2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

Mazda executed the concept of premium with the 2020 CX-5 better than many competitors. The 2020 model year saw enhancements like more standard equipment, improved cabin instrumentation, and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. The turbocharged engine received a torque boost, and AWD versions gained an off-road traction assistance feature. Prices ranged from $25,190 to $37,155, with the test vehicle's window sticker at $38,680. The CX-5's "Kodo" styling themes remained appealing, distinctive, and upscale, a feat many automakers struggled to achieve. The interior, especially in Signature trim, featured premium Nappa leather, real wood, and a black headliner, though the Caturra Brown leather lacked contrast.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, unlike its predecessors, distinguished itself from the Ford Expedition. The Navigator's elegance and understatement were evident despite its massive size and 22-inch wheels. The Pristine White test vehicle with a monochromatic package and illuminated Lincoln logo was impressive during winter tests. The interior boasted seven color palettes, with the Slate Gray showing a taste for finer details. The wood trim, push-button gear selector, floating center console, and minimalist digital instrument panel added to its modern appeal. Materials were high-quality, and the Black Label trims offered even more luxurious textures and softer leather.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 came with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. FWD was standard, with AWD optional. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims featured a turbocharged version of the engine, delivering 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular. The turbocharged engine, though powerful, was less efficient, averaging 22.1 mpg on the testing loop. The CX-5 Signature, with G-Vectoring Control Plus, offered an engaging drive but struggled with excessive body motions on curvy roads. Despite this, the steering and brakes were responsive, making it enjoyable in typical driving situations.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered RWD or 4WD options. The 4WD system was smooth and efficient, with a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. Fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, fitting the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a less refined ride compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. However, its low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a refined and powerful highway cruiser, with paddle shifters adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5, while stylish and upscale, was more cramped compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The interior featured classy gauges and metallic accents, with higher trims offering dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and Nappa leather. The front seats were comfortable but small, and rear legroom was limited. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate was standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample space, accommodating six adults comfortably. The third row's middle seat was suitable only for children. The boxy shape provided generous cargo space: 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 behind the second, and 103 in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more storage. The rear glass opened separately from the tailgate, a convenient feature. The Navigator Reserve had heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with large windows and a high driving position enhancing visibility. However, parking was challenging due to its size.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which, while upscale, required acclimation. The Sport trim had a 7-inch touchscreen, usable only when stationary, with Bluetooth, HD Radio, and other features. The Touring trim added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims included an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and a Bose sound system. The Signature trim offered navigation and a surround-view camera. Interaction with Mazda Connect was through the touchscreen, center console controls, or voice recognition, none of which were ideal. The 2021 version promised improvements but retained some operational issues.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen felt outdated compared to competitors. The instrument panel lacked advanced features, and the cameras were low-resolution. The infotainment system couldn't wirelessly connect to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, the software was intuitive, with onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app. The rear entertainment system included Roku streaming and various connections. Drive mode animations were a nice touch, and the simplicity of the system was a relief compared to more complex setups.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the i-Activsense banner. These included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers were standard, with adaptive headlights optional. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, performing well in individual tests.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for 4WD models and three stars for RWD models in rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the Navigator. Optional inflatable rear seat belts aimed to reduce chest injuries. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional but lacked advanced self-steering capabilities.