2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, continued to impress with its imposing presence and upscale design. Despite lacking significant updates since its last redesign in 2018, the Navigator maintained its status as Lincoln's flagship model, offering a single trim level in Canada, the Navigator Reserve, with standard four-wheel drive. Our test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve, featured the Monochromatic Package, adding black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with its all-black interior, real wood trim panels, and chrome accents, although some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the overall premium feel. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though a costly option, went largely unused by our teenage passengers, who preferred their smartphones.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its modern and appealing design, despite minor changes since its second-generation debut in 2017. Our test vehicle, the U.S. version of the new-for-2024 Suna trim, showcased exclusive Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts. Mazda improved the fuel economy of the base engine, eliminated a machined-finish 19-inch wheel design, and added wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to several trim levels. The CX-5 lineup offered a choice between a base engine and a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with all-wheel drive standard across the range. The Suna trim, priced at $47,026 in Canada, came with the Turbo engine as standard, delivering an upscale crossover SUV experience at a mainstream price.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD drivetrain. It had a Natural Resources Canada fuel economy rating of 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving, though our testing loop averaged 15.0 L/100 km. The Navigator offered five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with Hill Climb available with the optional towing package. Despite its adaptive damping suspension, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floating over larger ones. Excite mode improved handling on mountain roads but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The SUV's size posed challenges in urban environments, with its more than 2,700-kilogram curb weight affecting braking performance.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo, when fueled with premium gas, delivered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, while regular gas provided 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, allowing the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine to shine. However, its fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with a Natural Resources Canada rating of 9.8 L/100 km in combined driving, and our evaluation loop observed 10.3 L/100 km. The CX-5's suspension, re-tuned for a smoother ride, and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced handling and minimized body motions. The SUV felt tall and narrow from the driver's seat, offering excellent visibility and confidence in various driving conditions. On twisty mountain roads, it proved zippy and stable, with a decent 20 centimetres of ground clearance for off-road trails.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and a cavernous cargo area. Power-deploying running boards facilitated easy access to the cabin, where Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, with a pass-through to the third-row seat, accommodating taller adults comfortably. While the front seats were comfortable, their numerous adjustments could be overwhelming. Storage space was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, with 971 litres behind the third row, 2,075 litres behind the second row, and 3,403 litres behind the front seats.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 featured standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with redesigned seats offering comfort and support. The driver's seat had six-way power adjustment, while passengers could manually adjust seat height. Leather upholstery was standard on all trims except the base GS and GX, with premium Nappa leather exclusive to the Signature trim. The rear seat provided good support and a proper sitting position, with rear air conditioning vents and a centre armrest enhancing passenger comfort. The CX-5's cabin design and quality rivalled luxury-branded vehicles, though interior space was snug for four adults. The SUV offered 871 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,680 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The digital assistant performed well, understanding and responding to commands accurately. The Navigator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality. Lincoln Play installed touchscreens for rear-seat passengers, though our teenage passengers preferred their smartphones. The Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology allowed owners to unlock, start, and drive the SUV using a digital key.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens in favour of traditional switchgear for various controls, though it offered touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while driving. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a large knob and surrounding buttons on the centre console. Mazda Connected Services provided remote engine starting, a find my car feature, and automatic 911 dialing. Several CX-5 trims featured a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, enhancing the SUV's premium interior.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Unique ADAS features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. BlueCruise struggled with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones, requiring driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist as standard. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, a traffic sign recognition system, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 had previously earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though it did not receive the accolade in 2024. The NHTSA awarded the SUV five-star ratings across the board, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.