2020 Lincoln Aviator vs 2021 Mazda CX-30

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator was positioned between the Navigator and the compact MKC, later replaced by the Corsair, in Lincoln's lineup. It marked a return to real vehicle names, moving away from the previous alphabet-soup naming convention. The Aviator featured a unified design language across Lincoln's range, with elegant headlights and a prominent chrome grille. Its roofline tapered slightly, giving it an elongated appearance, while the low, wide beltline contributed to a boat-like look. Inside, the Aviator's cabin boasted a flowing design with soft-touch materials and selective brightwork. The seats were both elegant and sturdy, with shifter buttons resembling piano keys. The interior was luxurious, with plush leather throughout, even in areas where it wasn't necessary, showcasing Lincoln's commitment to luxury. Notable features included a panoramic moonroof and unique warning jingles recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, highlighting Lincoln's holistic approach to luxury.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo, with its black wheels and body cladding, presented a bold appearance. Mazda's design aimed to give the CX-30 a light and agile look, as if it were floating over the wheels. This approach distinguished it from the Mazda3 hatchback, on which it was based, by raising its ground clearance. The cabin mirrored the Mazda3's, featuring quality materials, complementary tones, and stitched chocolate brown surfaces, creating an upscale vibe. Changes included a chrome accent around the engine start button and a frameless rearview mirror. The CX-30 Turbo offered black and Griege leatherette upholstery, with black or white leather available in Premium and Premium Plus trims. Prices ranged from approximately $31,000 to $35,000, with our test vehicle priced at $35,745, including destination charges.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator came standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring model enhanced this setup with a 100-hp electric motor, resulting in a combined 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains utilized a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the base V6 offering rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), while the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) was AWD. Both versions achieved 0-60 mph in about 4 seconds. The PHEV's electric and gas power combination provided smooth acceleration and improved fuel efficiency, with a combined 23 mpg and a 21-mile electric-only range. The Aviator's steering was light, and its brakes were effective, offering a refined driving experience. The Excite drive mode added a touch of dynamism, but the Aviator's 5,600-pound weight limited its agility. Fuel economy for the conventional Aviator with RWD was 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD models achieved 17, 24, and 20 mpg, respectively.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering between 227 and 250 horsepower, depending on the fuel's octane rating. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm to 320 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm, ensuring consistent acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo's fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined, with an average of 24.1 mpg during testing. Its 12.7-gallon fuel tank provided a maximum driving range of just over 305 miles. Mazda's focus on acceleration g-force aimed to deliver a satisfying driving experience, with effortless acceleration and minimal torque steer. The i-Activ AWD system actively distributed power to the rear wheels, enhancing traction and response. The CX-30 Turbo's driving dynamics were more refined than the Mazdaspeed 3, offering a sophisticated and enjoyable ride. However, its added height and weight affected handling compared to the Mazda3. The CX-30's 2.5 inches of extra ground clearance and Off-Road mode made it suitable for light off-road adventures, while its torsion-beam rear suspension occasionally resulted in a pronounced bounce.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator, with its three rows, competed with models like the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The optional second-row captain's chairs were excellent, while the power-closing third row was best suited 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, the Aviator's controls, including the seats and door handles, were somewhat confusing. The 30-way seats featured a massage function, but their controls were split between a door-mounted panel and the center touchscreen. The door-release function was unconventional, with a button on the back of the handle, which could be problematic in emergencies. A manual door release was available only for the driver's door.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo provided exceptional comfort for the driver, with eight-way power adjustment and a driver-focused interior layout. Both front seats were heated, and a heated steering wheel was standard in Premium and Premium Plus trims. However, ventilated seats were unavailable, and the front passenger seat lacked the driver's range of adjustment. The cabin's organic shapes and minimalism created a sense of spaciousness, despite the CX-30's small size. Rear-seat accommodations were cramped, but rear-seat air conditioning vents improved comfort. Storage space was generous, but the optional wireless smartphone charger in the center console forced a choice between storage and charging. The CX-30 Turbo offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, slightly less than the Mazda3 hatchback.

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 format.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo's 8.8-inch infotainment display was not a touchscreen, requiring physical controls and voice commands for operation. While the system was functional, a natural voice recognition system would enhance usability. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but navigating radio stations was cumbersome. The CX-30 Turbo included three years of Mazda Connected Services, with remote engine starting and a vehicle finder function. Premium and Premium Plus trims added SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, which sounded impressive. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

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 offered forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It featured a full collection of i-ActiveSense advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive front lighting, parking sensors, rear automatic braking, a surround-view camera, and Traffic Jam Assist. The mobile 9-1-1 automatic emergency notification system provided added peace of mind.