2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to be a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was praised for its stylish design and high-quality materials, which gave it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, its small back seat, cramped cargo area, and frustrating infotainment system were potential drawbacks. Mazda's decision to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50 was a strategic move, similar to Infiniti's rebranding of the G37 to the Q50 and Q60, aiming to ease consumers into the change while maintaining the model's loyal customer base.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, maintained its imposing presence with minimal changes since its last redesign in 2018 and refresh in 2022. The Navigator Reserve model, tested in a triple-black color scheme, featured a Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The interior, while upscale with quality materials, had some shortcomings, such as chrome plastic switchgear that detracted from the luxury feel. The Navigator's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with ambient lighting adding character at night. However, the rear-seat entertainment system was largely ignored by passengers in favor of personal devices.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided a thrilling driving experience, especially on twisting roads, though it fell short of its EPA fuel economy rating during testing, achieving 21.4 mpg in combined driving.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. The Navigator's EPA fuel economy rating was 18 mpg in combined driving, but it averaged 15.6 mpg during testing. The SUV offered multiple drive modes, including Excite, which improved handling on mountain roads but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. Despite its size, the Navigator felt surprisingly nimble on winding roads, though its nearly three-ton weight challenged the brakes.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured improved front seats for enhanced comfort and support, with power adjustments and heated and ventilated options available on higher trims. The Signature trim included luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with small storage areas, a cramped back seat, and a cargo capacity of 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo capacity. The test vehicle featured Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, though the numerous adjustments proved challenging to perfect. Storage space was generous, and the Navigator L model provided significantly more cargo room, with up to 120.2 cubic feet available behind the front seats.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system, while visually appealing with a 10.25-inch display, was criticized for its awkward physical controls and lack of a voice recognition system. The system required memorization and focus, detracting from the driving experience. Despite these issues, the CX-5 offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system on upper trims.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the Sync 4 interface. The system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The digital assistant performed well, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. However, the wireless smartphone charger caused overheating issues, and the rear-seat entertainment system was underutilized.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies under the i-Activsense banner. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim added a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received top safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, offering advanced safety features like Evasive Steering Assist and Intersection Assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system, was available but had limitations, particularly in curves and construction zones. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.