2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2020 Lincoln Aviator

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was positioned between the larger Navigator and the smaller MKC, which was later replaced by the Corsair. Lincoln's shift from alphanumeric names to real vehicle names signaled a move away from mimicking imports, and the Aviator exemplified this with its cohesive design language. The SUV featured elegant headlights and a prominent chrome grille, with a slightly tapered roofline that lent it an elongated, almost nautical appearance. Inside, the Aviator's cabin boasted a flowing design with soft-touch materials and selective brightwork, evoking a sense of understated luxury. The seats were both elegant and robust, with a piano-key design for the shifter buttons, hinting at a return to Golden Age luxury without overcommitting to the theme.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30, despite its excessive gray plastic cladding, offered a generally appealing design, especially in its interior. The cladding made the 18-inch wheels appear small, but the overall styling was commendable. Inside, the CX-30's cabin was upscale and elegant above the midpoint, with soft padding on the center console and door armrests. The driving position was excellent, with large, simple analog gauges for easy reference. However, below the midpoint, hard plastics were prevalent, reflecting the vehicle's price point. The CX-30's interior was comfortable yet snug, with limited rear legroom and cargo space, making it more suitable for younger passengers and shorter trips.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine was part of the same family used in the Explorer, Expedition, and Ford F-150. The Grand Touring trim elevated performance by combining the V6 with a 100-hp electric motor, resulting in a total output of 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains utilized a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the base V6 offering rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, while the plug-in hybrid was exclusively AWD. The Aviator's acceleration was impressive, achieving 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds, and the hybrid system provided smooth, confident acceleration with improved fuel efficiency.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. While these figures were competitive, the CX-30's weight of 3,408 pounds and lack of a turbocharged option limited its performance, especially at higher altitudes. The 6-speed sport automatic transmission, however, was adept at maximizing the engine's potential, with paddle shifters available on the Premium trim. The CX-30's driving dynamics were satisfactory, with 8 inches of ground clearance and an optional AWD system with off-road traction assist. Despite its higher center of gravity and torsion beam axle rear suspension, the CX-30 ranked well among small SUVs for driving dynamics, though it couldn't match the sportiness of the Mazda3.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, with its three-row seating, competed with models like the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The optional second-row captain's chairs were highly praised, while the power-closing third row was more suitable for children on longer trips. With the second and third rows folded, the Aviator offered 77 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to the Cadillac XT6. However, some controls, like the seat adjustments and door handles, were overly complicated, potentially confusing passengers. The door-release function, in particular, was unconventional, raising concerns about usability in emergency situations.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered benefits like higher ground clearance and easier entry and exit compared to the Mazda3. Inside, the CX-30's cabin was upscale, with soft padding on the center console and door armrests. The driving position was excellent, with large, simple analog gauges. Cloth seating was standard, with simulated leather available on higher trims, and genuine leather on the Premium trim. The rear seat was cramped, with limited legroom, and cargo space was modest at 20.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 45.2 cubic feet with the seat folded. These measurements were less than many competitors, aligning the CX-30 more with the subcompact segment.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen in a landscape layout, providing a user-friendly interface for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The fully digital instrument panel and head-up display offered a wealth of information in a minimalist manner, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30's technology package was practical, though the infotainment system had a steep learning curve. The 8.8-inch static display was integrated into the dashboard, avoiding a touchscreen to maintain driver focus. However, the controls were not always intuitive. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Mazda Connected Services, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on Select trim and above. The Premium trim offered a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a head-up display.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite added advanced driver-assistance systems like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Additional safety tech included blind-spot monitoring and a head-up display.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, with a robust list of standard advanced driving assistance systems and impressive crash-test ratings. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Select trim added blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, while the Premium trim offered adaptive front lights. The CX-30 received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS with Premium trim.