2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Lincoln Aviator

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, showcased classic design proportions. Its blunt nose, short front overhang, and appealing dash-to-axle ratio contributed to its sports wagon-like appearance, despite being an SUV. The Aviator's styling, however, was perceived as less elegant in 2025, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator offered a plush interior with a classic architectural sensibility, avoiding the screen-heavy approach of other Lincoln models. The Aviator's remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its cheap plastic construction, but the Phone as a Key technology and touchpad entry system provided modern alternatives. In Canada, the Aviator was available in Premiere and Reserve trims, with prices ranging from $79,595 to $81,695, including destination charges. The Reserve trim, equipped with various option packages, carried an MSRP of $96,295.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was considered an attractive choice in the compact SUV class, borrowing styling elements from the CX-5 but enhancing them with distinct fender flares and a wider grille for a sportier stance. Its interior featured a traditional layout with classier materials than rivals, including soft-touch surfaces and distinct stitching. The red leather upholstery exclusive to the hybrid model added vibrancy. However, the decorative stripe running down the middle of the seats was noted for its odd placement, likened to thong undergarments by a passenger. Despite this, the CX-50 positioned itself above other compact SUVs, leaning toward entry-level luxury in design and interior quality.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. It offered various driving modes, including Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The optional adaptive air suspension firmed up in Excite mode, but the Aviator was more about comfort than excitement. The V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, though fuel economy was a concern, with an observed 13.3 L/100 km on a mountainous testing loop. The Aviator offered clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for urban driving, but the ride quality suffered on rough roads due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires. The adaptive Air Glide suspension excelled at maintaining composure, but the Aviator's driving character was not particularly athletic.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, producing 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque with all-wheel drive. While not designed for serious off-road use, the hybrid powertrain was borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, offering reliable performance. Acceleration was similar to the RAV4 Hybrid, with an estimated 0-100 km/h time between 7.5 and 8 seconds. The CX-50's sportier suspension tuning provided engaging handling, with minimal body roll and a more agile feel. The firmer ride quality was noticeable but not harsh, and the cabin remained quiet on highways.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered luxurious comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, featuring 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, though lacking massage features. The third-row seats were less accommodating for adults, with limited legroom and low cushions. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizeable bin under the armrest. 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.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered ample front seat space, but rear seat accommodations were less generous compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Sportage Hybrid. Personal storage was adequate, with a moderately sized armrest bin, cupholders, and door pockets. Cargo capacity was limited, with 826 litres behind the rear seats, less than the non-hybrid CX-50 and class averages. However, the space was usable, with a standard power liftgate, a large storage bin under the cargo floor, and convenient features like remote rear seatback releases and shopping bag hooks.

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 technology. It included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts in the test vehicle. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system provided excellent audio quality, and the head-up display offered comprehensive data, including lane departure warnings.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50's 10.25-inch infotainment system was controlled by a centre console dial, with touchscreen functionality limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This setup was preferred by some for its ease of use. All CX-50 models included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad standard on Hybrid models. The base audio system featured eight speakers, while the GT trim offered a 12-speaker Bose premium system.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0, offering advanced driver assistance features like active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, and reverse braking assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assistance system, was standard, providing proactive control handover. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from NHTSA and Good ratings from IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid received five-star ratings from NHTSA, except for rollover protection, which earned four stars. IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The systems functioned smoothly, with no false alarms.