2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was built on a rear-wheel-drive platform shared with the Ford Explorer, giving it classic design proportions. It featured a blunt nose, short front overhang, and an appealing dash-to-axle ratio, with a tapered roofline that created an alluring silhouette, albeit at the expense of third-row passenger room. The design was fundamentally appealing, resembling a sports wagon more than an SUV. However, the 2025 styling tweaks made it appear less elegant and more generic, especially with the optional Jet Appearance Package. Inside, the Aviator offered a plush interior with a classic architectural sensibility, avoiding the screen-heavy approach of other Lincoln models. The remote keyless entry fob was a letdown, but the Phone as a Key technology and touchpad entry system were positive features. The Aviator was available in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims, with prices ranging from $60,990 to $89,090. Our test vehicle, in Reserve trim with optional AWD and several packages, had an MSRP of $83,550. The Reserve II Package added numerous desirable features, including upgraded lighting, 30-way-adjustable front seats with massage, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima audio system.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 stood out in the small SUV class with its graceful curves and timeless design, which had remained unchanged since the 2017 model year. Its styling was impressive, resembling an entry-level luxury SUV when the Mazda emblem was covered. The interior featured nicer-than-average materials and a layout that bridged the gap between older analog cockpits and newer digital trends. It lacked a massive infotainment touchscreen, opting for traditional physical buttons, knobs, and gauges, which enhanced usability. The CX-5's interior was comparable to last-generation Acura or Lexus models, making it feel more special than similarly priced crossovers from Honda or Toyota. While it didn't match some rivals in practicality or space, it offered enough headroom and rear legroom for adult passengers. The cargo space was wide and flat, accommodating larger items, but competitors like the CR-V and Sportage offered more capacity. The CX-5's interior design and refinement were commendable, even if it fell short in terms of practicality.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered Excite, Conserve, Normal, Slippery, and Deep Conditions driving modes, with adaptive air suspension firming up in Excite mode. Despite its power, the Aviator wasn't particularly exciting to drive, focusing instead on comfort and composure. The V6 provided ample power for acceleration and passing, but fuel economy was disappointing, with an observed 17.7 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg rating. The Aviator offered clear sightlines and a 360-degree camera view for parking. However, the ride quality suffered on rough roads due to the heavy 22-inch wheels and thin tires. The adaptive air suspension couldn't entirely filter out road imperfections, and road noise was noticeable. The Aviator's driving character wasn't sporty, but the adaptive Air Glide suspension ensured a composed and calming ride.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged model with 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and AWD was standard. The base engine provided adequate power, while the Turbo model accelerated more confidently. The CX-5 excelled in sporty driving dynamics, with AWD and suspension minimizing body roll. It was capable on winding roads and inspired confidence in evasive maneuvers. The ride quality was slightly firmer, but not harsh, and the cabin remained quiet, filtering out wind and road noise. The CX-5's performance was entertaining and inspiring, making it a standout in its class.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator offered exceptional comfort with its Perfect Position front seats, featuring 30-way adjustability, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, with heating and ventilation. However, the third-row seats were low, flat, and unsupportive, with limited legroom. Storage space was excellent, with a smartphone charging pad, cupholders, and a sizable bin in the center console. The Aviator provided 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cu-ft with the third row folded, and a maximum of 78.6 cu-ft. The interior was practical, but side window sunshades were missing.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior scored points for design and refinement, but it didn't match some rivals in practicality or space. It offered enough headroom and rear legroom for adult passengers, but competitors like the CR-V and Sportage provided more room. The CX-5's cargo space was wide and flat, accommodating larger items, but it fell short compared to rivals. Folding the rear seatbacks expanded the capacity to 58.1 cubic feet. The front seats had moderately sized cupholders, door pockets, and a deep center armrest bin. Midlevel trims added a wireless charging pad, but the harder plastic surface allowed phones to slide around.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator featured a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Lincoln Digital Experience. It included Google Built-in, Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the Google Assistant struggled with voice prompts, making wireless Apple CarPlay and Siri more reliable. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D sound system was impressive, and the head-up display provided valuable information. The Elevated Journey app offered mindfulness coaching for the road.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display controlled via a dial on the center console. The dial worked well, allowing for easy operation while driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto could be controlled via the touchscreen or dial, with wireless integration available on midrange trims. The CX-5's analog gauges felt dated, but a head-up display was standard on higher trims. The base trim had a four-speaker audio system, while the Signature model featured a 10-speaker Bose premium system. Remote vehicle monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot were available.

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, featuring active blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse braking assist. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist worked well, and BlueCruise provided hands-free driving assistance on approved highways. The Aviator earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for rollover protection, where it earned four stars. The 2024 model received Good ratings from the IIHS and a Top Safety Pick rating. All CX-5 trims included advanced safety features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5's safety systems operated smoothly without false alarms.