2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 20-inch design. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with the Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced its elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the interior continuing to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a celestial touch to the cabin, enhancing the overall luxurious feel. The introduction of the Sync 4 infotainment system with a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display kept the Navigator competitive in the screen size race, while the SUV maintained its standard and long-wheelbase styles with various trim levels.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two engine options: the 2.5 S with 191 horsepower and the 2.5 Turbo with up to 250 horsepower. All models featured a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The CX-30's design was artful yet marred by excessive gray body cladding, and the Turbo's black wheels were nearly invisible against the dark lower body. Inside, the CX-30 boasted an upscale cabin with quality materials, with higher trims offering leather upholstery and polished metal accents. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model featured a tasteful interior color scheme, resembling an entry-level luxury SUV, justifying its premium pricing.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It offered a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration, and featured Trailer Reverse Guidance technology. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview, provided a smooth ride even on imperfect pavement. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator effortlessly handled snowy and muddy conditions, thanks to its four-wheel drive, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and adaptive suspension. The SUV averaged 18.6 mpg in combined driving.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S models gained five horsepower, totaling 191, with improved fuel economy at 29 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo, running on premium gas, produced 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The CX-30's eight inches of ground clearance and Off-Road traction assist made it suitable for light off-roading. The Turbo model provided robust acceleration and a pleasing engine sound, though the powertrain could be caught flat-footed in traffic. The small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited range, requiring frequent refueling. The CX-30 excelled on twisty roads, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus and responsive steering, but the suspension struggled with speed bumps and humps.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior featured exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, enhancing passenger comfort. The third-row seat offered roomy accommodations, and the Navigator's independent rear suspension contributed to its comfort. Cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 103.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more cargo space.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered standard dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. The Turbos added a heated steering wheel. The front passenger seat had limited adjustment, and rear legroom was tight. Storage space was reasonable, with various bins and compartments. The CX-30's cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet, expanding to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The power liftgate, standard on higher trims, was unnecessary given the limited cargo space.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering easy access to navigation and music details. Physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions were user-friendly. Sync 4 supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a voice recognition system that was improved but not perfect. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to streaming services. The 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had three significant flaws: no touchscreen, lack of conversational voice recognition, and no tuning knob. The system required frequent glances away from the road, and the voice recognition was only 50% effective. The 8.8-inch display was well-integrated, with pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. All CX-30s included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Turbos added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system. Wireless smartphone charging was optional.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was standard. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required driver attention. The system disengaged on tighter curves, and the driver needed to monitor for potential threats.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 received improved side-impact crash protection, earning a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display. The Turbo Premium Plus model featured a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The forward-collision system worked effectively, though its response could be excessive.