2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, maintained its established design as it awaited a future electric transformation. Despite the anticipation of an electric version, the 2023 model continued with its fourth-generation design, last refreshed in 2022. The Navigator's exterior, particularly in the triple-black Reserve model, exuded a monochromatic elegance with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. Inside, the cabin was predominantly black, accented with real wood and chrome, offering an upscale feel. However, some chrome plastic elements detracted from the luxury experience. The Navigator's interior was spacious, with ambient lighting adding character, and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though largely ignored by younger passengers, was a notable feature.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 presented a more compact and artful design, albeit with excessive gray body cladding that detracted from its aesthetic appeal. The CX-30's interior was a blend of elegance and quality, with off-white leather, a chocolate brown center console, and black accents creating a luxurious atmosphere. Despite its smaller size, the CX-30's cabin was thoughtfully designed, offering a comfortable and upscale experience. The vehicle's design was both appealing and functional, though the rear legroom was limited, and the cargo space was modest for its class.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD, the Navigator offered a range of driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. Despite its power, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, with the Reserve trim's 22-inch wheels contributing to a truck-like ride over smaller bumps. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but impacting fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban environments, and its nearly three-ton weight tested the brakes on mountain roads.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and a turbocharged version producing up to 250 horsepower with premium fuel. Both engines were mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with AWD. The CX-30's performance was lively, especially with the turbocharged engine, though the small fuel tank limited its range. The vehicle excelled on twisty roads, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus and responsive handling. However, the suspension struggled with speed bumps, and the brake pedal required more effort than expected. Despite these issues, the CX-30 provided a quiet and refined highway experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across three rows and a generous cargo area. The power-deploying running boards facilitated easy access, and the 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided comfort, though their numerous adjustments could be overwhelming. The Navigator's storage solutions were ample, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. For those needing more cargo space, the extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly more room behind the third row and overall.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30, while smaller, provided a comfortable driver's seat with eight-way power adjustment and heated front seats. However, the front passenger seat was less accommodating, with only four-way manual adjustment. Rear legroom was tight, though the seatbacks were padded for comfort. The CX-30's storage options were adequate, with bins and compartments for small items. The cargo space was limited, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was modest for a small crossover.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a suite of digital displays, including a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Sync 4 system offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, and a navigation system with voice recognition. The Navigator's digital assistant performed well, though the wireless smartphone charger overheated devices. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality, and the Lincoln Play system offered rear-seat entertainment, though it was underutilized by passengers.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had notable shortcomings, including the absence of a touchscreen and conversational voice recognition. The system's controls required attention away from the road, and the lack of a tuning knob was inconvenient. Despite these issues, the 8.8-inch display was well-integrated and offered a logical menu structure. The CX-30 included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with Turbos adding SiriusXM and a Bose sound system. Wireless smartphone charging was available as an accessory.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) through the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 packages. Features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with certain driving conditions and required frequent driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, though a full crashworthiness assessment was unavailable.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, thanks to improved side-impact protection and standard safety features. These included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-30's safety systems generally performed well, though an unexpected forward-collision warning and braking event highlighted the system's sensitivity.