2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2020 Lincoln Navigator

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 had a design meeting where the decision to use thick gray plastic cladding around its lower perimeter was made, and it was a misstep. Reducing this cladding by half would have significantly improved the styling. As it stood, the excessive cladding made the 18-inch wheels look small and gave the CX-30 an appearance of being perpetually on a hydraulic lift. Despite this, the CX-30's overall design was commendable, especially the interior, which felt luxurious above the midpoint of the cabin. Below that, hard plastic was prevalent, but given the price, it was expected. Prices started at $21,900, with the Select trim at $23,900, Preferred at $26,200, and Premium at $28,200. AWD was a $1,400 upgrade, and the destination charge was $1,100. The test vehicle, a CX-30 Premium AWD with additional features, totaled $32,120.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator, sharing a platform with the Ford Expedition, distinguished itself with unique front and rear styling, the Lincoln Embrace lighting system, and a lattice-type grille with an illuminated star logo. The Navigator also featured fender vents, full-width taillights, and black roof pillars for a wraparound glass appearance. The new Reserve Monochromatic Package added a custom look with body-color enhancements and 22-inch black-painted wheels. Available in standard and long-wheelbase versions, with RWD or 4WD, the test vehicle was a standard-length Navigator Reserve with 4WD and additional packages, totaling $92,385. The interior boasted 30-way Perfect Position front seats, a mid-century modern dashboard, and a wide storage console. Digital instrumentation, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, and high-quality materials added to the luxurious feel.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Despite its competitive figures, the CX-30's weight of 3,408 pounds and lack of a turbocharged engine option affected its performance. The 6-speed sport automatic transmission, with paddle shifters in Premium trim, efficiently utilized the available power. The CX-30's AWD system included an off-road traction assist system, and it offered 8 inches of ground clearance. While it felt slower compared to the Mazda3, it was sprightly among small SUVs. The higher center of gravity and torsion beam axle rear suspension impacted handling, but the steering, braking, and driver communication remained sharp. The EPA estimated 27 mpg in combined driving, but real-world testing yielded 23.9 mpg.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Navigator offered multiple drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Slow Climb with the towing package. It could tow up to 8,700 pounds with RWD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD, aided by Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Acceleration was strong, and the engine note was subtly aggressive. The Navigator averaged 16.4 mpg on the testing loop, with an EPA estimate of 18 mpg in combined driving. Despite 22-inch wheels and adaptive damping suspension, impact harshness was noticeable, especially in Excite mode. The Navigator excelled on open roads and smooth pavement, with a tight turning radius and parking assist system aiding maneuverability in tight spaces.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered ease of entry and exit due to its high ground clearance. Inside, the upscale and elegant interior provided a comfortable but snug driving environment. Soft padding on the center console, door armrests, and front upper door panels improved comfort. The driving position was excellent, with large, simple analog gauges. Cloth seating was standard, with simulated leather in Select and Preferred trims, and genuine leather in Premium trim. The rear seat was cramped, suitable for younger children and shorter adults. Cargo space was limited, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 45.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, less than many competitors.

Entering the 2020 Lincoln Navigator required climbing up, but once inside, passengers found ample room to stretch out. The test vehicle's 30-way Perfect Position front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with power-adjustable pedals and a heated steering wheel. The second row offered a choice between a bench or captain’s chairs, with a large center console and heated rear seat cushions. The third-row seat provided excellent legroom and thigh support. Cargo volumes were class-leading, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103.3 cubic feet maximum. The longer Navigator L offered even more space, with 34.3, 73.3, and 120.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 provided essential technology, though the infotainment system had a steep learning curve. The 8.8-inch static display was not a touchscreen, requiring use of center console controls, steering wheel buttons, and voice commands, which were not always intuitive. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Pandora, and Mazda Connected Services with a 3-year trial. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available with Select trim, and Preferred and Premium trims offered a 12-speaker Bose sound system. The Premium trim also included a head-up display.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was slow to load content, but a new Sync 4 platform was on the horizon. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Lincoln Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, a Lincoln Way app, and wireless device charging. "Phone As A Key" technology allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The voice recognition system required specific command pathways. The Reserve’s Luxury Package included a 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system with three listening profiles. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display, with an optional rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, with standard features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, a reversing camera, and a driver monitoring system. Select trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, while Premium trim included 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.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning with trailer coverage, rear cross-traffic warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Reserve trim added adaptive cruise control. The Navigator’s adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance operated with refinement. The Navigator received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the RWD version had a 3-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.