2020 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, distinguished by its chrome accents and unique styling elements that set it apart from its Ford Expedition roots. The Lincoln Embrace lighting system added a touch of sophistication, welcoming owners with a sequential illumination. The Navigator's design featured a lattice-type grille with an illuminated Lincoln star, fender vents, and full-width taillights, creating a distinct visual identity. Inside, the Navigator offered a luxurious experience with its 30-way Perfect Position front seats, mid-century modern dashboard, and high-quality materials, making it a convincing flagship SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 took a different design approach, opting for smooth lines and a sleek appearance. While not as flashy as some competitors, the CX-5 exuded a sense of understated elegance. The base model featured LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, and a rear roof spoiler, while higher trims added leatherette seats, a power liftgate, and advanced lighting systems. The CX-5 Signature trim elevated the interior with Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine wood trim, and a premium audio system, offering a premium feel that rivaled more expensive brands.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine outperformed the Ford Expedition's most powerful version by 50 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, the Navigator offered multiple drive modes to suit various driving conditions. Its towing capacity reached 3,764 kilograms, aided by the Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. Despite its size, the Navigator's acceleration was strong, though fuel efficiency was a concern, averaging 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, starting with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged version of the same engine delivered 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. The CX-5's driving experience was engaging, especially with the turbo engine, though its stiff suspension could be a drawback. Fuel efficiency varied, with the most efficient model achieving 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. The CX-5's sporty drive was enjoyable, but its suspension and seat bolstering left room for improvement.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with power running boards aiding entry. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided exceptional comfort, though finding the ideal settings took time. The second row offered a choice between a bench or captain's chairs, with heated rear seats and triple-zone climate control. The third row provided ample legroom and thigh support, unmatched by competitors. Cargo space was class-leading, with up to 3,407 litres available in the long-wheelbase model.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's interior was designed for comfort and functionality, though rear legroom was limited. The SUV featured straightforward climate controls and a larger shifter, though the infotainment controls were less intuitive. Cargo space was below average for the segment, with 875 litres behind the second row and 1,687 litres with the seats folded. Despite its shortcomings, the CX-5 offered a stylish and comfortable interior for its class.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator's Sync 3 infotainment system was a weak point, with slow loading times. However, it offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The "Phone As A Key" feature allowed smartphone-based vehicle access. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system provided an excellent listening experience. Additional technologies included a surround-view camera system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, though its operating system was less user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the screen's positioning made it difficult to reach. The lack of tuning knobs was a drawback, though volume control was accessible via the steering wheel. Despite these issues, the CX-5's infotainment system offered essential connectivity features.

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested the 2020 model.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Optional features included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for buyers.