2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 had the look and styling of a downsized CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. It rode on the same platform as the Mazda3, essentially acting as a raised-up version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing a tan on longer drives. However, the slight curve at eye level for taller drivers could distort the view of the road, which was distracting.

Inside, the CX-30's cabin was comfortable and quiet, with solid-feeling buttons and doors. The interior design was one of the best among affordable cars, blending conventional and digital displays artfully. The infotainment screen rose organically from the smooth dashboard, but its steep learning curve was a downside. Trim levels ranged from the 2.5 S to the Turbo Premium Plus, each adding more features and luxury elements.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator made subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end was restyled with an Audi-esque grille, which some felt reduced its elegance. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen was a significant upgrade, offering a user-friendly experience.

The Navigator continued in standard and long-wheelbase styles with Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims. The Black Label trim, evaluated in the Central Park theme, featured a green interior with second-row heated, ventilated, and massaging captain’s chairs. The total sticker price for this model was $106,530, including the destination charge.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's base engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The test model had an upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87 octane fuel, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. Power was routed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, and the Sport mode made the CX-30 lively. The conventional shifter design, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and manual tap-shift mode added to the driving experience. The CX-30 had a sporty, refined ride with well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though it had a rough ride over potholes.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The engine produced 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity ranging from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview identified bumps and prepared the suspension accordingly. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Navigator handled well on smooth and imperfect roads, with the adaptive suspension quelling unwanted ride motions. The 4WD Navigator averaged 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 20.2 cubic feet with the seats in use. The power rear liftgate was a helpful feature. The front seats had a sliding center console cover, which could get stuck under the seat when the rear seats were folded. The center console provided ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats offered solid headroom but might be tight for longer drives.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's 30-way power-adjustable front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The second-row captain’s chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massaging features. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations. Storage and cargo space were generous, with the Navigator L offering even more space. The Navigator carried 19.3 cubic feet of cargo behind the third-row seat, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 had an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen nestled into the dash, controlled by a rotary dial/joystick and toggle buttons. The system was inspired by luxury-car infotainment systems but had poor usability. Getting out of Apple CarPlay was a pain, and operating it with a rotary dial was maddening. Even after setting up presets, the system remained confusing and distracting for new users.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The screen offered two data panels for navigation and music details. Physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions were easy to use. Sync 4 supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a user-friendly interface. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV provided access to streaming services. The 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system was sensational.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with standard driver-assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive cruise control. The Turbo Premium Plus model added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, front-and-rear parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The CX-30 earned five stars from the NHTSA and the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was newly standard. Intersection Assist and Road Edge Detection were not experienced during testing. Active Park Assist 2.0 worked well, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. The driver still needed to pay attention, as the system did not always identify threats. ActiveGlide performed well but required constant monitoring.