2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, offering more distinctive illumination. It also had updated bumpers, a revised grille, a redesigned rear liftgate, and new alloy wheel designs. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda’s premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The seats were new for 2022, providing improved comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design becoming standard. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln star and chrome detailing. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display and a digital instrumentation cluster added to the tech-savvy interior.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. It featured a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), achieving 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo variant offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5’s driving dynamics were improved, offering a quieter and smoother ride with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) options, with a towing capacity ranging from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds. The Navigator’s adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and a new electronic brake booster enhanced the driving experience. The SUV averaged 18.6 mpg during testing, slightly above the EPA’s combined rating of 18 mpg for the 4WD model.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, more comfortable seats and a sportier driving position. The interior featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the back seat remained snug, and the control layout was frustrating due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system. Cargo space was adequate, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

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

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. The system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring users to rely on center console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services were standard, with a three-year trial subscription. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced the Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system featured a user-friendly interface with physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel 3D high-end audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

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 became standard. Intersection Assist and Road Edge Detection provided additional safety features, while Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed for automated parking. ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required driver attention. The Navigator’s safety features contributed to a secure driving experience.