2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a significant departure from its predecessors, which often resembled dressed-up Ford Expeditions. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique design features, including a distinctive turn signal stalk. The Navigator Reserve, priced at $92,000, exuded luxury and elegance, convincing even those accustomed to high-end brands like Mercedes and Range Rover of its worth. Its exterior design, characterized by simple rectilinear shapes and subtle chrome accents, was both classy and imposing. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking during winter tests in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven color palettes and attention to finer details. The Slate Gray interior of the test vehicle showcased layered wood trim, a floating center console with chromed switches, and a minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials were of high quality, and the panel gaps were tight. The Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures and softer leather. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, provided unparalleled comfort. Fully loaded, the Navigator's interior rivaled that of much smaller, more expensive luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5, while not drastically different in appearance from its predecessors, featured new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. The top-of-the-line Signature trim also received body-color lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's premium aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 maintained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats addressed previous complaints, offering improved comfort and support, and a sportier driving position. The height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats added to the vehicle's appeal.

The back seat of the CX-5 remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents enhanced passenger comfort. The control layout, while initially frustrating due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system, became more intuitive over time. Storage space was adequate, with a small center armrest bin, wireless smartphone charging, and door armrest trays. Cargo space was competitive with entry-level luxury SUVs, offering 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The Navigator's 4WD system was smooth and responsive, with a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, consistent with the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The adaptive dampers offered a decent ride, but the suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The Navigator's steering and brakes lacked the precision and control of its rivals, but its low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a refined and powerful highway cruiser.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5 S had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The EPA rated this powertrain at 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo model, running on premium gas, delivered 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, with slightly lower figures on regular gas. The Turbo model also featured the revised six-speed automatic and standard AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5's driving dynamics were significantly improved, with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning. The ride was quieter and smoother, with reduced body roll and improved handling. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) system offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, with seating for six adults and a total capacity of seven passengers. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children, and the second-row captain's chairs could be replaced with a bench for eight-passenger capacity. Cargo space was generous, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, a convenient feature for loading and unloading. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate control system. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with numerous customization options. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and front seats with new furnishings that offered better comfort and support. The driving position was sportier, and the height-adjustable front passenger seat was a welcome addition. The 2.5 Turbo model featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout, while initially frustrating, became more intuitive over time. Storage space was adequate, with a small center armrest bin, wireless smartphone charging, and door armrest trays. Cargo space was competitive with entry-level luxury SUVs, offering 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen, which felt small compared to the advanced displays in competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The instrument panel lacked full-screen maps and different designs, and the cameras were low-resolution. The infotainment system did not support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, the software was intuitive and easy to use, with fast and accurate voice recognition. The Navigator offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, a smartwatch app, and the ability to use a smartphone as the vehicle's ignition key. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connection options. Drive mode animations added a touch of elegance to the instrument panel.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. Mazda believed that touchscreens caused driver distraction, so the system was operated using controls on the center console and steering wheel. While this approach required acclimation, it eventually became intuitive. The system lacked natural voice recognition, making it less user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, which performed well. SiriusXM satellite radio was also standard starting with this trim level.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with five stars in every test except for rollover resistance (four stars for 4WD models, three stars for RWD models). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety had not rated the Navigator in its current generation. The Navigator did not offer knee airbags, but optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row were a rare safety feature. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering and lane-tracking capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. Standard features included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Signature trim also included Traffic Jam Assist. The i-Activsense system operated mostly in the background, providing a seamless driving experience. The head-up display showed blind-spot warnings, enhancing safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2022 Mazda CX-5 a "Top Safety Pick+" rating.