2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 was a testament to Mazda's commitment to premium quality, showcasing captivating style and continual product improvement. This model year, the CX-5 came with more standard equipment, refined instrumentation, and control markings to enhance the cabin's appearance. Modifications were made to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness, while the turbocharged engine saw an increase in torque output. The all-wheel-drive versions gained a new off-road traction assistance feature. The CX-5's design, with its "Kodo" styling themes, remained appealing, distinctive, and upscale, a feat many automakers struggled to achieve. Inside, especially in the Signature trim, the SUV exuded luxury with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood, and a black headliner, although the Caturra Brown leather was almost indistinguishable from the otherwise black cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a departure from its past iterations, which resembled dressed-up Ford Expeditions. The Navigator's styling theme was elegance and understatement, a challenging feat for a three-ton truck. Its simple rectilinear shapes defined the grille, windows, and headlights, with a few chrome splashes for a classy touch. The Pristine White example with a white-painted grille, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo was a standout during winter tests. The interior impressed with seven colour palettes, including the Slate Gray of the test truck, showcasing a taste for finer details. The materials were of high quality, and the panel gaps were tight, with Perfect Position seats offering 30 different adjustments. The Navigator's interior was spacious and luxurious, rivaling even the more expensive Land Rover Range Rover.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode. Front-wheel drive was standard on GX and GS trims, with all-wheel drive optional, while the upper trims in Canada came with standard AWD. The GT Turbo and Signature trims featured a turbocharged engine, producing 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with regular fuel. Despite its 1,734-kilogram curb weight, the CX-5 Signature accelerated with authority, though the turbocharged engine was less efficient, averaging 10.6 L/100 km on the testing loop. The CX-5 was engaging to drive, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus technology, but excessive body motions and a high centre of gravity detracted from the driving experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator boasted a twin-turbo V6 engine from the Ford Raptor, delivering 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada, the Navigator felt sprightly despite its size. Its 4WD system was smooth, and the towing capacity was impressive at 3,765 kilograms. However, fuel efficiency was poor, averaging in the double digits, aligning with the estimated 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers were standard, but the suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors. The steering and brakes lacked the precision found in the Cadillac Escalade, but the Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a refined and powerful highway cruiser.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 aimed to compete with luxury SUVs, but its interior was more cramped than mainstream competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The CX-5's interior reflected style and good taste, with heated front seats standard. GS trim added power-adjustable seats and a heated steering wheel, while GT trim included ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The Signature trim added luxury with Nappa leather and genuine wood trim. The front seats were comfortable, but rear passengers might find legroom lacking. Cargo space was 875 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,687 litres with the back seat folded.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample space, accommodating six adults comfortably. It was technically a seven-passenger SUV, but the third row's middle seat was best suited for a child. The boxy shape provided generous cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 behind the second, and 2,925 in total. The Navigator Reserve featured heated rear seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with features like separate thigh extensions and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured a Mazda Connect infotainment system, offering an upscale impression but requiring acclimation. The GX trim had a 7-inch touchscreen, responsive only when the vehicle was stationary. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The GT trim added SiriusXM satellite radio, a Bose premium sound system, and navigation, while the Signature trim included a surround-view camera system. The system's controls were not ideal, and voice recognition was unreliable.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system felt outdated compared to competitors. The instrument panel lacked full-screen navigation and high-resolution cameras. While the infotainment system included Bluetooth and SiriusXM, it couldn't wirelessly connect to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. The software was intuitive, with fast and accurate voice recognition. The Navigator offered wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with many advanced driving assistance systems as standard equipment. The standard package included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. GS trim added adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in individual testing parameters.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models. The IIHS had not rated the Navigator in its current generation. Optional inflatable rear seat belts were a rare safety feature. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as competitors.