2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator stood out as a luxurious flagship SUV, distinguished by its unique design elements that set it apart from its Ford Expedition roots. The Navigator featured a lattice-type grille insert, illuminated Lincoln star logo, and Lincoln Embrace lighting system, which sequentially illuminated the SUV to welcome its owner. The vehicle's design was further enhanced by fender vents, full-width taillights, and black roof pillars, giving it a wraparound glass appearance. The introduction of the Reserve Monochromatic Package added a custom look with body-color grille and side mirror enhancements, paired with 22-inch black-painted wheels. Inside, the Navigator offered a Dark Slate leather interior with 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a dashboard with mid-century modern styling cues, and a panoramic glass roof, all contributing to its luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo presented a bold aesthetic with its shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, complemented by thick matte black body cladding. This design choice gave the CX-30 a floating appearance, setting it apart from the Mazda3 hatchback on which it was based. The CX-30's cabin mirrored the Mazda3's, featuring quality materials, complementary tones, and stitched chocolate brown surfaces, creating an upscale vibe. The interior included a chrome accent around the engine start button and a frameless rearview mirror, with options for black and Griege leatherette or black and white leather upholstery. The CX-30 Turbo's design emphasized a sophisticated and premium feel, aligning with Mazda's move into the premium SUV market.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Ford Expedition's most powerful version by 50 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque. This power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The Navigator offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an additional Slow Climb mode available with the towing package. The SUV's towing capacity reached 8,700 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 8,300 pounds with four-wheel drive, aided by the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. Despite its power, the Navigator's fuel economy averaged 16.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA's 18 mpg combined estimate. The SUV's adaptive damping suspension struggled with impact harshness on imperfect roads, but its body motion control was commendable, providing a hint of athleticism.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel's octane rating, with torque ranging from 310 to 320 lb-ft. The engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel-drive system. The CX-30 Turbo's fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined by the EPA, with a tested average of 24.1 mpg. Mazda's focus on acceleration g-force resulted in a driving experience that prioritized power and response over raw speed. The CX-30 Turbo's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology and i-Activ AWD system managed torque distribution effectively, providing effortless acceleration and remarkable traction. However, the SUV's added height and weight affected its handling compared to the Mazda3, though its 2.5 inches of extra ground clearance and Off-Road mode compensated for this when driving off-road.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator required a climb to enter, but once inside, it offered ample space and comfort for all passengers. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats, part of the optional Luxury Package, provided exceptional comfort, though finding the ideal settings took time. The Navigator's second row offered a choice between a bench or captain's chairs, with the latter option allowing for a large center console with audio controls. The third-row seat provided unmatched legroom and thigh support among luxury three-row SUVs of the 2020 model year. Cargo space was class-leading, with the standard-length model offering 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet. The longer Navigator L increased these measurements to 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was easy to enter and exit, offering 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 with Premium and Premium Plus trim. However, ventilated seats were not available, and the front passenger seat lacked the range of adjustment found in the driver's seat. The cabin's organic shapes and minimalism contributed to a sense of spaciousness, though the rear seat was cramped for adults. Storage space was generous for a small SUV, but the location of the optional wireless smartphone charger in the center console storage bin limited its usability. The CX-30 Turbo provided 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded, slightly less than the Mazda3 hatchback.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was its least impressive technology, with slow content loading times. However, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, and wireless device charging. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access and operation. The system's voice recognition required specific command pathways, and the 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided a compelling audio experience. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, though the test vehicle lacked the optional Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via physical controls and voice commands. While the system required acclimation, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with three free years of Mazda Connected Services. Premium and Premium Plus trims added SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The CX-30 Turbo also included an Active Driving Display, projecting useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator's adaptive cruise control operated with refinement, and the lane-keeping assistance system was subtle yet effective. The SUV earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover resistance rating was three stars with rear-wheel drive. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.

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. The SUV featured a full suite of i-ActiveSense advanced driving assistance systems, with Premium trim adding adaptive front lighting and Premium Plus trim including parking sensors, rear automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-30 Turbo also had a mobile 9-1-1 automatic emergency notification system.