2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Mazda CX-30

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 had the look and styling of a downsized CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. Riding on the same platform as the Mazda3, it was essentially a raised-up version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing a tan on longer drives. However, the slight curve at eye level for taller drivers distorted the road view, which could be distracting.

Inside, the CX-30's cabin was comfortable and quiet, with solid-feeling buttons and doors. It boasted one of the best interior designs among affordable cars, blending conventional and digital displays in the instrument cluster. The infotainment screen rose organically from the smooth dashboard, but its steep learning curve was a downside. Trim levels ranged from the 2.5 S to the Turbo Premium Plus, each adding more features and luxury elements.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and freshened up in 2022, rolled into 2023 without significant updates. The test vehicle was a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featuring the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. It also had the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV streaming capability, although it went unused by the teenagers in the test.

The Navigator's interior was all black, with real wood trim panels and chrome accents. The ambient lighting in the Reserve I package added contrast and character at night. While the cabin looked upscale and used quality materials, the chrome plastic on the switchgear failed to convey luxury. The test vehicle's MSRP was $104,715, including a $1,695 destination charge.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's base engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The test model had the upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, rated at 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87 octane fuel, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. Power was routed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, and the Sport mode altered throttle response and shift mapping for a livelier drive.

The CX-30 featured a conventional shifter design, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and a manual tap-shift mode. The manual mode pattern was similar to race cars, enhancing its performance credibility. The CX-30 had a sporty, refined ride with well-weighted steering and quick turn-in. However, the downside was a rough ride over potholes and bumpy roads.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The test vehicle had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg in combined driving, but averaged 15.6 mpg on the Southern California testing loop.

Drivers could choose between five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The adaptive damping suspension with Road Preview used the front camera to identify upcoming bumps. In Normal mode, the Navigator's ride was not agreeable, with the 22-inch wheels and low-profile tires causing a rough ride. Excite mode stiffened the suspension and quickened the powertrain's pulse, but had a detrimental effect on fuel efficiency. The Navigator felt smaller on mountain roads, but its nearly three-ton curb weight challenged the brakes.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 20.2 cubic feet with the rear seats in use. The Turbo Premium Plus model had a power rear liftgate. The front seats featured a sliding center console cover, which could get stuck under the seat when the rear seats were folded. The center console provided ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats offered solid headroom for short-to-medium trips, but lacked the rear-seat headroom of the larger CX-5.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for more cargo space. Power-deploying running boards made it easier to enter and exit the cabin. The test vehicle had Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy with wide armrests, and the third-row seat accommodated taller adults comfortably.

Storage space was generous throughout the Navigator, with large trays and smaller ones for third-row passengers. The Navigator L model provided more cargo space behind the third row (34.3 cubic feet) compared to the standard model (19.3 cubic feet). The extended-length model also offered more cargo space behind the second row (73.3 cubic feet) and the front seats (120.2 cubic feet).

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 had an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen nestled into the dash, controlled by a rotary dial/joystick and toggle buttons. The lack of touch functionality was a downside, as the system was inspired by older versions of BMW's iDrive, known for poor usability. Getting out of Apple CarPlay was a pain, and operating it with a rotary dial was maddening. Even after learning the system, it remained frustrating.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an available widescreen head-up display, and a dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services, a navigation system, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant proved excellent, easily understanding commands and responding accurately. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System, and the Lincoln Way smartphone app allowed for unlocking, starting, and driving the SUV using a digital key.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with standard driver-assistance features such as forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive cruise control. The Turbo Premium Plus model added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, front-and-rear parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The CX-30 earned five out of five stars from the NHTSA and the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) bundled in the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages. The test vehicle had Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. BlueCruise worked on designated Hands-Free Blue Zones but struggled with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.