2021 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a smooth and stylish vehicle that stood out with its sleek design, even when stationary. Unlike many competitors with their aggressive, chiseled looks, the CX-5 opted for a more refined and elegant appearance. The base model, CX-5 Sport, featured automatic LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, and a rear roof spoiler, while higher trims like the Touring and Grand Touring added more luxurious touches such as leatherette seats, dual-zone climate control, and advanced LED headlights.

The top-tier CX-5 Signature model was particularly impressive, offering premium features like Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine wood trim, and ambient lighting. The interior materials were of high quality, providing a feel that rivaled more expensive brands. The CX-5's design was well-executed, with good fit and finish, making it a standout in the compact crossover segment.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator, on the other hand, was a masterclass in luxury and style. Lincoln avoided mimicking its rivals and instead created a unique, sharp-looking vehicle with crisp lines and chrome accents. The Aviator's interior was equally impressive, with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen that dominated the dash. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the luxurious feel.

Trims ranged from the Standard to the Black Label Grand Touring, each adding more features and luxury. The Grand Touring trim, which we tested, included adaptive headlights, heated and ventilated seats, and Lincoln’s Multi-Contour Seats with a massaging function. The second-row captain's chairs and digital control panel for rear passengers made the Aviator's interior exceptionally comfortable and functional.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, available on higher trims, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, providing a more spirited performance. Fuel efficiency varied, with the most efficient model achieving 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

The CX-5's turbo engine offered plenty of power, especially in Sport mode, making it fun to drive. However, the stiff suspension could be a drawback, making the ride less comfortable compared to some competitors. The AWD system kept the vehicle firmly planted, but the seats could use better bolstering for spirited driving.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available. The Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring trims featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain, boosting output to 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque, with a 21-mile electric-only range.

The Aviator's hybrid powertrain provided brisk acceleration and a smooth swell of power. However, its heft could lead to noticeable body roll in corners, and its long wheelbase made it less maneuverable in tight spaces. The drive mode selector offered options like "Excite" and "Conserve," enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's interior was designed for comfort and functionality. The seating position and distance to the center stack were typical for its size, but rear legroom was limited. The CX-5 had two full LATCH connections in the rear outboard seats and a tether connector in the middle seat. Climate controls were straightforward and easy to use, but the larger shifter took up passenger space.

Cargo space was a weak point, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. These numbers were below average for the segment, with competitors like the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 offering significantly more space.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The second row, especially with captain's chairs, was exceptionally comfortable, featuring a center console and digital control panel. However, the power-button door releases could be problematic if the battery died.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the screen size was impressive, the operating system was less so, with a cluttered interface and difficult-to-use knob controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing a workaround for the infotainment system's shortcomings.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system. The landscape layout of the screen was more natural, and the system was easy to use with a sensible menu layout. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were well-integrated, and the fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display added to the tech-savvy feel.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Additional features like a head-up display and surround-view camera system were available. The CX-5 earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a very safe choice.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator also came well-equipped with standard safety features as part of the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package. Our test model included the Co-Pilot 360 Plus package, adding features like reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top marks from both the NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.