2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

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 Lincoln's star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced its elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the new "single-frame" grille being a minor footnote. Inside, the Navigator impressed with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by the Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen added to the vehicle's appeal, keeping it competitive in the screen size race. The Navigator was available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with trim levels including Standard, Reserve, and Black Label, starting at $78,405. The Black Label model tested featured a Central Park theme with a green interior and a total price of $106,530.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment. It offered a stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it a luxury feel. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the CX-5 boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Mazda planned to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50, similar to Infiniti's rebranding strategy. The CX-5 exuded quality and sophistication across all versions, with engine options including a standard 187-hp four-cylinder and a 256-hp turbocharged variant. The lineup ranged from the 2.5 S at $26,700 to the 2.5 Turbo Signature at $39,650. The test vehicle, a 2.5 Turbo Signature, featured Rhodium White metallic paint, Nappa leather upholstery, and a rear bumper guard, with an MSRP of $41,655. Despite its high price, the CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature was considered worthy compared to rivals.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in RWD or 4WD. It offered a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension included Road Preview, which prepared the suspension for road imperfections. Despite its heavy 22-inch wheels, the Navigator handled rough roads well. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During a drive from Scottsdale to Payson, the Navigator's engine performed effortlessly, even in snowy conditions, thanks to its 4WD, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and adaptive suspension. The Navigator 4WD achieved an average fuel economy of 18.6 mpg.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The turbocharged engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm on regular gas and 2,500 rpm on premium fuel. The CX-5's structural rigidity, suspension dampening, and transmission responsiveness were improved for 2022, enhancing its driving dynamics. The turbocharged engine delivered a pleasant acceleration note, and the CX-5 returned 21.4 mpg during testing. The CX-5 excelled on twisting roads, offering a firm and communicative ride, with responsive steering and brakes.

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 also offered heating, ventilation, and massage, along with an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row (34.3 cubic feet in the Navigator L) and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded (120.2 cubic feet in the Navigator L).

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's front seats were improved for comfort and support, with height-adjustable options for both front seats. Higher trims offered power adjustments, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone climate control. The Signature trim featured Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's technology, storage, rear-seat room, and cargo space were less impressive. The infotainment system lacked a conversational voice recognition system, and the CX-5's interior storage and cargo space were limited compared to rivals. It offered 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering improved functionality and user-friendliness. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a voice recognition system that performed well but had room for improvement. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. It lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and the physical controls on the center console were awkward. The system required memorization and focus, making it distracting. Despite this, Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. The test vehicle included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system.

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-5 offered comprehensive driver assistance technology under the i-Activsense banner, with most features standard. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim included additional features like a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist. The i-Activsense tech operated smoothly, with an Active Driving Display showing operational status. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, it lacked a warning for driving without headlights at night, a common issue with the model.