2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

Lincoln made subtle styling changes to the 2022 Navigator, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design now standard. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced the SUV's elegance and presence. Despite this, the Navigator's interior continued to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display added to the Navigator's appeal, keeping it competitive in the screen size race.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a blend of subtle seductiveness and newfound ruggedness with its blunt nose, long hood, and boxed fender swells. The exterior design elements, including oversized air intakes and vent designs, paired well with the standard black grille and mirror caps, and available 20-inch wheels. The upcoming CX-50 Meridian Edition promised exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, splash guards, and a roof-mounted load platform. Inside, the CX-50 featured a driver-focused design with quality materials, polished metallic trim, and a mix of analog and digital gauges. The interior was comfortable, with heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and ample rear seat space.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in RWD or 4WD. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and the new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg in combined driving, and during testing, it averaged 18.6 mpg.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options: a 187 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in the 2.5 S model and a turbocharged version in the 2.5 Turbo, producing up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine's power varied based on fuel type, with 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The CX-50's towing capacity increased to 3,500 pounds with the turbo engine. The SUV featured Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, ensuring natural vehicle behavior in various conditions. The CX-50's fuel economy was estimated at 27 mpg for the 2.5 S and 25 mpg for the 2.5 Turbo, though testing showed an average of 23.4 mpg for the latter.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior boasted heated, ventilated, and massaging 30-way power-adjustable front seats, providing exceptional comfort. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, enhancing passenger comfort. The third-row seat offered roomy accommodations, and the Navigator's cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more cargo space.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors. The ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control ensured comfort in various weather conditions. The back seat was spacious enough for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports. The CX-50's cargo space measured 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The SUV's storage space was adequate, though some opportunities for additional storage were missed.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering easy access to navigation and music details. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the voice recognition system was improved. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with a Mazda Connect infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The base model had an 8.8-inch display, while higher trims featured a 10.25-inch display. The system allowed touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the native Mazda Connect interface was not optimized for touch. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience, and the Active Driving Display (HUD) offered useful information within the driver's line of sight.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways but required the driver to remain attentive. The system performed well in testing, though it required human intervention in certain situations.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to perform well in safety tests, like other Mazda models. It offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, with additional features available on the top trim level. These included Traffic Jam Assist, active blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control system had some issues recognizing vehicles cutting into the gap ahead, but overall, the safety systems worked well.