signature trim offered three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Off-Road, with noticeable differences in behaviour between Normal and Sport modes. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, producing 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an all-electric range of 42 kilometres.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions driving modes. The Aviator's adaptive air suspension firmed up in Excite mode, but the SUV was not particularly exciting to drive. The Aviator excelled in Normal mode, with the V6 providing ample power for acceleration and passing. However, the observed fuel economy was 13.3 L/100 km, higher than the official rating of 11.9 L/100 km. The Aviator's ride quality was generally pleasant, but the 22-inch wheels and thin tires struggled with larger road imperfections, generating noticeable road noise on highways.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered a range of trims and seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers in lower trims and six in the Turbo Signature trim. Cargo space varied slightly depending on the seating configuration, with a maximum of 2,129 litres available. While the CX-90 improved on the CX-9's cargo capacity, it still fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. The interior featured clever storage options, comfortable seats, and a panoramic sunroof, creating a pleasant environment despite its slightly smaller size.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator's Perfect Position front seats offered exceptional comfort with 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, though lacking massage functions. The third-row seats were less accommodating, with limited legroom and low, flat cushions. Storage space in the Aviator was excellent, with a well-organized centre console and deep door pockets. The Aviator provided 466 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,131 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,149 litres. While not the largest in its class, the Aviator's cargo space was practical for most needs.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 focused on minimizing distractions with its Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used a rotary control knob and hard buttons instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to enhance safety, the system's quirks and idiosyncrasies often led to frustration. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software that adjusted settings based on facial recognition, and it supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which employed touchscreen controls for ease of use.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience. The system included Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant in the test vehicle struggled with voice prompts, making Apple CarPlay and Siri the preferred options. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided an exceptional audio experience, and the available head-up display offered comprehensive data, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 came standard with i-Activsense, Mazda's suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The CX-90 Signature trim added cruising and traffic support, blending lane-centring with adaptive cruise control. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the CX-90 was expected to perform well based on the CX-9's accolades.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite of ADAS, featuring active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, offering a four-year subscription. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.